Greek Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)

Quick Benefits

Greek Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi) are a delicious, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. These stuffed onions are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and Greek herbs, all slow-baked in a rich tomato-onion broth. The result is a tender, juicy, and satisfying dish that combines the sweetness of onions with the richness of beef and rice. Not only is this recipe filling, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a well-rounded meal.

Essential Ingredients

4 large yellow onions: The base of the dish, providing a tender and flavorful vessel for the beef and rice stuffing.
1/4 cup olive oil: Used for sautéing the beef and onions, adding richness and flavor.
1 pound ground beef: The main protein source, providing flavor and richness to the stuffing.
1 cup diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the flavor of the filling.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the taste of the other ingredients.
1 pinch cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the filling.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fragrant base to the filling.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an essential Mediterranean flavor.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth and richness.
3/4 cup white long grain rice: Forms the base of the stuffing, absorbing the flavors from the beef and broth.
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to balance the richness of the beef and rice.
1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture to the filling and enhances the overall flavor.
1/3 cup crumbled Greek feta: Provides a creamy and salty contrast to the savory stuffing.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, mint, and oregano: Fresh herbs that add brightness and a burst of flavor.

For Tomato Broth:

4 cups onion cooking water: The water used to simmer the onions, which absorbs their flavor.
2 cups tomato sauce: Forms the base of the tomato broth.
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon paste: Adds depth and savory richness to the broth.

Preparation Steps

Prepare the onions: Cut 1 inch off each end of the onions, and carefully make a cut down the center of each onion. Simmer the onions in salted water for 20-30 minutes until the layers are soft enough to separate. Let the onions cool.
Cook the beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet, then add half of the ground beef and cook until browned. Add the diced onion, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and cook until the onions are translucent. Stir in garlic, oregano, and tomato paste, and cook for another few minutes. Add rice, red wine vinegar, and chicken broth, and cook until the rice has absorbed the liquid, about 20 minutes. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Prepare the filling: Once the rice mixture has cooled, add the remaining beef, crumbled feta, parsley, mint, and oregano. Mix everything thoroughly and refrigerate until needed.
Make the tomato broth: Combine the onion cooking water, tomato sauce, and chicken bouillon paste in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and keep it hot.
Stuff the onions: Select the best 18 onion layers, ideally from the middle of the bulb, and use them to form the kabobs. Add the beef filling to each onion section, roll up the layers to cover the filling, and place them in a large baking dish. Pour the tomato broth over the stuffed onions and cover with foil.
Bake the stuffed onions: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the stuffed onions for 1 hour. Remove the foil and continue baking for another hour, or until the onions are tender and the filling is fully cooked.
Rest and serve: Let the stuffed onions rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Health Benefits

Greek Beef Stuffed Onions are a well-rounded, nutritious meal. The ground beef provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The addition of rice offers carbohydrates for energy, while the onions provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The Greek herbs like parsley, mint, and oregano offer additional vitamins and antioxidants, promoting overall health. Feta adds calcium and healthy fats, making this dish both flavorful and balanced.

Serving Suggestions

Greek Beef Stuffed Onions can be served as a main dish with a side of Greek salad, grilled pita bread, or roasted vegetables. The dish also pairs well with a side of tzatziki sauce or a dollop of yogurt for a refreshing contrast. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with additional fresh oregano or parsley.

Creative Variations

Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or chickpeas in place of the ground beef for a vegetarian version. Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the rice mixture for additional texture.
Spicy Stuffed Onions: Add more cayenne pepper or even some chopped chilies to the filling for a spicier kick.
Grilled Option: Instead of baking, these stuffed onions can be grilled over indirect heat for a smoky flavor. Grill them in a foil packet or on skewers.
Use Different Meats: Substitute the ground beef with lamb or turkey for a different twist on this classic recipe.

Storage Tips

Leftover Greek Beef Stuffed Onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed onions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the stuffed onions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Tips

Onion Layering: When separating the onion layers, choose the ones that are long enough to wrap around the filling and form a complete roll. The inner layers of the onion tend to be the most suitable for stuffing.
Rice Cooking: Be sure to cook the rice until it’s just tender but not mushy, as it will continue to cook while the stuffed onions are baking.
Broth Consistency: If the tomato broth becomes too thick during baking, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white rice instead of long-grain rice?
Yes, you can use other types of rice, but long-grain rice holds up well and provides the perfect texture for this dish.

Can I make these stuffed onions ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed onions a day ahead, refrigerate them, and bake them the next day. They can also be assembled and frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different meat for the stuffing?
Yes, ground lamb, turkey, or chicken can be substituted for the beef. Adjust the seasonings as needed to suit the different meats.

Can I use canned tomato sauce for the broth?
Yes, you can use canned tomato sauce. Just make sure to taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary.