You’ll love this recipe — it’s simple, fresh, and perfect for warm-weather meals. When tomatoes are at their peak, they make a fantastic substitute for bread in dishes like this. Keto Tuna Melt Stuffed Tomatoes are an easy low-carb twist on a classic tuna melt: ripe tomatoes are hollowed and filled with a creamy tuna mixture, then topped with melted cheddar. Light yet satisfying, these make a lovely lunch or a casual summer dinner on the patio.
To keep the recipe quick and healthy, we swap the bread for tomatoes and use a cream cheese base to bind the tuna. The result is a bright, tangy bite where the tomato flavor complements the tuna and cheese beautifully. Whether you follow a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free way of eating—or simply want a lighter alternative to a sandwich—these stuffed tomatoes are a winner. They’re easy to prep ahead for lunches and stay fresh when chilled, though you can also enjoy them warm right out of the oven.
The filling is versatile: use tuna, or swap in shredded chicken or egg salad if you prefer. For a warm variation, cooked ground turkey works well inside the tomato before topping with cheese. If you’re avoiding tomatoes, hollowed bell peppers (green or red) make an excellent low-carb base too.
If you enjoy this recipe, try pairing it with other light, breadless lunches like avocado boats or a simple lentil salad for variety. These stuffed tomatoes give you all the flavors of a tuna melt without the extra carbs or heaviness of bread.
Did you make them? Share how they turned out in the comments. Enjoy!
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Wash and dry the tomatoes. Cut the tops off and scoop out the seeds and pulp, creating a cavity for the filling.
Step 3: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Fold in the drained tuna and the diced cucumbers or pickles.
Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind to omit extra salt if you used pickles. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Arrange the hollowed tomatoes in a shallow baking dish so they sit upright.
Step 7: Gently fill each tomato with the tuna mixture, pressing lightly so the filling sits neatly inside.
Step 8: Top each stuffed tomato with an equal amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 9: Bake for about 18 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Keto Tuna Melt Stuffed Tomatoes
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 3-4 large tomatoes
- 2 cans tuna drained
- ½ cup diced cucumbers or pickles*
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- Optional: dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste*
- *Omit added salt if using pickles
Method
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Wash and dry the tomatoes. Cut the tops off and scoop out the insides to make a cavity for the filling.
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Beat the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and fluffy.
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Fold in the drained tuna and diced cucumbers or pickles until evenly combined.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using pickles, taste before adding extra salt.
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Place the hollowed tomatoes in a shallow baking dish so they sit upright.
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Gently fill each tomato with the tuna mixture.
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Top each tomato with shredded cheddar cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of dried parsley.
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Bake for about 18 minutes, or until tomatoes are soft and cheese is melted. Serve warm or chilled.