Stuffed Grilled Onions

These Stuffed Grilled Onions are tender, smoky, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef. Grilling the onions gives them a delicious caramelized flavor while the cheesy meat filling makes every bite rich and satisfying. They’re perfect for a hearty dinner, summer cookout, or BBQ side dish.

Ingredients

For the onions:

• 4 large sweet onions
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

 Instructions

1. Prepare the onions:
   Peel the onions and trim the tops and bottoms carefully. Make a deep vertical cut into each onion, stopping before cutting completely through the center.
2. Separate the layers:
   Gently loosen and remove the outer layers, keeping several large onion layers intact. Save the smaller inner pieces and chop them finely for the filling.
3. Make the filling:
   Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
6. Let the beef mixture cool slightly, then mix in the cheddar, mozzarella, and parsley.
7. Stuff the onions:
   Carefully fill the onion layers with the cheesy beef mixture. Press the filling gently into each layer without overstuffing.
8. Prepare the grill:
   Preheat your grill to medium heat, approximately 375–400°F (190–200°C). Lightly brush the stuffed onions with olive oil and season the outside with a little salt and pepper.
9. Grill:
   Place the stuffed onions on the grill over indirect or medium heat. Cover and cook for approximately 25–35 minutes, turning carefully if necessary, until the onions are tender and nicely caramelized.
10. During the final few minutes, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella or cheddar on top if desired. Close the grill lid and let the cheese melt.
11. Rest and serve:
    Remove the onions from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Helpful Tips

• Use large sweet onions because their layers are easier to separate and stuff.
• For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of BBQ sauce to the beef.
• Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
• Add diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
• Make sure the beef filling reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.
• For an extra-cheesy finish, add cheese during the last 3–5 minutes of grilling.

Serving Ideas

Serve these grilled stuffed onions with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, corn on the cob, or crusty garlic bread. They also make an impressive BBQ centerpiece.

Extra Tips

For a spicy version, mix diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the beef. You can also substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or ground turkey. For an extra smoky BBQ flavor, add a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce to the filling.

These onions are delicious served alongside grilled potatoes, corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.

Quick Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 450–550 per serving, depending on the cheese and beef used