Reimagined French Onion Beef Cups

Reimagined French Onion Beef Cups take the essence of a classic hamburger and revamp it into onions stuffed with a savory beef and cheese mixture, capped with melted Gruyere. This innovative dish transforms a regular burger into an exquisite, unique meal sure to dazzle anyone who tries it!

Ingredients & Variations

• Onions: Yellow onions work well, but for a sweeter twist, Vidalia onions are excellent. Use smaller onions for this recipe, or increase the beef mixture if using larger onions.
• Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for rich flavor and juiciness. Alternatively, ground turkey can be used for a lighter version. Enhance the beef with a mix of hamburger seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce for deep flavors.
• Cheese: Integrate shredded Gruyere cheese within the beef and as a topping for its creamy texture and nutty taste. Feel free to substitute with any preferred cheese.

Preparation in Advance

You can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Hollow out and chop the onions up to a day before and store them chilled. The onions can also be stuffed in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to bake.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) until warm, which takes about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 medium yellow onions
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ pound (226 g) ground beef
• 1 ½ teaspoons hamburger seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup (60 g) Gruyere cheese, shredded, divided

Instructions

Prepare the Onions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Trim ½ inch (1.27 cm) from the top and bottom of each onion and peel them. Core the centers with an apple corer.
3. Gently remove the inner layers, leaving about two layers intact for the cups. Dice the inner layers and set aside.
4. Place the hollowed-out onions on the prepared baking sheet.

Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat butter and half the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low. Add diced onions and salt, cooking until golden (about 55 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Make the Beef Mixture

1. In another skillet over medium heat, combine ground beef, seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Cook until browned (about 8-10 minutes), then drain.
3. Stir in ¾ cup (42 g) of Gruyere and ½ cup of caramelized onions.

Assemble and Bake

1. Spoon the beef mixture into each onion cup, topping with the remaining caramelized onions.
2. Bake for 35 minutes or until the onions are tender.
3. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
4. Serve hot and enjoy your unique take on a classic dish!

This dish offers a sophisticated twist on traditional flavors, providing a comforting yet elegant option suitable for any occasion.