Savory Cheesy Onion Rice Casserole
This Savory Cheesy Onion Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. In under 5 minutes of prep time, you can create a sumptuous dish that combines creamy textures with layers of cheesy goodness. The delightful mix of cream of chicken and mushroom soups ensures every bite is rich and satisfying, while the inclusion of sautéed onions and optional celery adds depth to the flavor profile. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty main course—just toss in some cooked chicken or turkey for a complete meal. A little kick from cayenne pepper elevates the dish for those who love it spicy, but feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. With a generous helping of mozzarella cheese melted on top, this casserole promises to be a family favorite that you'll want again and again!
8
Servings
348
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream of chicken soup
1 (10-ounce) can (undiluted)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10-ounce) can (undiluted)
water
2 cups
milk
1 1/2 cups
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
dry onion soup mix
1 (1-ounce) package
instant Minute Rice
2 cups (uncooked)
sliced mushrooms
1 (10-ounce) can (well drained (can use 2 cans))
medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
stalk celery
1 small (finely diced (optional))
garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ((or to taste))
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 1/2 cups (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and position the oven rack to the second-lowest level.
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the undiluted cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, milk, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
4
Stir in the uncooked instant rice, dry onion soup mix, drained mushrooms, chopped onion, diced celery (if using), garlic powder, pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
5
Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the casserole is heated through.
7
Once cooked, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
31g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cheesy Onion Rice Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish featuring creamy textures, layers of mozzarella cheese, and a mix of onion and mushroom flavors.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What size baking dish is needed?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended.
How long does the casserole bake?
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender, then melt the cheese for another 2-3 minutes.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken or turkey to turn this side dish into a complete main course meal.
What kind of rice is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked instant Minute Rice.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it?
No, the instant rice is added to the mixture while still uncooked.
What soups are used in this casserole?
One 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup and one 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup are required.
Do I need to dilute the cream soups?
No, the soups should be used undiluted.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
The recipe calls for mozzarella, but you can adjust the cheese type to your preference.
How can I make this dish spicy?
You can add a little kick by including cayenne pepper to your preference.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter before pouring in the mixture.
How much prep time is required?
Preparation takes under 5 minutes.
Can I omit the celery?
Yes, the 1 small stalk of finely diced celery is optional.
Should the mushrooms be fresh or canned?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce can of sliced mushrooms, well drained.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
You will need a total of 2 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What position should the oven rack be in?
Position the oven rack to the second-lowest level.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 348 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 18g per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and protein counts?
There are 31g of carbohydrates and 13g of protein per serving.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of either butter or margarine, melted.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice is done when it is tender and the casserole is heated through, usually after 40-45 minutes.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered.
How much liquid is needed for the recipe?
You will need 2 cups of water and 1 1/2 cups of milk.
Is the onion soup mix liquid or dry?
Use one 1-ounce package of dry onion soup mix.
How is the mozzarella cheese distributed?
Mix 1 1/2 cups into the casserole and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup on top during the last few minutes.
What seasonings are added to the mix?
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
Can I use more than one can of mushrooms?
Yes, you can use two cans of sliced mushrooms if you prefer.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be finely chopped.