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Greek Stuffed Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 121 reviews

Greek Stuffed Onions feature tender onion cups filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, herbs, and spices, baked in a rich tomato sauce. This traditional Mediterranean dish combines aromatic seasonings like mint, allspice, and dill, offering a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions

  • 6 large yellow or sweet onions, peeled
  • Salt, for seasoning and water

Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb for variation)
  • 1/2 cup long-grain rice (rinsed and soaked for 10 minutes)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried
  • Juice of 1 lemon

To Garnish

  • Chopped parsley or dill
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cut a small slice off the root and top ends of each onion so they stand flat. Score one side vertically, cutting through just the first few layers. Gently boil the onions for 10–12 minutes until softened but not falling apart. Drain and cool. Carefully peel back the layers to separate into cups, keeping the larger outer layers intact for stuffing. Reserve the smaller inner pieces for later use in the filling or sauce.
  2. Make the Filling: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the rice, parsley, mint, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly before stuffing.
  3. Stuff the Onions: Take each onion “cup” and fill it with about 2 tablespoons of the beef-rice mixture, packing it in gently. You want them full but not bursting. Place the stuffed onions seam-side down in a greased casserole dish.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, dill, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed onions. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20–30 minutes until the tops are slightly golden and the sauce is bubbling.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Pair with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Soaking the rice before cooking helps it cook more evenly inside the onions.
  • Ground lamb can be used instead of beef for a more authentic Greek flavor.
  • Be careful not to overcook the onions when boiling or they may fall apart during stuffing.
  • The sauce can be prepared a day ahead to deepen the flavors.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Keywords: Greek stuffed onions, beef stuffed onions, baked onions recipe, Mediterranean stuffed onions, traditional Greek main dish

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/greek-stuffed-onions-recipe/