Cheesy Rice-Stuffed Tomatoes: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight
45 minutes
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About Cheesy Rice-Stuffed Tomatoes: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight
Turn leftover rice into a culinary masterpiece with these vibrant Cheesy Rice-Stuffed Tomatoes! Imagine juicy tomatoes overflowing with a savory blend of rice, peppers, onions, and aromatic spices, all blanketed in melted mozzarella.This vegetarian delight is packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. It's a satisfying and wholesome meal perfect for a healthy snack, light lunch, or a fun addition to your dinner table.Kids and adults alike will devour these cheesy, comforting, and incredibly delicious stuffed tomatoes. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook35 minutes
Total45 minutes
Ingredients
Tomatoes
- 4 medium Tomatoes ripe and firm
Filling
- 1 cup Rice cooked, leftover
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Bell Peppers diced, or orange, red, yellow
Other
- 1/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and melting of the cheese.
- Prepare the tomatoes by slicing off the tops and gently scooping out the pulp and seeds, leaving a hollow shell. Reserve the tomato pulp for another use, such as a sauce or salsa.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This builds a flavor base for the filling.
- Add the diced bell peppers to the pan and cook until slightly tender, about 3-5 minutes. The bell peppers add sweetness and color to the dish.
- Stir in the ground cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom and release their fragrance.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well to combine with the vegetables and spices. Ensure the rice is heated through.
- Carefully fill each hollowed-out tomato with the rice mixture, mounding it slightly.
- Top each stuffed tomato with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the filled tomatoes in a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tomatoes are tender. The baking time allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to become perfectly gooey.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and a sprinkle of black pepper before serving. The fresh coriander adds a bright, herbaceous note, and the extra pepper enhances the savory flavors.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of green chutney or pesto to the rice mixture before stuffing the tomatoes.
- If you want a crispier exterior, brush the stuffed tomatoes lightly with olive oil and bake them at a high temperature (220°C/425°F) for 5-7 minutes after stuffing and topping with cheese.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute the mozzarella cheese with a plant-based meltable cheese and use a touch of nutritional yeast in the rice mixture.
- For a fun presentation at parties, use a variety of colored heirloom or cherry tomatoes and serve them on skewers, garnished with fresh basil or coriander leaves.
Expert Tips
- Don't overcook the rice; it should be slightly firm to the touch, as it will continue to cook inside the tomatoes in the oven.
- Scooping out the tomato pulp efficiently can be achieved by using a melon baller or a small spoon. Reserve the pulp for use in sauces or soups to avoid waste.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions, garlic, or other vegetables to the rice mixture along with the spices.
Storage Instructions
- Leftover stuffed tomatoes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.8gSodium: 855mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7g
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This is a fantastic recipe! Thanks for sharing.
This is a fantastic recipe! Thanks for sharing.
I’m in love with this recipe already!
Such a flavorful dish! Can’t wait to taste it.