13 Tomato-Based Dinners With Real Flavor

Tomatoes add body, acid, and color to all kinds of mains—whether they’re baked, stuffed, or blended into a sauce. This list includes slow cooker stews, fresh pasta tosses, crisp salads, and baked mains with plenty of richness. Some dishes use cherry or heirloom tomatoes, others go with sauces, sun-dried, or cooked down. These meals all treat tomatoes like more than just a garnish.

Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate. — Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

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Chicken cooks with diced tomatoes, lime, and spices until it’s fork-tender. Good for tacos, bowls, or rice. Easy to batch-cook.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes

A spoonful of carrot and red lentil soup in a bowl. — Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

A creamy sauce rich with sun-dried tomatoes coats seared chicken. Serve with noodles, rice, or crusty bread. Deep flavor in a single pan.
Get the Recipe: Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

White fish bakes alongside sliced fennel and chopped tomatoes. The juices keep everything tender. Simple, fresh, and aromatic.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Baked Fish with Fennel and Tomatoes

White fish bakes alongside sliced fennel and chopped tomatoes. The juices keep everything tender. Simple, fresh, and aromatic.
Get the Recipe: Baked Fish with Fennel and Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl. — Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cooked wheat berries toss with tomatoes, canned tuna, and olive oil for a chewy, filling salad. Great warm or cold. Fast to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Chicken with Red Wine Vinegar and Tomatoes

Chicken cooks in a sauce of tomatoes and red wine vinegar. Sharp, rich, and layered. Serve with bread or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Red Wine Vinegar and Tomatoes

Heirloom Tomato Pasta

Juicy heirloom tomatoes soften into a light, silky pasta sauce. Bright, fast, and easy to adjust. Great for warm days.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pasta

Slow Cooker Shrimp, Farro, and Tomato Risotto

Shrimp, farro, and tomatoes turn creamy in a slow cooker without stirring. The tomatoes melt into the mix. Serve hot with herbs.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shrimp, Farro, and Tomato Risotto

Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Garlicky Mushroom & Tomato Topping

Cauliflower crust gets crisped in the oven, then topped with sautéed mushrooms and tomatoes. A full plate with no dough needed.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Garlicky Mushroom & Tomato Topping

Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe

Flatlay of stuffed tomatoes with 'lids' on. — Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Large tomatoes are hollowed, filled with seasoned quinoa, then baked. Juicy outside, warm and hearty inside. Serve with greens or alone.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves. — Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Gnocchi toss with a thick tomato and basil sauce in one skillet. Quick and filling. Top with cheese if you like.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Stuffed Tomatoes

Tomatoes packed with grains or ground meat, then baked until soft. Each one becomes its own main course. Serve warm with sauce or salad.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Tomatoes

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Chicken bakes under sliced tomatoes and mozzarella until golden and bubbly. One dish, big payoff. Add basil or serve as-is.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken