Ready to dive into the world of flavors that this rice casserole offers? Follow these steps to bring this dish to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed.
3. Add in the uncooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, making sure the rice is evenly coated with the soup mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
6. After the hour, remove the foil, stir the mixture, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

As you follow these steps, you might hear Mama Lou’s gentle voice guiding you, just as she did with Ouma and me in her kitchen. Cooking this dish is like embracing a piece of our family heritage.