Rustic Greek Stuffed Onions Recipe: A Cozy Mediterranean Joy

Tender onions bursting with savory Greek stuffed onions recipe flavors promise a culinary adventure that transports you straight to the Mediterranean.

Layers of aromatic herbs and hearty ingredients meld together in this traditional dish.

Each bite reveals a rich, comforting blend of textures and tastes.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with expert techniques to create something truly special.

onions become delicate vessels holding a delicious mixture that celebrates Greek cooking traditions.

Warm, inviting, and packed with authentic flavors, this dish will become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.

Prepare to savor every delightful morsel of this classic Mediterranean delight.

Stuffed Onion Tips and Tricks

• Carefully separate boiled onion layers to avoid tearing, using a delicate touch and patience for perfect stuffing pockets.
• Reserve and use the onion cooking liquid to enhance filling flavor, adding depth and richness to the rice and meat mixture.
• Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent drying out, then uncover to allow beautiful caramelization and concentrated flavors.
• Allow rice to fully absorb liquid during cooking for a tender, not mushy, filling that holds its shape inside the onion layers.
• Add fresh herbs at the end of filling preparation to preserve their vibrant taste and aromatic qualities.

Filling Options for Greek Stuffed Onions

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese and add kalamata olives to the filling for an extra Greek-inspired taste profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and reduce the tomato puree to lower the carbohydrate content for keto diet followers.

Best Ways to Serve Greek Stuffed Onions

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve these Greek stuffed onions as a hearty main course with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The bread will catch all those incredible flavors.
• Mediterranean Plate Partner: Pair with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese. The fresh salad provides a light contrast to the rich, meaty onions.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Syrah or Grenache. These wines complement the beef's robust flavor and enhance the herb-infused filling.
• Healthy Side Kick: Add a simple tzatziki or yogurt sauce on the side. The cool, tangy sauce balances the warm, savory stuffed onions and adds a creamy texture.

Storage for Greek Stuffed Onions

• Store cooled stuffed onions in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap individual or entire batch of stuffed onions in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place stuffed onions on microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking temperature midway.

FAQs

• Are the onions easy to stuff?

Yes, boiling the onions makes the layers soft and pliable, which allows you to carefully separate them and create perfect stuffing packets without tearing.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Ground lamb or turkey work great as substitutes for beef, maintaining the traditional Greek flavor profile while offering flexibility for personal preference.

• What herbs work best in this recipe?

Fresh parsley and dill are classic Greek choices that add brightness and authentic Mediterranean taste to the stuffed onion filling.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

This recipe is protein-rich and vegetable-based, providing balanced nutrition with lean meat, whole grains from rice, and the nutritional benefits of onions.

Greek Stuffed Onions Features to Crave

• Swap ground beef for lamb or plant-based protein to create a personalized twist on this classic Greek dish.
• Kids and adults will love the fun, handheld nature of these stuffed onion packets, making mealtime interactive and enjoyable.
• Packed with protein, vegetables, and herbs, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that's both delicious and wholesome.
• Stunning presentation makes these stuffed onions perfect for dinner parties or special gatherings where you want to wow your guests.

Greek Stuffed Onions Ingredient List

• Onions: Large, sweet onions that form the base and wrapper of this delicious Greek dish.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that provides savory flavor and substance to the filling.
• Rice: A classic Mediterranean grain that adds texture and helps bind the filling together.

• Garlic, Onion: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the filling.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs that enhance the Mediterranean character of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the meat and vegetable flavors.

• Olive Oil: Traditional Greek cooking fat that adds richness and authentic flavor.
• Tomato Puree: Creates a rich, tangy sauce that moistens and complements the stuffed onions.
• Onion Broth: Cooking liquid from boiled onions that adds extra depth to the rice and sauce.

Tools for Greek Stuffed Onions

• Large pot: Essential for boiling and preparing onions, creating flavorful broth.
• Skillet or sauté pan: Perfect for cooking ground beef and making filling.
• Baking pan: Needed to arrange and bake stuffed onions.
• Cutting board: For chopping onions, herbs, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for cutting onion tops, bottoms, and making precise slits.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing filling ingredients.
• Aluminum foil: Used to cover baking pan during initial cooking stage.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth and rice.

How to Prepare Greek Stuffed Onions

Step 1: Prepare Onion Layers

Slice off the tops and bottoms of the onions and remove the outer skin.

Carefully make a single vertical cut along one side of each onion without completely separating the layers.

Gently boil the onions in salted water for 10-15 minutes until they become soft and pliable.

Drain the onions, reserving 4 cups of the cooking broth.

Allow the onions to cool completely.

Carefully separate the onion layers, keeping them intact for stuffing.

Step 2: Create Savory Beef Filling

In a skillet, sauté finely chopped onions in olive oil until they become translucent and soft.

Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Introduce ground beef to the pan, seasoning with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.

Cook the meat until it’s completely browned.

Pour in tomato puree and simmer until the sauce thickens.

Stir in uncooked rice and 1 1/2 cups of the reserved onion broth.

Cook until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.

Mix in fresh herbs like parsley and mint for extra flavor.

Step 3: Craft Onion Packets

Take each onion layer and place 1-2 spoonfuls of the prepared beef and rice filling in the center.

Carefully roll the onion layer around the filling, creating neat little packets.

Arrange the stuffed onion rolls seam-side down in a single layer within a baking dish.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

• Remaining onion broth
• Tomato sauce
• Olive oil
• Herbs

Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed onions.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Bake in a preheated oven at 400F (200C) for 45 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes until the onions are completely tender.

For a golden finish, broil for a final 5 minutes to create a slightly crispy top.

Greek Stuffed Onions Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mediterranean kitchens showcase delicious Greek stuffed onions as a savory culinary treasure from traditional Greek cuisine. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation deliver a delightful dish you will savor with each carefully crafted bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup (200 grams / 7 ounces) Arborio rice
• 6–8 large onions, whole

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 5–6 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 cups pureed tomatoes
• 2 cups onion broth (reserved from boiling)
• 3–4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Parsley for garnish
• Feta cheese
• Yogurt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the onion shells by trimming the tops and bottoms, then carefully peeling the entire vegetable. Create a gentle lengthwise slit without completely separating the layers. Submerge in salted water and boil for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside 4 cups of the cooking liquid, allowing onions to cool completely.

1. Create the savory filling by sautéing finely chopped onions in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly. Introduce ground beef, seasoning thoroughly, and cook until uniformly browned. Incorporate tomato puree and simmer until the mixture thickens. Fold in rice and reserved onion broth, cooking for 6-8 minutes until liquid absorbs. Finish with fresh herbs, mixing well.

1. Carefully separate the onion layers and delicately spoon the prepared filling into the center of each shell. Gently roll the layers to encase the filling, forming compact packets. Position the stuffed onions seam-side down in a single layer within a baking dish.

1. Prepare the accompanying sauce and generously pour over the onion rolls. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes until the onions become remarkably tender. Complete the dish with a quick broil for 5 minutes to achieve a golden, appetizing surface.

Notes

• Prep Onions Carefully boil and separate layers gently to prevent tearing, ensuring each layer remains intact for perfect stuffing packets.
• Rice Texture Control add slightly less liquid when cooking rice to keep filling slightly firm, preventing mushy consistency inside onion layers.
• Meat Selection choose lean ground beef or substitute with ground lamb for authentic Greek flavor, or use plant-based alternatives for vegetarian version.
• Flavor Enhancement toast herbs briefly before adding to filling to intensify their aromatic qualities and deepen overall dish complexity.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 197
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg