Have you seen that amazing bacon-wrapped stuffed onion recipe circulating on Facebook? The one with the gooey, cheesy center and perfectly crisp bacon? Well, you've come to the right place! This isn't just a recipe; it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a delicious healthy meal, and a surprisingly easy addition to your weekly meal plan. Perfect for a quick dinner idea or a special occasion, these bacon-wrapped stuffed onions are sure to become a new favorite in your homemade cooking repertoire. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices bacon
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Carefully slice off the tops of the onions, leaving about an inch of stem attached. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep, circular groove around the center of each onion. Remove the inner layers, creating a well to hold the stuffing. Reserve the removed onion pieces for another use (like soup or a side dish)
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), cooked rice, cheddar cheese, parsley, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Onions
Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the hollowed-out onions.
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
Wrap each stuffed onion with two slices of bacon, securing the bacon with toothpicks.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bacon-wrapped onions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the bacon is crispy. If the bacon starts browning too quickly, loosely tent the baking sheet with foil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the toothpicks and serve the bacon-wrapped stuffed onions immediately. They're fantastic on their own, or you can pair them with a side salad for a complete and delicious meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Onions:
- Choose the right onions: Larger yellow onions work best for this recipe because they hold their shape well during cooking.
- Don't overstuff: Overstuffing can cause the onions to burst during baking.
- Pre-cook your rice: Using pre-cooked rice saves time and prevents the stuffing from being soggy.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the stuffing mixture.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
- Cheese please: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the stuffing for extra flavor and nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used. For a reasonable estimate using ground beef, consider approximately 400-500 calories, 25-30g of fat, and 20-25g of protein per serving. Using ground turkey significantly reduces fat and calories.
This easy recipe for bacon-wrapped stuffed onions is a fantastic example of delicious and satisfying healthy meals that are quick to prepare. Enjoy this amazing recipe, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations on Facebook!