Bacon Wrapped Beef Onion Rings: the Easy Recipe for a Unique, Crispy and Delicious Side Dish!

If you're looking for a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for game day, a family barbecue, or a cozy weekend dinner, this Bacon-Wrapped Onion and Beef Delight is sure to impress. This recipe combines the robust flavors of seasoned ground beef, smoky bacon, and tender onions, all glazed with tangy BBQ sauce and topped off with a rich cheese sauce. It's a special treat that’s both hearty and indulgent, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a delicious appetizer, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with its irresistible smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.

What are Bacon Wrapped Beef Onion Rings?

While there isn't a singular, well-documented origin story, this dish likely emerged from the American love affair with grilling and comfort food. The combination of ground beef, bacon, and onions can be traced back to classic barbecue and burger recipes, where each ingredient plays a significant role in adding flavor and texture. The idea of wrapping beef-stuffed onions in bacon and glazing them with BBQ sauce is a modern evolution, influenced by the rise of gourmet burger trends and backyard grilling culture. This dish embodies the spirit of American barbecue, where experimenting with flavors and ingredients often leads to delicious, crowd-pleasing creations.

Tips for The Best Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

• Use large, firm onions for the best results. Sweet onions like Vidalia are excellent because they caramelize beautifully and add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Slice the onions evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Aim for slices that are about 1/2 inch thick to create sturdy rings that can hold the beef mixture.
• When wrapping the bacon strips around the onion rings, make sure to overlap slightly and tuck the ends underneath or secure with toothpicks. This helps keep the bacon in place during cooking and ensures an even, crispy coating.
• If you prefer extra crispy bacon, consider partially cooking the bacon strips before wrapping them around the onion rings. This can help achieve a perfect crispy texture without overcooking the beef.
• Place the onion rings on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the rings, helping them cook more uniformly and preventing the bacon from getting soggy.

What Meat Goes Well With These Onion Rings?

Ground beef is the classic choice for bacon-wrapped onion rings, offering a rich and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon and sweet onions. However, you can also experiment with ground pork, turkey, or chicken for a different twist.

Why is The Beef Falling Off The Onion Rings?

The beef might be falling off the onion rings if it's not packed tightly enough or if the onion slices are too thin. To prevent this, ensure the beef mixture is firmly pressed into the onion rings and use thicker slices of onion for better support. Additionally, wrapping the bacon securely around the rings helps hold everything together during cooking.

What Are The Best Onions to Use For These Rings?

Sweet onions, like Vidalia onions, are the best for bacon-wrapped onion rings. Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully during cooking, balancing the savory flavors of the beef and bacon. Large, firm onions are ideal as they provide sturdy rings that hold the filling well.

Can I Use Other Spices for the Seasoning?

Feel free to experiment with flavors like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to customize the taste to your liking. The versatility of the spices allows you to tailor the seasoning to complement your own tastes, as you please!

Can I Use Other Dipping Sauces?

Besides BBQ sauce, you can use a variety of dipping sauces: ranch dressing, honey mustard, spicy aioli, blue cheese dressing, or a tangy sriracha mayo.

How Can I Serve These Onion Rings?

You can serve them on a platter, accompanied by your choice of dipping sauces. They make a great appetizer, party snack, or side dish. Arrange them in a single layer for easy access and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a touch of color and flavor.

Can I Make These in The Air Fryer Instead?

Absolutely! Cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the beef is cooked through.

Can I Grill These on My Barbecue?

Of course! Cook them over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the beef is cooked through.

Can I Make These Ahead?

Yes! Prepare and assemble them, then store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I Freeze These?

Certainly! Assemble them and freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

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How to Store Bacon Wrapped Beef Onion Rings

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.

How to Prepare Bacon Wrapped Beef Onion Rings

First, start by cutting the onions into 1/2 inches thick slices and saving a large ring and a smaller one.

Press the ground beef in its center and cut the center into a circle, to fit the smaller onion ring into it.

Season the meat with the spices.

Then wrap the bacon strips around the ring.

Place them on top of a baking pan and season again with salt, black pepper and paprika over the bacon strips. Bake at 370°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.

Take the rings out of the oven, spread with abundant BBQ sauce over each of them, and bake for 15 minutes more.

Serve while still hot and crispy.

Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!