Caramelized Onion Cannellini Beans: A Cozy Family Favorite!

This Caramelized Onion Cannellini Beans comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use this dish as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of any leftovers and odds and ends you might have hanging around. Seriously, it’s a win-win!

Ingredient Breakdown

• 1 Large Onion, Thinly Sliced
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 Can (15 Ounces) Cannellini Beans, Drained and Rinsed
• 1 Teaspoon Fresh Thyme (or ½ Teaspoon Dried Thyme)
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, for Heat)
• Fresh Parsley, for Garnish

Let’s Get Cooking!

How to Make Caramelized Onion Cannellini Beans

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking!

2. Caramelize the onions: Add the sliced onions to the hot oil, stirring occasionally. Let them cook for about 20-25 minutes until they are caramelized and golden brown. It’s worth the wait, trust me! You’ll get those beautiful golden bits, scrape the yummy bits off the bottom while stirring!

3. Add the garlic and thyme: Toss in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. You know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like a cozy hug!

4. Stir in the beans: Add the drained cannellini beans and stir until everything is heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper, adding red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.

5. Serve warm: Plate it up while warm, garnishing with fresh parsley. And wow, just wow.

My Go-To Recipe!

This is my go-to recipe when I need a quick and comforting meal. I can’t tell you how many times this dish has saved my dinner plans after a long day! It’s the kind of comfort food that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And the best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, like if you have some spinach or zucchini, toss those in too!

If you loved this Caramelized Onion Cannellini Beans, be sure to check out my incredible Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup, my Mediterranean White Bean Soup, or my flavorful Rustic Roasted Vegetable Bake with Cannellini Beans!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect after a busy day when you need a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

One Pot Wonder

Minimal cleanup required, everything cooks in one skillet! Just one pot means fewer dishes, and you can spend more time with your family instead of cleaning.

Budget-Friendly

With just a handful of affordable, everyday ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank. Beans are an excellent cost-effective source of protein, making this a win for your wallet!

Customizable

Use whatever ingredients you have! Whether it’s leftover veggies or different spices, you can really make this dish your own.

Loaded with Flavor

The caramelized onions bring a sweet, deep flavor while the garlic and herbs add freshness. Each bite is comforting and delicious!

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

This dish is perfect on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or alongside grilled chicken. It’s also an excellent filling for tacos or wraps!

How Long It Keeps

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, and you’re set!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to your skillet to keep the beans moist. Heat over medium-low until warmed through.

Freezer-Friendly?

Yes! You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

And honestly, I can’t wait for you to try this out! Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, right? This recipe is just easy and so satisfying. Let me know how it turns out for you, happy cooking, my friends! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.

Caramelized Onion Cannellini Beans

A quick and easy one-pot dish featuring caramelized onions and creamy cannellini beans, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Vegetarian

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 large Onion, thinly sliced Yellow onions preferred for sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil Extra virgin preferred for flavor.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh is best, but jarred can work in a pinch.
• 1 can (15 ounces) Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Can substitute with white beans or chickpeas.
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme Can substitute with ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
• Salt and pepper to taste Essential for flavor enhancement.
• Red pepper flakes (optional) For added heat.
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Optional but adds a nice touch.

Method

 

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Add the minced garlic and thyme; cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the drained cannellini beans and heat through for about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Serve warm, garnishing with fresh parsley.

Notes

This dish is flexible; feel free to add any leftover vegetables you might have. Pairs well with crusty bread or salads. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.