CHEF JEFF — ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Beefy Gratin Tomatoes

Don’t forget about fresh veggies just yet.

Beefy Gratin Tomatoes

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

½ cup chopped onion

1 minced garlic

½ pound lean ground beef

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 cup diced grape tomatoes

1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano, thyme

Salt and fresh ground black pepper

Dash of chili powder

½ cup diced gouda cheese

12 medium firm tomatoes, tops cut (and reserved) then carefully cored and seeded

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 sprigs rosemary, thyme

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat oil in skillet; cook onion and garlic 2 minutes; add meat and brown. Stir in paste. Add diced tomatoes, oregano and thyme. Season to taste with salt, pepper and chili powder. Cool. Mix in gouda. Fill tomatoes with mix. Cover with tops. Arrange tomatoes in foil-lined baking dish. Sprinkle with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper and grated gouda. Garnish with rosemary, thyme. Bake 15 minutes.

Yield: Serves 4.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.

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