0 Shares

Greek Stuffed Onions are a beautiful combination of Mediterranean flavors and heartwarming comfort food. These onions are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of spiced ground beef, rice, and fresh herbs, all simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. The slow-baked onions become meltingly tender, and the rich filling creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This dish is not only impressive in presentation but also a flavorful centerpiece for any dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of Greek cuisine with minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Onions:

6 large yellow or sweet onions, peeled
Salt (for seasoning and water)
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling:

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

For the 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

Garnish (Optional):

Chopped parsley or dill
Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Nutrients (per serving)

(Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings)

Calories: 390 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
Sodium: 450mg
Cholesterol: 60mg

Why Greek Stuffed Onions Make a Great Meal

Greek Stuffed Onions are an exceptional meal for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly flavorful, combining the depth of ground beef or lamb with the freshness of herbs and the earthiness of onions. The filling, made with rice and spiced with allspice and cinnamon, has a delicate balance of savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavors that are signature to Mediterranean cuisine.

The use of onions as the base of the dish not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful presentation. When baked, the onions soften and become almost buttery, making them the perfect container for the savory filling. This dish can easily be made in advance, allowing the flavors to develop further while you focus on preparing other components of your meal. Whether served as a main course or as part of a larger spread, Greek Stuffed Onions are sure to impress with their complexity and elegance.

The Richness of Ground Beef or Lamb

The filling of Greek Stuffed Onions is traditionally made with ground beef or lamb. Lamb is especially common in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and provides a unique, slightly gamey flavor that complements the spices and herbs beautifully. However, ground beef is also a wonderful alternative, offering a more neutral flavor while still providing plenty of richness.

The choice between beef and lamb depends on personal preference, but both meats are excellent choices for stuffing the onions. When cooked with garlic, onion, and a blend of aromatic spices, the meat becomes incredibly flavorful and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in the filling. The ground meat also provides a hearty texture that helps make the dish filling and satisfying.

The Role of Rice in the Filling

Rice is an essential part of the filling, not only adding bulk to the dish but also absorbing the rich flavors of the spices, herbs, and meat. In Greek Stuffed Onions, long-grain rice is used, which holds its shape well and has a slightly chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the tenderness of the onions. The rice also helps to bind the filling together, giving it structure without being overwhelming.

The rice in this recipe absorbs the savory juices from the meat and spices, making each bite flavorful and hearty. While the rice provides a neutral base, the herbs and spices elevate it, infusing it with Mediterranean flavors that pair perfectly with the onions and meat. The use of rice in this dish helps create a well-balanced filling that is both satisfying and flavorful.

Herbs and Spices: The Heart of the Flavor

The combination of fresh parsley, mint, and dried oregano plays a significant role in the flavor profile of Greek Stuffed Onions. Parsley and mint bring a refreshing brightness to the dish, cutting through the richness of the meat and rice and providing a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the savory elements. The mint, in particular, adds a unique, slightly sweet flavor that is distinctive of Mediterranean cooking and complements the spiced filling beautifully.

The addition of allspice and cinnamon in the filling gives the dish a warm, aromatic depth. These spices are commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where they provide a subtle sweetness that contrasts with the savory meat and rice. The allspice and cinnamon add warmth and complexity to the filling, creating a unique flavor profile that makes these stuffed onions stand out from other stuffed vegetable dishes.

Tomato Sauce: A Tangy Complement to the Filling

The sauce that surrounds the stuffed onions is a simple but flavorful tomato-based mixture that ties everything together. The crushed tomatoes, combined with garlic, broth, oregano, and dill, create a tangy and savory sauce that complements the richness of the onions and filling. The acidity of the tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the onions and the spiciness of the meat mixture.

The addition of lemon juice in the sauce brings a citrusy brightness that elevates the dish further, balancing the savory flavors with a subtle tang. The sauce not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the onions moist during baking, ensuring that the filling remains tender and juicy. As the dish bakes, the sauce absorbs into the onions, further enriching their flavor and creating a delicious base for the stuffed vegetables.

Baking the Onions: Tender and Flavorful

Baking the stuffed onions allows all the flavors to meld together while softening the onions to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The slow baking process ensures that the onions become fully cooked and aromatic, and the filling becomes even more flavorful as it absorbs the juices from the sauce. The onions, now tender and caramelized, provide the perfect vessel for the spiced beef and rice filling.

The process of baking the onions also ensures that the stuffed onions hold their shape, creating an impressive presentation when served. The gentle heat allows the flavors to develop fully, creating a rich, comforting meal that is both satisfying and flavorful. The result is a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties or family gatherings.

Serving and Pairing Greek Stuffed Onions

Greek Stuffed Onions can be served on their own or as part of a larger meal. They pair wonderfully with a side of fresh salad, such as a classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, dressed in olive oil and lemon juice. The crisp freshness of the salad contrasts beautifully with the richness of the stuffed onions, making it a perfect pairing.

For a heartier meal, consider serving the stuffed onions with a side of roasted vegetables or crusty bread. The bread will soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying accompaniment to the rich filling. You can also serve the onions with a simple yogurt-based dip, such as tzatziki, to add a cool, creamy element that complements the flavors of the dish.

If you’re looking for a beverage pairing, a light, crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs nicely with the Mediterranean flavors of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing iced tea with a squeeze of lemon or a sparkling water with mint will provide a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the stuffed onions.

Making Greek Stuffed Onions in Advance

Greek Stuffed Onions can be made in advance, making them a great option for meal prepping or preparing for a special occasion. You can prepare the stuffed onions and sauce ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake the dish as directed, allowing the onions to soften and the flavors to meld together.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated in the oven or microwave. The flavors continue to develop, making them even more delicious the next day. Greek Stuffed Onions also freeze well, so you can prepare a batch in advance and freeze them for future meals. When freezing, it’s best to freeze the stuffed onions without the sauce, then add the sauce when you’re ready to bake them.

Conclusion: A Mediterranean Comfort Food

Greek Stuffed Onions are the perfect combination of Mediterranean flavors and heartwarming comfort food. With their tender, slow-baked onions, spiced ground beef and rice filling, and tangy tomato sauce, these stuffed onions offer a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special dish for a gathering, Greek Stuffed Onions make an elegant and flavorful centerpiece that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the rich flavors and tender texture, make this dish a standout in Mediterranean cuisine. Greek Stuffed Onions are a wonderful way to enjoy the delicious tastes of the Mediterranean while creating a meal that feels comforting and special. With the ability to make it ahead of time and customize it to your taste, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.