Greek Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe

Here is an amazing Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe this recipe was taught to me by Greek friends and I've been making it for years. It has become part of my family's menu. I love this stuffed tomatoes recipe because it is both tasty and very easy to cook. If you're having Greek friends over this is one recipe they'll love.

As you have noticed I've got so many stuffed vegetable recipes, from stuffed tomatoes to stuffed eggplants and stuffed kibbe. These are fun recipes to make and definitely add that unique taste. For the family dinner it is always a good idea to cook up something different, and it doesn't have to always be a complicated recipe.

Direction:

1) Use ripe tomatoes, but not soft, should be firm.  Cut the top of the tomato, with leaving the lid attached.  Remove the pulp into a mixing bowl to use later, cut into smaller pieces or place into a food processor. (peppers can also be used to make this recipe)

2) In a heated sauce pan, add half cut of olive oil.  Once the oil has heated add the onion, saute the onion until translucent ( 4 to 5 minutes on Medium heat) salt and black pepper to taste.  Add the all spice, cayenne pepper or paprika (optional).

3) Brown the ground beef in the onion mixture.  Brown until fully cooked. 10 to 12 minutes on medium heat.

4) Add the rice, garlic, mint and mix together with the meat.

5) Remove the meat and rice misture into a mixing bowl.

6) Pour half of the tomato pulp that was reserved, and all of the parsley. Mix together.

7) Stuff the meat and rice mixture into the tomato and peppers, place the lid on top.  Do not over stuff as the while the rice cooks it will expand.

8) To the remaining reserved tomato pulp, season with salt, olive oil, oregano (optional).

9) Pour the seasoned tomato pulp all over the tomatoes and peppers.  Tomatoes do release juices while cooking, so no additional liquid is necessary, but if you would prefer you prefer a little more sauce add 1/2 cup of water or as needed.

10) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.  Once the rice is cook and the tomato is tender then it is done. (the meat was already cooked in the pan)