Delightful Slow Cooker Stuffed Tomatoes: An Easy & Flavorful Recipe
Let me share a little secret: I’m not a big fan of raw tomatoes. It’s true! So, the idea of creating a Slow Cooker Stuffed Tomatoes recipe might seem surprising. However, my wonderful husband, John, absolutely adores them. He’ll happily pluck them straight from the vine in the summer and enjoy them as-is. While I appreciate the rich flavors of tomatoes in salsa, marinara sauce, and other cooked dishes, whole, fresh tomatoes have always been a challenge for me. Despite my personal preference, this recipe has become a staple in our household because, well, it’s simply irresistible!
This crockpot Stuffed Tomatoes recipe truly brings the essence of summer to our table, no matter the season. It evokes memories of harvesting fresh tomatoes from the garden, a feeling of warmth and home. When I asked John how he would describe this dish, his enthusiastic response was, “They’re stuffed with cheese and breadcrumbs, and they’re tomatoes – what’s not to love?” He just chuckled, already eager to know when I’d be making them again!
These cheesy stuffed tomatoes are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic, comforting side dish, but they’re also hearty enough to serve as a satisfying main course, especially on a warm summer evening when you want something light yet flavorful. The best part? The prep time is minimal – less than 30 minutes – and then your slow cooker takes over, doing all the hard work while you go about your day. It’s a testament to the magic of slow cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor.
If you’re a fan of our other slow cooker creations, like the popular Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers with Cheese or the savory Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers, you’re going to love these stuffed tomatoes. They offer a similar comforting appeal with a fresh, summery twist.
Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Stuffed Tomatoes?
The slow cooker isn’t just for roasts and stews; it’s a secret weapon for tender, flavorful stuffed vegetables. Here’s why it’s the ideal method for these cheese-stuffed tomatoes:
- Effortless Cooking: Simply assemble, set, and forget. The slow cooker handles the rest, freeing up your time.
- Deep Flavor Infusion: Slow cooking allows the tomatoes to gently soften and absorb all the delicious flavors from the cheesy breadcrumb filling and aromatic broth, resulting in a more complex and satisfying taste.
- Hands-Off Approach: No need to constantly monitor the oven or stovetop. Your tomatoes will cook perfectly without constant attention.
- Gentle Heat: The low, consistent heat ensures the tomatoes cook evenly without becoming mushy, maintaining their shape while becoming incredibly tender.
- Cooler Kitchen: Especially during warmer months, using a slow cooker keeps your kitchen from heating up, making it an excellent choice for summer cooking.
Selecting the Best Tomatoes for Stuffing
The success of this recipe hinges on choosing the right tomatoes. Here are some tips for picking the perfect ones:
- Size Matters: Look for large, firm tomatoes, such as beefsteak or larger heirloom varieties. These provide a good “shell” for the generous filling and stand up well to slow cooking.
- Firmness: Choose tomatoes that are firm but give slightly when gently squeezed. Avoid overly soft or bruised tomatoes, as they may become mushy during cooking.
- Ripeness: Ripe tomatoes will have a vibrant color and a fresh, fragrant aroma. They will also be easier to hollow out and have the best flavor.
- Variety: While beefsteak tomatoes are excellent, you can experiment with other large varieties like Roma (plum) tomatoes for a slightly different shape, though you might need more of them to achieve the same serving size.
Slow Cooker Crock Pot Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe
Slow Cooker Crock Pot Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe
Delicious Slow Cooker Crock Pot Stuffed Tomatoes
15 minutes
2 hours
2 hours 15 minutes
6
Tammilee Tips
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large tomatoes (halved)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups Breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ cups Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan Cheese)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 Tablespoons flat leaf parsley (finely chopped)
- ½ cup broth (chicken or vegetable)
Instructions
- Pour ¼ cup of olive oil into the slow cooker pot. Using a brush or paper towel, spread the oil to coat the bottom and sides of the pot.
- Carefully arrange the halved tomatoes in a single layer in the slow cooker. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan), minced garlic, fresh basil, and chopped flat-leaf parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Spoon a generous amount of the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each tomato half. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the stuffed tomatoes.
- Carefully pour the ½ cup of chicken or vegetable broth into the slow cooker, around the tomatoes, avoiding pouring it directly over the stuffing.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1 hour. After 1 hour, carefully baste the tomatoes with the pan juices.
- Cover again and continue to cook on HIGH for another 1 hour, or until the tomatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the filling is heated through. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 81
Serving Suggestions for Your Stuffed Tomatoes
These Slow Cooker Stuffed Tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit any meal. Here are some ideas:
- As a Side Dish: They pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked fish, or a simple steak. The rich flavors complement a variety of main courses without overpowering them.
- Light Main Course: For a satisfying vegetarian meal, simply serve 2-3 stuffed tomato halves per person. Add a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
- With Pasta: Serve them alongside a simple pasta dish tossed in olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
- Fresh Salad Companion: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent fresh counterpoint to the warm, savory tomatoes.
- Garnish Ideas: Enhance the presentation and flavor with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, or even a dusting of extra Pecorino Romano cheese.
Creative Variations and Customizations
This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste. Here are some delicious variations:
- Add Some Protein: For a heartier meal, brown some ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey and mix it into the breadcrumb filling before stuffing. This adds a delicious layer of flavor and makes the dish even more substantial. You might even enjoy trying our Crock Pot Meat Lovers Queso Dip Recipe if you love meat-infused dishes!
- Vegetable Boost: Finely chopped mushrooms, spinach (sautéed to remove excess water), bell peppers, or corn can be mixed into the filling for added nutrients and texture.
- Cheese Variations: While Pecorino Romano offers a sharp, salty kick, you can substitute or add other cheeses. Try mozzarella for a melty, gooey texture, provolone for mild flavor, or even crumbled feta for a tangy Mediterranean twist.
- Herb Garden: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Oregano, thyme, or a touch of rosemary can add new dimensions of flavor to the filling.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling will give your stuffed tomatoes a subtle kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Grain Power: For extra bulk and nutrition, incorporate a half cup of cooked quinoa or rice into the breadcrumb mixture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers of these delectable stuffed tomatoes, here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Allow the stuffed tomatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the stuffed tomatoes in the oven or air fryer.
- Oven: Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the filling is bubbling.
- Air Fryer: Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 325°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway, until warm and slightly crispy.
- Microwave: While convenient, reheating in the microwave may make the tomatoes slightly softer. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Freezing: Stuffed tomatoes generally don’t freeze well due to the high water content of tomatoes, which can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a few days of preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different sized tomatoes?
Yes, you can use different sizes, but adjust cooking times accordingly. Smaller tomatoes like Roma will cook faster (1-1.5 hours on high), while very large beefsteak tomatoes might need a bit longer. Ensure they are firm enough to hold the stuffing.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also hollow out the tomatoes and store them cut-side down on a paper towel in the fridge. Assemble and cook just before serving for the best results.
What if my tomatoes are too watery?
After halving and scooping out the pulp, you can lightly salt the cut side of the tomatoes and place them cut-side down on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 15-30 minutes. This helps draw out some excess moisture, preventing the final dish from being too watery. Pat them dry before stuffing.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the Pecorino Romano cheese with a good quality vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Ensure your breadcrumbs are vegan (check ingredients) and use vegetable broth.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
If you love the convenience and rich flavors that come from slow cooker recipes, then you’re in the right place! We have a fantastic collection of easy crockpot meals that we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Don’t miss out on all our easy vegetarian crockpot meals, perfect for simple and wholesome dinners.
- Crock Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe: A comforting and hearty family favorite.
- Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole Recipe: The ultimate comfort food, easy to prepare.
- Crock Pot Meat Lovers Queso Dip Recipe: Perfect for parties and game days.
- Crockpot Beef and Bacon Chili Recipe: A robust and flavorful chili that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
For even more culinary inspiration, explore our wide range of recipes! Check out our fun copy cat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and of course, our entire collection of Crock Pot Recipes.
This recipe was originally shared on November 29, 2017, and has been a beloved favorite ever since. We hope you enjoy bringing these delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Tomatoes to your own table!
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