Baked Stuffed Onions
Baked stuffed onions offer a savory blend of tender onions filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and bread crumbs, topped with Parmesan cheese. This hearty dish combines rich flavors and comforting textures, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests seeking a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut off the root end of each onion, peel, and rinse them.
- Cut a 1/2-inch slice from the top of each onion.
- Cook the onions, uncovered, in salted water to cover for 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly tender. Drain well and let cool.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet; add ground beef and sauté until browned.
- Scoop out the centers of the onions; chop and add to the ground beef.
- Sauté the beef and onion centers until golden.
- In a bowl, combine cooked rice, egg yolk, salt, pepper, and bread crumbs with the meat mixture.
- Fill the onions with the meat and rice mixture.
- Mix melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and bread crumbs together.
- Spread this mixture over the tops of the stuffed onions.
- Place in a greased casserole and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or quinoa. You can also experiment with different cheeses in the topping or add herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor. If the onions are too hard to scoop, try steaming them a bit longer. Using leftover rice from dishes like Beef-Rice Creole can add a nice flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These baked stuffed onions are a delightful main dish and pair well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. They can also be served alongside a creamy soup for a comforting meal. Consider serving with bread to soak up any juices. For a side dish, try serving with Calico Bean Pot for a hearty combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven will keep the topping crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Stuffed Onions contains roughly 980 calories, with 52g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (181% of the Daily Value), protein (105% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1863mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stuffed onions ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed onions a day in advance. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to match the flavor profile you desire.
Can I freeze stuffed onions?
Yes, stuffed onions can be frozen. Prepare the dish, allow it to cool completely, then wrap each onion tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).