Stuffed Calamari with Meat and Tomato Sauce
Introduction
This Mediterranean-style Stuffed Calamari recipe delivers tender squid filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, herbs, and breadcrumbs, all simmered in a rich and tangy tomato sauce. It’s a warm, comforting dish that brings classic coastal flavors to your table. Serve it with rice, grilled vegetables, or pasta for a hearty and impressive dinner that tastes like it took hours—but is easier than you think.
Why I Love This Recipe
Stuffed calamari is one of those elegant dishes that feels restaurant-worthy, yet it’s surprisingly accessible. The combination of savory ground meat, aromatic herbs, and tomato sauce makes each bite rich and satisfying. It’s perfect for dinner parties or Sunday family meals, just like Cajun gumbo or turkey wings.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Stuffed Calamari (Serves 4):
- 8 squid tubes (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 300g (10.5 oz) ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 slice of stale bread, crumbled (or 2 tbsp breadcrumbs)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 400g (14 oz) canned peeled tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to reduce acidity)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Calamari
Clean squid tubes: remove heads, beaks, and innards if using fresh. Peel off skin. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
(Optional: Keep the tentacles to chop and add to the filling or save for another dish.)
2️⃣ Make the Filling
In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
Add ground meat and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, parsley, and basil.
Add diced tomato and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in crumbled bread (or breadcrumbs), beaten egg, and Parmesan (if using). Mix until well combined. Let cool slightly.
3️⃣ Stuff the Calamari
Using a small spoon, fill each squid tube about ¾ full with the meat mixture.
Seal each with a toothpick or kitchen twine to prevent bursting.
4️⃣ Make the Tomato Sauce
In another skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil.
Add sliced onion and sauté until soft.
Add canned tomatoes or tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes.
5️⃣ Cook the Stuffed Calamari
In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil and sear the stuffed squid on all sides until golden, about 3–4 minutes.
Pour the tomato sauce over the calamari. Cover and simmer over low heat for 25–30 minutes, turning the calamari halfway through for even cooking.
6️⃣ Serve
Transfer the stuffed squid to a serving platter.
Spoon the tomato sauce over the top.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Serve hot with rice, pasta, or grilled vegetables.
⏱️ Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~350–400 per serving
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overstuff the squid—they shrink slightly during cooking and could burst.
- Let the filling cool before stuffing—it helps the mixture hold together.
- Want more seafood flavor? Add a touch of anchovy paste or chopped tentacles to the filling.
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash of white wine or broth while simmering.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for a hearty Mediterranean-style dinner. Pair it with:
- Herbed couscous or lemon rice
- Garlic bread or grilled polenta
- A light green salad
- Or follow up with a classic like banana pudding for a sweet finish
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop in sauce over low heat
- Freezer: Not recommended—the texture of squid can become rubbery when thawed
🍴 More Recipes You’ll Love
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- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
🧾 Final Thoughts
These Stuffed Calamari with Meat and Tomato Sauce bring together land and sea in one perfect bite. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether for a romantic dinner or Sunday family meal, it’s a recipe that will wow every time.
💬 Ready to Stuff Something Great?
Tried it? Share your take on social and tag @ChefManiac! Want a printable version or recipe card? Just let me know—I’ll wrap it up perfectly for you.
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