Tomato Casserole Dish Recipe and Cooking Tips

To make a classic tomato casserole, you'll need a 9x13 inch baking dish, which is the perfect size for a family dinner or a potluck.

The dish should be greased with butter or cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

For a flavorful casserole, use a mixture of ground beef, onion, and garlic as the base.

This combination provides a rich and savory taste that complements the tomatoes perfectly.

For a delicious tomato casserole dish, you'll need some essential ingredients. One tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil is a great place to start.

To add some flavor, you'll need 2 medium onions, very thinly sliced. This will give your dish a nice depth of flavor.

A sprinkle of ground pepper will also enhance the taste. Use about ¼ teaspoon to get the right balance.

Chopped tomatoes are a must-have for this recipe. You'll need about 6 cups, which is equivalent to 2 pounds. Fresh tomatoes are best, but you can use canned tomatoes too.

For more insights, see: Is a 2 Qt Baking Dish 9x13

Pickled jalapeños add a nice kick to the dish. Use about ¼ cup of chopped pickled jalapeños to give it a bit of spice.

Crushed cheese-flavored crackers, such as Cheez-Its, are also a key ingredient. You'll need 2 cups, divided into two parts for the recipe.

Mayonnaise is another important component. Use about 1 ¼ cups to give your casserole a creamy texture.

For the cheese, you'll need a combination of sharp Cheddar and Parmesan. Use about ¾ cup of grated sharp Cheddar cheese and ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Finally, some chopped fresh basil will add a nice freshness to the dish. Use about ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil to finish it off.

Here's a quick rundown of the ingredients you'll need:

This tomato casserole is a very simple dish to prepare and pairs with just about anything. The ingredients are pretty basic - chopped tomatoes, panko breadcrumbs, fresh minced garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and some Parmesan or Romano cheese.

Using plum tomatoes will release less liquid, which is a good choice if you want a less messy casserole. You can use just about any tomato you like, but plum tomatoes are a good option.

You can use either grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, but I prefer Romano for its saltiness. Using Romano cheese will give you a super yummy flavor.

Add a tablespoon of flour to thicken the juices slightly if you're using other tomatoes that have more liquid. This is totally optional, but it can make a big difference in the texture of the casserole.

Panko breadcrumbs are a great choice for a crunchier topping, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if you don't have panko. Just reduce the amount by ¼ cup since regular breadcrumbs are finer in texture.

Intriguing read: Plant Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes are a great choice for this recipe because they're dense with fewer seeds and less liquid, making them perfect for a casserole.

If you don't have fresh basil, you can use 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead.

Pickled jalapeños are a great addition to this dish, and they'll last for up to 6 months in the refrigerator after you open the jar.

Worth a look: Plant Basil with Tomatoes

When using Roma tomatoes, you'll get fewer seeds and less liquid, making them a great choice for this recipe.

You can substitute fresh basil with 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of dried basil if you don't have fresh on hand.

Pickled jalapeños have less heat than fresh ones due to the pickling brine, which helps temper the spiciness.

Refrigerate pickled jalapeños once you open the jar, where they'll be good for up to 6 months.

Unopened jars of pickled jalapeños will last for years when stored in a cool, dark pantry.

To avoid a watery casserole, wait about 15 minutes after removing it from the oven before cutting into it, allowing the hot juices to settle.

Tomatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamin C that helps lower inflammation and potassium that's essential for healthy blood pressure.

Onions may make you cry, but they're a treasure trove of anti-inflammatory nutrients that can benefit conditions like digestive issues, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Tomatoes are also incredibly hydrating, with a high water content that makes them perfect for a low-carb diet.

White onions are a great option if you're sensitive to the pungency of onions, while red onions pack a stronger punch.

Here's a breakdown of the nutritional benefits of tomatoes and onions: