Onions have a way of turning everyday meals into something warm and comforting. They can be sweet and mellow when caramelized, sharp and punchy when raw, or deeply savory when cooked into sauces and gravies. This list brings together recipes where onions shine, from French-inspired dishes to hearty casseroles and globally inspired creations. These meals highlight the many ways onions can add depth and character to the table.

Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice

Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tender chicken is cooked with colorful peppers and onions, then simmered with rice until fluffy. The vegetables add sweetness and crunch, balancing the savory flavors. It’s an easy all-in-one skillet meal that works well for weeknights. A sprinkle of fresh herbs ties it together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice

Cucumber Onion Salad

A small white bowl filled with sliced cucumbers and onions, showcasing bold flavor, is placed on a marble surface next to two forks.
Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This crisp salad combines thinly sliced cucumbers and onions in a tangy dressing. The onion adds bite while the cucumber keeps it refreshing. It’s quick to prepare and great as a side for grilled meats. Chill it before serving to let the flavors blend.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Onion Salad

Fig Jam, Caramelized Onion, and Prosciutto Pizza

Fig Jam, Caramelized Onion, and Prosciutto Pizza. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This pizza layers sweet fig jam with caramelized onions, salty prosciutto, and melted cheese. The flavor combination balances sweet, savory, and salty in every bite. The onions become soft and jammy as they bake. It’s an elegant twist on a classic pizza.
Get the Recipe: Fig Jam, Caramelized Onion, and Prosciutto Pizza

Sausage, Peppers, and Onions – Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage, Peppers, and Onions – Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Sausage links roast with peppers and onions, creating a simple one-pan meal. The juices from the sausage flavor the vegetables as they cook. It’s hearty, colorful, and easy to prepare. Serve with bread or over pasta for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage, Peppers, and Onions – Sheet Pan Dinner

Cheese and Onion Quiche

A slice of cheese and onion quiche on a white plate with a fork, next to a whole quiche in a tin.
Cheese and Onion Quiche. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This quiche features a flaky crust filled with onions and melted cheese. The filling is rich and custardy, with the onions bringing sweetness to balance the cheese. It’s great for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Onion Quiche

French Onion Gnocchi

French Onion Gnocchi. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Soft gnocchi are tossed in a sauce inspired by French onion soup, complete with caramelized onions and melted cheese. The dish is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. The onions cook down until golden and sweet. It’s a cozy skillet meal with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Gnocchi

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Close-up shot of Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers on a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill topped with cheesy onion on a plate.
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Ground pork patties are seasoned and topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese. The flavor is rich, echoing the taste of French onion soup in burger form. Grilling gives the patties a smoky char. Serve on toasted buns for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

French Onion Beef Casserole

French Onion Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This casserole layers tender beef, pasta, or rice with a creamy onion-based sauce. Caramelized onions give it a deep, savory flavor. A topping of cheese or breadcrumbs adds texture. It’s hearty and filling, perfect for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Beef Casserole

Mexican Stuffed Onions

Mexican Stuffed Onions. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Large onions are hollowed out and filled with a spiced meat and rice mixture. They’re baked until the onions turn tender and slightly sweet. The filling has bold Mexican seasoning with just the right amount of heat. Top with cheese or fresh cilantro before serving.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Stuffed Onions

One Pot French Onion Pasta

A plate of rigatoni pasta with shredded cheese and herbs, next to a fork on a white dish. An onion and parsley are in the background.
One Pot French Onion Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Pasta is cooked with caramelized onions, broth, and a touch of cream for a rich sauce. The flavors are inspired by French onion soup but in pasta form. A topping of melted cheese finishes the dish. Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta

Vidalia Onion Bacon Cheeseburger

Blue plate with a cheeseburger and chips with an onion and glass of water in the background.
Vidalia Onion Bacon Cheeseburger. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Sweet Vidalia onions pair with smoky bacon and melted cheese on a juicy burger. The onion adds balance to the richness of the beef. It’s a flavorful spin on the classic cheeseburger. Serve with fries or chips for a diner-style meal.
Get the Recipe: Vidalia Onion Bacon Cheeseburger

Onion Samosas

Low angle shot of fried onion samosas ready to serve.
Onion Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These crispy pastries are filled with spiced onions and sometimes potatoes. The onions are sautéed with fragrant seasonings before being wrapped in dough. Once fried, they’re crunchy on the outside and soft inside. They make a flavorful appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas

French Onion Chicken

Close-up of a piece of cooked chicken topped with melted cheese and herbs, being lifted from a skillet with a spatula.
French Onion Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken breasts are cooked with caramelized onions in a savory broth. The dish is finished with melted cheese on top. It echoes the flavors of French onion soup but in a hearty main dish. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken

French Onion Chicken and Rice

French Onion Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

This variation bakes chicken and rice together with a French onion-inspired sauce. The rice absorbs the rich flavors of the broth and onions. The chicken stays juicy while cooking on top. It’s an easy, filling one-pan meal.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken and Rice

Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions

Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb chops are pan-seared and paired with cipollini onions, which are roasted until tender and sweet. The onions bring out the depth of the lamb’s flavor. A simple pan sauce ties the elements together. It’s a hearty, elegant skillet dinner.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions

French Onion Meatball Sliders

A cross-section of a beef burger with melted cheese and caramelized onions, served on a plate.
French Onion Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Juicy meatballs are topped with caramelized onions and cheese, then tucked into slider buns. The onions melt into the meatballs, giving rich flavor in every bite. Baking them together makes the cheese bubbly and golden. They’re fun for parties or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Meatball Sliders

Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions

A plate with shredded beef over white rice, accompanied by sautéed broccoli and carrots. Garlic and onions are visible in the background.
Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Steak simmers in a slow cooker with onions and broth until tender. The onions break down into a savory sauce that coats the meat. It’s a low-effort recipe that delivers big flavor. Serve with potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions

Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

Sliced meatloaf with gravy on decorative plate, garnished with rosemary, accompanied by mashed potatoes.
Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Classic meatloaf is topped with a smooth onion gravy that soaks into each slice. The gravy makes the dish extra comforting and rich. The onions add sweetness and depth to the sauce. Mashed potatoes complete the plate.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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