Stuffed onions are a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender, sweet onions with a hearty filling of ground beef, rice, and cheese. This recipe is simple to make and offers a unique twist on traditional stuffed vegetables.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant dinner party, stuffed onions are both satisfying and visually appealing. With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious meal that will impress your guests and become a family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works wonderfully because it highlights the natural sweetness of onions, which become tender and caramelized during baking. The combination of ground beef and rice provides a satisfying and hearty filling, while the tomato sauce adds moisture and a tangy depth of flavor. Topping the stuffed onions with cheese creates a creamy, melty finish that ties all the flavors together perfectly. The balance of textures and flavors in this dish makes it a standout option for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Another reason this recipe is so successful is its versatility. You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas. Add your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile and make it your own. Additionally, the stuffed onions can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a convenient option for busy evenings or entertaining guests. The simplicity and adaptability of this recipe make it a go-to choice for delicious and impressive stuffed onions.
Ingredients
Large Onions: The base of the dish, hollowed out and stuffed. Substitute: Bell peppers for a different flavor.
Ground Beef: Adds a hearty and rich flavor. Substitute: Ground turkey or lentils for a vegetarian option.
Cooked Rice: Provides bulk and texture. Substitute: Quinoa or couscous.
Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy flavor. Substitute: Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce.
Cheese: Melts on top for a creamy finish. Substitute: Vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Tips
- Choose large, firm onions for easier hollowing and stuffing.
- Precook the onions slightly to make them easier to hollow out.
- Add herbs and spices to the stuffing for extra flavor.
- Use a melon baller to hollow out the onions neatly.
- Cover with foil while baking to prevent the tops from burning.
How to Serve
Stuffed onions are a versatile and elegant dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Their rich, savory stuffing and tender onion shell make them a delightful addition to any meal.
- Serve as a main dish with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a hearty dinner.
- Serve as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled fish for a balanced meal.
Similar Recipes
Stuffed Onions
Ingredients
- 4 large onions
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ยฝ cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs and spices like parsley thyme, or oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel the onions and slice off the tops. Hollow out the centers, leaving a thick outer layer.
- Place the hollowed onions in a baking dish and precook in the oven for 10 minutes to soften.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs to the skillet. Mix well.
- Stuff each onion with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently to fill completely.
- Top each stuffed onion with shredded cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
- Let the onions cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
• Precook the onions slightly to make them easier to hollow out.
• Add herbs and spices to the stuffing for extra flavor.
• Use a melon baller to hollow out the onions neatly.
• Cover with foil while baking to prevent the tops from burning.