Description
One-Dish Tennessee Onions is a comforting baked casserole featuring tender sautéed onions combined with savory rice, melted cheese, and diced tomatoes, seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and oregano. Finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and fresh parsley garnish, this hearty dish offers a delightful blend of creamy and crispy textures, perfect as a side or a light main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large onions, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Garnish
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready to bake the casserole evenly.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
- Combine Onions and Rice Mixture: Add the sautéed onions into the rice and cheese mixture, stirring well to incorporate.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping: If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm for a delicious one-dish meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the shredded cheese with your favorite meltable cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Using fresh diced tomatoes will give a fresher taste, but canned tomatoes work well too.
- Breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunchy texture but can be omitted for a softer topping.
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage into the rice mixture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cold from the fridge.
