recipe Turkey & Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, hearty stuffed tomato—especially when it’s filled with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and nutrient-dense ingredients that help you feel good from the inside out. Pairs beautifully with locally grown basil microgreens!

🛒 Ingredients

• 4 large beefsteak tomatoes
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 cup cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• ½ cup no-sugar-added tomato sauce or marinara
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ cup light mozzarella cheese
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing or brushing tomatoes)
• Fresh basil microgreens for topping (optional — get locally grown basil here: https://kakadoodle.com/shop?search=Basil)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Tomatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Slice the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the insides (save the pulp).
3. Lightly sprinkle salt inside the tomatoes.
4. Turn upside-down on a paper towel to drain while preparing the filling.

2. Cook the Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium and add a splash of olive oil (optional).
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes.
3. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
4. Stir in:
   • Tomato pulp (optional, chopped)
   • Cauliflower rice
   • Tomato sauce
   • Italian seasoning + paprika
   • Salt & pepper
5. Simmer 3–5 minutes, allowing mixture to thicken. Cook longer if watery.

3. Stuff & Bake

1. Place hollowed tomatoes upright in a baking dish.
2. Spoon in the turkey mixture generously.
3. Top each tomato with light mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake 18–22 minutes, until tomatoes soften and cheese melts and lightly browns.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Top with fresh basil for brightness and serve alongside roasted veggies, zucchini noodles, or a crisp salad using our Basic Salad Mix:
https://kakadoodle.com/shop?search=Basic%20Salad%20Mix

Thank you to Erin Utz, RD for inspiring wholesome recipes like this one.
Follow her at @ErinUtz_RD for more nourishing, community-focused nutrition content.