When I first made these stuffed onions, I knew right away they would become a recipe I’d revisit over and over. Tender onion layers are gently filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and warm spices, then cooked in a tangy tomato sauce until perfectly caramelized.
It’s like the ultimate comfort food but with an elegant twist. Preparing these takes a bit of time, but the effort is more than worth it. Trust me, the way these onions melt in your mouth, bursting with flavor in every bite, makes the process feel like an act of love.
I love that it’s a dish as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Packed with Flavor
These stuffed onions deliver a delicious mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet tones. The tomato sauce and spices elevate this humble dish into something extraordinary.
An Elegant Comfort Food
It’s both hearty and beautiful, making it perfect to wow guests at a dinner party.
Versatile Ingredients
The recipe adapts easily to your needs. Use different proteins, opt for vegetarian stuffing, or tweak the seasonings.
Easy to Prepare Ahead
You can get a head start by preparing the stuffing or even assembling the onions in advance, saving you time when hosting.
Dietary-Friendly
Thanks to its flexible nature, this dish can accommodate various dietary preferences, from gluten-free to dairy-free.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
- Yellow onions
- Ground pork (or protein of choice)
- Rice
- Tomato paste
- Tomato, diced
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Broth (beef, chicken, or veggie)
- Ghee or butter
Variations
- Swap the ground pork for beef, turkey, lamb, or a mix of proteins.
- For a vegetarian version, use lentils, mushrooms, tofu, or a meat alternative.
- Add spice with chili flakes or cayenne.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or mint in the stuffing for added freshness.
Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife: For preparing the onions.
- Large pot: To parboil the onions.
- Mixing bowl: For the filling mixture.
- Baking dish: To hold the stuffed onions tightly.
- Spoon: To stuff the onions with precision.
How to Make Stuffed Onions?
Step 1: Prepare the Onion Layers
Start by peeling your onions and trimming the top and bottom ends. Make a shallow cut down the side without slicing all the way through. Boil the onions in a large pot of water for about 15 minutes, just until the layers loosen. Drain and set them aside to cool. 🧅
Step 2: Make the Filling
Combine your ground pork, rinsed rice, tomato paste, diced tomato, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and parsley in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed. It already smells amazing, and it hasn’t even cooked yet! 🍅
Step 3: Stuff the Onions
Carefully separate the onion layers, then spoon about a tablespoon of filling onto the inside of each layer. Roll the layers tightly, wrapping the filling like a little bundle of joy. Repeat this process until all the filling is used. 🎉
Step 4: Assemble and Cook
Arrange the stuffed onions in a baking dish, keeping them snug and seam-side down. Next, prepare the sauce by melting ghee in a pan, mixing it with tomato paste and broth. Pour the warm sauce over the onions, cover with parchment and foil, then bake at 425°F for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes to achieve that golden caramelized finish. 🌟
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Once baked, the stuffed onions are ready to impress! Serve them warm with fresh garnishes and perhaps a dollop of yogurt on the side. The aroma alone will have everyone at the table excited! 🍽️
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Keep the onion layers intact by simmering, not overboiling, during parboiling.
- Cool the onions entirely before stuffing. This prevents tearing.
- For softer rice, soak it for 30 minutes before mixing into the filling.
- Don’t overfill the onion layers; leave room for the rice to expand during baking.
How to Serve Stuffed Onions?
Stuffed onions make the perfect centerpiece for a cozy meal. Serve these beauties with a side of plain yogurt for a cooling contrast, or pair them with roasted veggies and a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil adds visual appeal. Want more indulgence? Crusty bread to mop up the sauce is a must!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of the key nutritional details per serving. This dish is hearty and satisfying while packing a nutritional punch.
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 31g
Make Ahead and Storage
What’s great about stuffed onions is how well they hold up for later. You can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Once cooked, the onions stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Want to freeze? Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the oven or on the stove. This is the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld!
With its rich flavors, versatility, and elegance, this stuffed onion recipe is a true gem. From family gatherings to cozy weeknight dinners, it’s a dish you’ll love making again and again. Give it a try and see how easily it wins hearts at your table!
Stuffed Onions
When I first made these stuffed onions, I knew right away they would become a recipe I’d revisit over and over. Tender onion layers are gently filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and warm spices, then cooked in a tangy tomato sauce until perfectly caramelized.
Ingredients
- Yellow onions
- Ground pork (or protein of choice)
- Rice
- Tomato paste
- Tomato, diced
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Broth (beef, chicken, or veggie)
- Ghee or butter
Instructions
- Start by peeling your onions and trimming the top and bottom ends. Make a shallow cut down the side without slicing all the way through. Boil the onions in a large pot of water for about 15 minutes, just until the layers loosen. Drain and set them aside to cool.
- Combine your ground pork, rinsed rice, tomato paste, diced tomato, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and parsley in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed. It already smells amazing, and it hasn’t even cooked yet!
- Carefully separate the onion layers, then spoon about a tablespoon of filling onto the inside of each layer. Roll the layers tightly, wrapping the filling like a little bundle of joy. Repeat this process until all the filling is used.
- Arrange the stuffed onions in a baking dish, keeping them snug and seam-side down. Next, prepare the sauce by melting ghee in a pan, mixing it with tomato paste and broth. Pour the warm sauce over the onions, cover with parchment and foil, then bake at 425°F for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes to achieve that golden caramelized finish.
- Once baked, the stuffed onions are ready to impress! Serve them warm with fresh garnishes and perhaps a dollop of yogurt on the side. The aroma alone will have everyone at the table excited!
Notes
- Keep the onion layers intact by simmering, not overboiling, during parboiling.
- Cool the onions entirely before stuffing. This prevents tearing.
- For softer rice, soak it for 30 minutes before mixing into the filling.
- Don’t overfill the onion layers; leave room for the rice to expand during baking.
