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 Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi)

Greek Beef Stuffed Onions (Salantourmasi) are a savory and hearty dish featuring tender onions stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, feta, and fresh herbs, all slow-baked in a rich tomato-onion broth. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines the sweetness of onions with the richness of beef and the freshness of herbs, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, peeled
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 pound ground beef, divided
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3/4 cup white long grain rice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup crumbled Greek feta
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano, plus more for garnish

Tomato Broth

  • 4 cups onion cooking water
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon paste

Instructions

  1. Cut 1 inch from each end of onions. Stand onion on a flat side, put the point of a sharp knife in the very center, and make 1 cut, straight down from top of onion to bottom.

  2. Bring a saucepan with 6 to 8 cups salted water to a simmer; add onions and simmer until they soften enough that layers can be easily separated, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove onions from water with a slotted spoon; let cool. Do not discard onion cooking water.

  3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add half the beef; cook and stir, breaking up beef with a spatula until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Add 1 cup diced onions, black pepper, salt, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes.

  4. Add garlic, dried oregano, and tomato paste, and cook, stirring, for a few minutes. Add rice and stir until evenly coated. Add vinegar and chicken broth, lower heat to medium, and cook, stirring, until rice has absorbed all the liquid, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.

  5. Add remaining beef, feta, parsley, mint and oregano to a bowl, along with cooled rice mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine. Refrigerate until needed.

  6. For tomato broth, measure 4 cups onion cooking water into a saucepan; stir in tomato sauce and chicken bouillon paste. Bring to a simmer over high heat, reduce heat to low, and keep hot until needed.

  7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  8. Separate onion sections and set aside the best 18 pieces, ideally using the ones from the middle of the bulb that are long enough to cover the filling. If desired, tear or chop extra onion, and add to the bottom of a large baking dish.

  9. Add about 2 rounded tablespoons of filling to each onion section, and roll up to cover filling. Place stuffed onions in the baking dish, and ladle tomato broth over the dish. Cover with foil, and place on a sheet pan to catch drips.

  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove foil and continue baking, uncovered, until onions are tender, and filling is fully cooked, about 1 hour more. If the dish appears too dry, you can place foil back on. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 428 per serving