Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes
Juicy tomatoes stuffed with lemon-herb ricotta, roasted until golden and creamy. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (mediterranean) ready in about 50 minutes pairs heirloom tomatoes, part-skim ricotta cheese, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium, about 1.5 lbs total heirloom tomatoes
- 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1, zest only lemon
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut tops off 4 medium heirloom tomatoes, then carefully scoop out insides (reserve pulp for another use), leaving 1/4-inch thick shells.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp chopped chives, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Spoon ricotta mixture evenly into each tomato shell, filling to the brim without overflowing.
- Step 4: Place stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes are tender and filling is set with golden edges.
- Step 5: Remove from oven, garnish with additional fresh herbs, and serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Herb-Ricotta Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
