Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If there’s one side dish that knows how to steal the show, it’s a skillet full of sautéed mushrooms and onions. Rich in earthy aroma, buttery-soft in texture, and kissed with a touch of caramelization, this recipe is a favorite not just for steak lovers but for anyone who appreciates deep flavor without fuss.

What makes this dish truly irresistible is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few steps, you can transform humble vegetables into a restaurant-quality side. Whether you serve it over burgers, toss it with pasta, spoon it over creamy polenta, or simply enjoy it as-is, the result is always deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions Recipe

This dish is all about big flavor with minimal effort. The mushrooms soak up all the buttery richness and pair beautifully with the sweetness of slowly caramelized onions. It’s versatile, low-carb, vegetarian-friendly, and makes an amazing topping or side for both casual weeknight meals and special dinners.

You can even make it ahead of time, and it reheats like a dream. The umami from the mushrooms, sweetness from the onions, and that slight sizzle in the skillet bring comfort food to a new level.

What Kind of Mushrooms Should I Use?

The most commonly used mushrooms for this recipe are cremini, white button, or baby bella mushrooms. Each of these holds up well to sautéing and develops a gorgeous golden-brown sear in the pan. If you’re feeling a little fancy, feel free to mix in shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a more gourmet twist.

Make sure to clean your mushrooms gently with a damp cloth instead of rinsing them under water—they soak up moisture quickly and you want them to sear, not steam.

Ingredients for the Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions Recipe

The charm of this dish lies in how just a few pantry staples can come together into something rich and memorable. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building flavor and texture, so it’s worth choosing quality produce and fats.

• Mushrooms
• Yellow Onions
• Butter
• Olive Oil
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Fresh Thyme (optional)

Mushrooms bring the star of the show—their earthy richness develops beautifully when sautéed. Yellow Onions add natural sweetness and depth, especially as they caramelize slowly. A mix of Butter and Olive Oil gives you both flavor and the right smoke point for cooking. A few cloves of Garlic add warmth and aroma. Simple seasonings like Salt and Black Pepper are enough to highlight the natural flavors. For a fresh, herby finish, a sprinkle of Fresh Thyme at the end adds an elegant touch.

How To Make the Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Clean your mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel and slice them evenly. Peel and thinly slice the onions. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Let the butter melt completely and begin to foam—this is when it’s ready.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

Add the sliced onions to the pan with a pinch of salt. Cook them low and slow, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Mushrooms

Once the onions are softened, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes so they get a nice sear. Then stir occasionally until they reduce in size and turn golden brown, around 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Season

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh thyme over the top. Give everything one last stir, and they’re ready to serve.

Best Way to Serve and Store These Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions

Sautéed mushrooms and onions are one of those rare sides that are just as good the next day. Serve them hot right out of the skillet, or cool and store them for later use in other meals. This recipe yields about 4 generous servings.

They make a perfect topping for steaks, grilled chicken, and pork chops. You can also spoon them onto toasted sourdough or garlic bread, mix into risotto, or toss with roasted veggies. If you’re building grain bowls, they add savory richness without overpowering other ingredients.

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled mushrooms and onions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat so they regain their original texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them soggy.

What to Serve With Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions?

Grilled Ribeye Steak

The earthy, umami flavors of mushrooms and onions were practically made for pairing with grilled or pan-seared steak.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Spoon the mushroom-onion mixture right over creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy, comforting side.

Herbed Quinoa Bowls

They’re a perfect topping for whole grain bowls with quinoa, roasted chickpeas, and leafy greens.

Buttered Egg Noodles

For an old-school comfort dish, toss them with buttery egg noodles and a dusting of parmesan.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The savory depth of the mushrooms complements the slightly bitter edge of roasted sprouts.

Chicken Marsala

Add them as an extra layer of flavor to this saucy Italian-American favorite.

Polenta or Grits

Soft polenta or cheesy grits become a hearty meal with these sautéed vegetables spooned on top.

Toasted Baguette or Crostini

Perfect for a rustic appetizer or light lunch with a sprinkle of goat cheese or ricotta.

Want More Side Dish Ideas with Big Flavor?

If these sautéed mushrooms and onions made your dinner table sing, you’ll definitely enjoy these other standout sides from Luna Meals:

• Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions when you want sweet, melty onion bliss.
• Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes for a no-fuss side that simmers in flavor.
• Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds to add a crisp veggie crunch.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you want to turn the mushroom magic into a full meal.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a rich and cheesy companion.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest veggie board or comfort food favorites so you can make it whenever the craving strikes.

Let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you caramelize longer or add a splash of wine? Maybe even mix in some bell peppers?

I love seeing how these recipes get adapted in your kitchens.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and cozy sides on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dish!

Conclusion

This sautéed mushrooms and onions recipe is proof that the simplest combinations often yield the richest rewards. It’s versatile, deeply flavorful, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences or the season. Keep it in your weekly rotation and see how it transforms even the most basic dinners into something extra special.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?