Tasty Caramelized Onion Risotto: A Comforting Family Favorite!

Name: Tasty Caramelized Onion Risotto
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 cup white wine (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Posted on February 14, 2026

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This Tasty Caramelized Onion Risotto comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking? Absolutely heavenly.

Ingredients for Tasty Caramelized Onion Risotto

Let’s talk about what you need to whip up this soul-soothing risotto.

1 cup Arborio rice: This short-grain rice is the star of the show! It soaks up all that rich, creamy goodness.
4 cups vegetable broth: Use homemade if you have it, but store-bought works just fine too!
2 large onions, thinly sliced: Sweet, flavorful, and the key to that caramelized magic happening here.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing those onions and bringing everything together.
1 tablespoon butter: I can’t find a reason to skimp on this! Adds richness that you won’t want to miss out on.
1/2 cup white wine (optional): If you have some left in the fridge, it adds great depth of flavor. Feel free to skip if you’re keeping it kid-friendly!
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The umami it brings is just… chef’s kiss!
Salt and pepper to taste: Just a couple pinches to bring all the flavors out.
Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of color and freshness to make it pretty!

Ingredient Benefits and Substitutions

Arborio Rice: If you’re in a bind, any short-grain rice will do, but Arborio is really where the magic happens. It’s got that creamy texture that makes risotto risotto!
Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth works just as well if your family isn’t vegetarian. Plus, it’ll add a bit more flavor!
Onions: Shallots or leeks can be used if you want to mix it up a bit.
Wine: If you don’t have any on hand, just boost the broth to 5 cups. Get creative!
Parmesan Cheese: Feel free to swap in Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast if you’re vegan or dairy-free.

Here’s How It’s Done

Step 1: Warm the Broth

First, grab a saucepan and set it over low heat. Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth and let it warm gently. You want it hot but not boiling. This is key for a creamy risotto!

About 5 minutes here should suffice!

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and everything is sizzling, toss in the thinly sliced onions. Cook them low and slow! We’re looking for them to turn golden brown and sweet, which should take about 15-20 minutes. And remember to stir occasionally so they don’t stick to the pan. You can add a couple pinches of salt and pepper to help them caramelize and enhance their natural sweetness.

Wait until you can smell that heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Next, stir in the 1 cup of Arborio rice. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until the grains look slightly translucent. This step helps to toast the rice and build flavor; don’t skip it!

You’ll see that the rice gets a lovely sheen, just like a sparkly diamond!

Step 4: Add the Wine

If you’re choosing to use wine, now’s the time! Pour in 1/2 cup of white wine and cook until it’s mostly absorbed, about 2-3 minutes. Just enough time to scrape up all the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan!

Gosh, that’s what I call layering flavors, can you sense it getting exciting?

Step 5: Add the Broth Gradually

Now comes the fun part! Carefully add the warm broth one ladle at a time. Stir often, and wait until each ladle has mostly absorbed into the rice before adding the next one. This should take about 18-20 minutes. The stirring helps break down the starches in the rice, creating that creamy texture.

It’s like watching a beautiful transformation take place right in front of you!

Step 6: Mix in the Cheese

When your risotto is creamy and the rice is al dente (you’ll know; it should have a slight bite), remove it from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle in a couple pinches of salt and pepper to enhance flavors. Give it a good stir until creamy and delicious!

This is the moment: you’ll see it fluff up and become utterly irresistible!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish your beautiful risotto with fresh parsley. Grab a bowl, serve warm, and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need comfort food. I’m a real sucker for risotto! It’s simple to make, yet it delivers so much flavor. Plus, it has that creamy texture that just wraps you up like a warm hug. I love how customizable it is, you can easily swap in whatever vegetables or cheese you have hanging out in the fridge.

And the best part is, even my picky 8-year-old asked for seconds! Talk about a success!

If you loved this risotto, be sure to check out my Ina Garten Baked Risotto, my Japanese Style Risotto with Seared Salmon, or my Gordon Ramsay Lobster Risotto! They’ll keep that comfort-food vibe going, too!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

The beauty of this risotto is that it comes together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something substantial without too much fuss!

One Pot – Minimal Cleanup Required

I mean, who wants to spend ages scrubbing pots and pans after a long day? With this recipe, everything happens in one pan. From start to finish, it means more time enjoying dinner with your family and less time cleaning up afterward!

Customizable – Use What You Have

Whether it’s adding veggies like spinach or using a different type of cheese, the beauty of this risotto is that it’s incredibly adaptable. You can create countless variations based on what you have on hand.

Comfort Food Loaded with Tons of Flavor

Caramelized onions mixed with creamy Arborio rice come together to make a dish that’s comforting in every bite. This risotto is everything comfort food should be rich, creamy, and totally satisfying!

Budget-Friendly Ingredients

All the ingredients are easily accessible and won’t break the bank. Plus, you can make this meal stretch even further by adding in leftover veggies or proteins!

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

Looking for something to pair it with? Try topping this risotto with roasted veggies or grilled chicken for a heartier meal. A side salad with a lemon vinaigrette is also a fresh and zesty addition.

How Long It Keeps

Covered in the fridge, this risotto will keep for about 3-4 days. Just be sure it cools down completely before you store it.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, add a splash of broth or water in a pan over low heat, stirring consistently until heated through. If you find it’s getting too thick, don’t hesitate to add a little more liquid!

Freezer Friendly?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Risotto is best enjoyed fresh. But if you want to test it, store it in an airtight container, and it should be good for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

That’s it, folks! A Tasty Caramelized Onion Risotto that’s bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy cooking, and remember, food is all about bringing people together, so gather your loved ones and dig in! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.