Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Tomatoes

This dish has the flavors of cheesy pizza baked in a tomato shell. It is very delicious and only takes a fast broil.

Use the toppings you like. I happen to love the pepperoni, sausage, mushroom combination. (I also add minced bits of anchovy but that tends to freak people out)

To really make this a super fast dish, dice half a package of Aidels Italian Meatballs as a sub for browning the meats. You can find them in the hot dog or packaged deli meat section. They are good quality and have great flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sized ripe tomatoes, I use the On the Vine variety
• 4 ounces Italian sausage, Jimmy Dean Italian is very lean & near the egg section
• 1/4 cup finely diced pepperoni, ask for three 1/4 inch thick slices Boars Head pepperoni in the deli
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 to 6 medium baby bella or white mushrooms, diced
• Pinch of crushed red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup Rao's or Gia Russa pasta sauce. These brands do not contain added sugar.
• 4 ounces mozzarella, freshly shredded

Instructions

• Preheat 400 degree oven.
• Using a very sharp or serrated knife, cut the tops off the tomatoes and reserve.
• Hollow out the tomatoes a bit with a spoon, leaving the shells.
• Lightly sprinkle the inside of the tomatoes with salt and turn cut side down on a paper towel to drain.
• Preheat broiler.
• To make the pizza filling, brown the sausage, pepperoni and garlic in a small non stick skillet. If there is more than a glaze of fat, pour it off or sop it up using a paper towel and tongs.
• Add the mushrooms and cook until softened and juices have evaporated.
• Season with crushed red pepper and oregano.
• When the entire meat vegetable mixture is browned and smells wonderful, add just enough pasta sauce to moisten.
• Remove from heat to cool slightly.
• Arrange tomato shells on a foil lined baking pan and place the tomato tops next to them in pan. Toss half the mozzarella with the pizza filling and pile into the tomatoes.
• Top with remaining cheese. Bake until cheese browns.