Shelly's Recipe

CHEESY ONION BAKED RICE

Category: Rice/Risotto

1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 (can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 (1 oz) pkg dry onion soup mix
2 cups uncooked white instant rice (such as Minute Rice)
1 (10 oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 small celery rib, diced
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

In a bowl whisk together the first 6 ingredients until smooth and blended. Add in all remaining ingredients with 1 1/2 cups only of shredded mozzarella cheese (save the remaining to sprinkle on top). Transfer to baking dish. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top then return to oven for 2-3 minutes to melt.