Greek Stuffed Onions: A Flavorful Twist on Comfort Food

Picture this: tender, sweet onions stuffed with a savory blend of herbs, rice, and meat, baked to perfection and oozing with Greek goodness. If that sounds like the kind of dish you’d want to dive into, then Greek Stuffed Onions is about to become your new favorite recipe. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Not only does this dish have all the comfort of a hearty meal, but it also brings the bold and fragrant flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. Think: aromatic garlic, fresh herbs like dill and parsley, and a hint of tangy lemon. Every bite will take you to a Mediterranean paradise—and the best part? It’s way easier to make than you might think! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or preparing for a small gathering, these stuffed onions will steal the show every time.

Why You’ll Love Greek Stuffed Onions

This recipe isn’t just about putting food on the table; it’s about creating a cozy, flavorful experience. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:

Versatile

These stuffed onions are perfect for so many occasions. Busy weeknight dinner? Check. Something to wow your friends at a gathering? Absolutely. The warm, hearty filling is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table, no matter the occasion.

Budget-Friendly

No need to break the bank for fancy ingredients. With pantry staples and some fresh produce, you can whip up a delicious meal without the hefty price tag. Simple ingredients = big, bold flavors.

Quick and Easy

This is one of those recipes where you don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to get great results. The steps are straightforward, and the dish practically takes care of itself in the oven. Plus, the smell wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like you’re in a restaurant!

Customizable

You can totally make this recipe your own. Add a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika if you’re in the mood for a bolder flavor, or keep it classic with fresh herbs and lemon. Feel free to tweak it based on what you like or what you have in your pantry.

Crowd-Pleasing

This dish is like a warm hug for the soul. It’s the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and a little Greek flair. Serve it at dinner, and everyone will be asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

Ingredients

Here’s where the magic begins! These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create the perfect stuffed onions. You’ll need:

Onions

The star of the show! Large, sweet onions are perfect for creating the base and the vessel for all the delicious stuffing.

Ground Meat (Beef, Lamb, or a Mix)

This gives the stuffing a hearty, satisfying base. You can easily swap this out for a leaner meat or even go vegetarian with some tasty chickpeas or lentils!

Rice

Adds a little fluff and texture to the stuffing—plus, it soaks up all the savory flavors like a sponge.

Fresh Herbs

Dill, parsley, and mint bring that classic Greek vibe to the dish. Fresh is always best when it comes to herbs—they really elevate the flavor profile!

Garlic & Onion

For that wonderful depth of flavor. These will infuse the stuffing with savory goodness that’s irresistible.

Lemon

A squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish, giving it a little tang and making all those rich, earthy flavors pop!

Tomato Paste & Stock

These bring richness and moisture to the stuffing, plus a hint of umami that ties everything together perfectly.

Olive Oil

Because, well, this is Greek cooking! Olive oil brings richness and helps everything cook beautifully.

Spices

A little salt, pepper, and a touch of cinnamon round out the flavor of the stuffing.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make these Greek Stuffed Onions? Let’s dive right in!

Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your onions cook through and caramelize just right.

Prepare the Onions

Peel the outer layers off the onions and slice off the tops. Cut a small X into the bottom of each onion, and then carefully scoop out the insides, leaving enough of the outer layers to hold the stuffing. Set the scooped-out onion pieces aside for later use in the filling.

Make the Filling

In a pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened. Then, add the chopped reserved onion pieces, rice, tomato paste, herbs, and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour in some stock, a splash of olive oil, and let everything simmer until the rice is tender and the flavors meld together.

Stuff the Onions

Carefully stuff each onion with the filling, pressing it down gently as you go. Place the stuffed onions in a baking dish, and drizzle with a little more olive oil and lemon juice.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the onions are tender and caramelized.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the onions from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy the delicious, comforting Greek flavors in every bite!

How to Serve Greek Stuffed Onions

This dish is great on its own or paired with a few sides for a full Mediterranean feast. Try these ideas:

  • Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing side salad with some feta cheese and olives complements the richness of the stuffed onions beautifully.
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for sopping up all the flavorful juices.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Pair with some roasted veggies, like zucchini or eggplant, to add color and flavor to your plate.

Additional Tips

  • Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prep the onions and filling ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your meal.
  • Leftovers: These stuffed onions make great leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed onions in advance and store them in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q3: Can I freeze these stuffed onions?
A3: Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Of course! Just make sure you have a big enough baking dish to accommodate all the stuffed onions. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Enjoy making these Greek Stuffed Onions—you’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can transform into such a delicious, comforting dish!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Greek Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 6 Serving 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A delicious and comforting Greek dish featuring tender onions stuffed with a savory mixture of beef, rice, and fresh herbs, all baked in a rich tomato sauce.


Ingredients

Scale

Onions:

  • 8 medium yellow onions (preferably oval in shape)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Stuffing:

  • ¾ cup short-grain or arborio rice, soaked
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tomato, grated
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ⅓ cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp chicken stock paste
  • ½ tbsp dried oregano

Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 can (398 ml) roma or whole tomatoes, blended
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish (or two 9-inch baking dishes).
  • Soak the Rice: Soak rice in water while preparing the other ingredients.
  • Prepare and Boil the Onions: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Trim the tops and bottoms of the onions and remove the skins, discarding the tough outer layers. Make a lengthwise slit through each onion, only cutting to the middle. Boil onions for 10-15 minutes until softened, then remove and cool.
  • Prepare Tomato Sauce: Blend canned tomatoes and mix with water, tomato paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Make the Stuffing: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and diced onion until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in grated tomato, tomato paste, lemon juice, fresh herbs, seasonings, and soaked rice. Simmer and mix well.
  • Assemble the Stuffed Onions: Carefully peel each onion to form individual cups. Stuff each layer with the meat and rice mixture, rolling or folding to seal. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  • Add Sauce and Bake: Pour tomato sauce over stuffed onions. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until sauce thickens and onions are tender.
  • Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Adjust seasonings to taste.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Category: main course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed onion
  • Calories: 366
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star