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- 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Fresh tomatoes bring the best flavor. Use ripe ones for a sweet taste. The onion adds depth, while garlic gives it a nice kick. Fresh basil brightens every bite. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and creates a creamy texture. Breadcrumbs add a lovely crunch to the top. Olive oil keeps everything moist and rich. Dried oregano enhances the taste and adds warmth. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they balance all the flavors well. - Baking dish - Knife and cutting board - Measuring cups and spoons - Aluminum foil Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A baking dish is essential for holding all the layers. A good knife and cutting board help you slice the tomatoes and onion. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the right amounts. Aluminum foil is great for covering the dish while it bakes. All these tools make the process smooth and enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a baking dish, lay half of the sliced tomatoes. - Add half of the sliced onion and garlic on top. - Sprinkle half of the chopped basil over the layers. - Season with salt, pepper, and half of the dried oregano. - Layer on half of the mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs. - Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. - Drizzle olive oil evenly over the top of the casserole. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. - After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. - Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown. - Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. - For a beautiful presentation, serve warm in the baking dish. - Garnish with extra basil leaves for a pop of color. You can find the full recipe details to enhance your cooking experience. You can easily swap ingredients in your casserole. If you want a different cheese, try Parmesan or feta cheese. These cheeses add a nice twist and flavor. For a quicker option, use canned tomatoes. They save time and still taste great. To get that cheese perfectly melted, cover the dish with foil at first. This keeps the heat in and helps the cheese melt evenly. For the best results with tomatoes, arrange them in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly and prevents sogginess. Pair your casserole with a simple green salad or garlic bread. These sides add freshness and texture. For drinks, a light white wine or sparkling water works well. These beverages balance the rich flavors of the casserole. Feel free to check out the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better with veggies. Try adding zucchini or bell peppers. Just slice them thin and layer them in with the tomatoes. They bring nice color and flavor. Fresh herbs also add a twist. Use thyme or parsley for a new taste. You can mix and match to find your favorite blend! Adding meat can turn this dish into a hearty meal. Cooked ground meat or sausage works well. Brown the meat before adding it to the layers. This gives your casserole added protein and flavor. It makes the dish more filling, too. Kids and adults alike will love it! If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just like regular ones. You can even crush gluten-free crackers for a crunchy topping. When serving guests, be sure to check all ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without worry. To store your Easy Baked Tomato Casserole, let it cool first. Then, place leftovers in an airtight container. Use glass or plastic containers for best results. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. This way, your meal stays tasty for later. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Cut the casserole into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the frozen casserole for about 30-40 minutes. Check that it's hot all the way through before serving. In the fridge, your casserole stays fresh for about 3-4 days. Look for signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or mold. If it smells funny or has changed color, it's best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! It takes about one hour to bake this casserole. You need 15 minutes for prep. Then, bake it for 30 minutes covered. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. This makes the top crispy and golden. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Parmesan adds a nutty taste. Feta gives a tangy flavor. Each cheese changes the dish's taste. Just keep the amount the same to ensure good texture. This casserole pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch. Garlic bread complements the flavors nicely. You might also serve rice or pasta. These sides help soak up the tasty juices. This recipe is quite healthy. It uses fresh tomatoes and basil full of nutrients. Mozzarella provides protein and calcium. You control the amount of oil and salt, keeping it light. The dish is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. To make it kid-friendly, reduce the garlic and herbs. Kids often like milder flavors. You can add a bit of sugar to balance the acidity of tomatoes. Also, let them help layer the ingredients. This makes them more excited to eat it. This baked tomato casserole is easy to make and full of flavor. We covered the key ingredients, tools you need, and simple steps to follow. You also learned tips for variations and storage. Try this recipe to enjoy fresh veggies and delicious cheese. It’s a wholesome meal that you can modify for your taste. Happy cooking!

Easy Baked Tomato Casserole

Discover the delightful flavors of this easy baked tomato casserole that's perfect for a cozy dinner! With layers of juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, melted mozzarella, and a crispy topping, this dish is not only comforting but also simple to prepare. Ready in just an hour, it's ideal for busy weeknights. Click through to explore this mouth-watering recipe and transform your mealtime into a tasty experience!
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Ingredients
  

4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced

1 medium onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh basil, chopped

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a baking dish, arrange half of the sliced tomatoes in a single layer.

      Sprinkle half of the sliced onion and half of the minced garlic over the tomatoes.

        Add half of the chopped basil, then season with salt, pepper, and half of the dried oregano.

          Layer on half of the mozzarella cheese followed by half of the breadcrumbs.

            Repeat the layering process with the remaining tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, oregano, mozzarella, and breadcrumbs.

              Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top of the casserole.

                Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

                  After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the tomatoes are tender.

                    Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole warm in the dish it was baked in, garnished with extra basil leaves for a pop of color.