Name: Scalloped Tomatoes Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small onion (thinly sliced or chopped); 1 medium green pepper (chopped); 2 medium celery stalks (diced); 28 ounces canned tomatoes (diced & drained); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 - 2 teaspoons fresh chopped basil); 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Cubes of fresh or canned tomatoes are baked with onions, green peppers and celery with a bread crumb topping to make simple Tomato Casserole.

An old fashioned recipe that’s often called Scalloped Tomato Casserole, this recipe is a great way to use lots of vegetables from the garden.

Overhead view of a simple tomato casserole in a white 8 x 8" dish on a red and white plaid napkin.

Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe

Hearty and filling this Tomato Scallop recipe is an economical casserole to feed your family or contribute to a holiday meal.

This recipe features a good tomato flavor, but the other chopped vegetables add balance, crunch and contrast to increase the variety of tastes and textures. A teaspoon of brown sugar adds a sweetness to the acidic tomatoes.

Soft and tender, this side dish is easy to chew and eat. Day old or toasted bread cubes can be used, but we find bread crumbs to be the easiest and softest option.

Plate of the best scalloped tomatoes next to baking dish

Almost like a tomato cake, but full of vegetables this tomato casserole is a great way to use and enjoy extra tomatoes and fresh produce.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

A large, one pound 16 ounce can of cubed, chopped or diced tomatoes works well.
Draining the tomatoes helps prevent the casserole from being soupy.
Substitution – Use 2 1/2 to 3 cups of fresh tomatoes (like Roma with a lower water content) in place of a can of tomatoes.
Cubes of day old bread or crushed saltine crackers may replace bread crumbs.
Two teaspoons of fresh OR 1/2 teaspoon dried basil works well.
About half a cup of grated or shredded parmesan cheese can be added for a richer flavor with more of an Italian flare.
An 8 x 8 casserole dish or 1 1/2 quart casserole dish work well.

Simple baked tomato casserole on a red plaid napkin

Ingredients Needed:

Can of tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes
Butter
Onion
Green pepper
Celery
Basil, dried or fresh
Brown sugar
Bread crumbs
Salt and pepper

Ingredients to make a tomato casserole are celery, brown sugar, can of diced tomatoes, green pepper, butter, basil, salt, pepper, onion and breadcrumbs on a wooden counter top.

How to Make Scalloped Tomato Casserole

Lightly grease an 8 x 8 casserole dish and preheat oven to 350°F.

Drain tomatoes. Thinly slice or chop onions. Chop celery and green peppers.

Turn skillet to medium-high heat and melt one tablespoon of butter. Saute onions, celery and green peppers until tender.

Chopped onion, green pepper and celery sautéing in butter in a non-stick skillet.

Brown sugar sprinkled over seasoned canned tomatoes in a white mixing bowl.

Season tomatoes with salt, pepper and basil. Mix together.

Tomatoes may be seasoned and warmed in the skillet to decrease baking time. I typically just mix everything together in a mixing bowl and pour into a casserole dish.

Then add tender vegetables and mix again.

Diced tomatoes in a white bowl with basil, cooked vegetables and breading.

Bread crumbs poured over tomatoes, softened celery, onion and peppers to make an old fashioned tomato casserole recipe.

Finally mix in bread crumbs and spread evenly in casserole dish. Clean exposed upper edges of dish with a paper towel if necessary.

Bake uncovered for 30 – 35 minutes until top is lightly brown.

Spoonful of tomato scallop with celery, green peppers and diced canned tomatoes

Serve warm with Baked Garlic Chicken, Parmesan Chicken Tenders or your favorite meal for a complete meal!

More Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipes:

Baked Vegetable Medley is another easy vegetable casserole recipe with broccoli, cauliflower and carrots that is cheesy, creamy and crunchy.
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream and Mayo is a great way to enjoy lots of cucumbers in a cool and creamy salad.
Broccoli Mushroom Casserole is my mom’s favorite side dish for everyday meals or a holiday treat.
Sautéed Zucchini, Squash & Onions is a quick and easy side dish to make in a skillet.