This kale and sausage stuffed heirloom tomato is a great way to enjoy the delicious end of summer tomatoes.
Meet Fred.
Fred was my weekly CSA heirloom tomato that was as big as my face. It just felt appropriate to give a tomato that large a name. I know a Fred with a big head (who I’m positive does not read this blog), hence Fred the tomato.

Fred was a simple lunch.
Nothing fancy, kinda like his name, but lots of tastiness going on.

Sautéed kale, sweet Italian sausage, caramelized shallots and a bit of poor Fred’s scooped out guts that made their way back inside. Basil and goat cheese too (just like this goat cheese tomato sausage tart) because tomato Fred’s crazy like that.

I think Fred the tomato has way more going for him than real life Fred.
And if you ever doubted my sanity, you now have full on proof as I’ve just referred to a tomato by a proper noun 9 times in 9 sentences.
I blame the workout I just did. The blood circulation in my head is still not right after all those burpees.

Kale Sausage Stuffed Heirloom Tomato
Ingredients
- 1 large heirloom tomato
- 1 shallot sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped kale leaves
- 1 sweet Italian sausage link chopped
- pinch red pepper flakes
- salt & pepper
- goat cheese for garnish
- basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the top with stem off the tomato and carefully scoop out most of the insides creating a large well to be stuffed. Reserve the tomato “guts” in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and shallot. Saute for 3 minutes until golden.
- Add chopped sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Add kale, red pepper flakes and salt & pepper to taste.
- Saute until kale is wilted.
- Transfer kale and sausage mixture to a bowl.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of tomato guts and stir to combine.
- Spoon kale and sausage mixture into the tomato and top with goat cheese and sliced basil.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.
Gina Matsoukas is the writer, founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients as much as possible. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
An Edible Mosaic™ » 25 Heirloom Tomato Recipes
Thursday 31st of July 2014
[…] The View From Great Island; Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Panzanella Salad from An Edible Mosaic; and Kale and Sausage-Stuffed Heirloom Tomato from Running to the […]
@dressesau
Tuesday 28th of August 2012
Fred looks absolutely delicious!
9 Unforgettable Summer Tomato Recipes | SideTrack
Tuesday 28th of August 2012
[...] —Kale and Sausage-Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes (Running to the Kitchen) [...]
9 Unforgettable Summer Tomato Recipes
Monday 27th of August 2012
[...] —Kale and Sausage-Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes (Running to the Kitchen) [...]
dcerosion
Thursday 23rd of August 2012
love