Ground Turkey Rice Casserole With Asparagus and Cheddar Cheese

This recipe came about during one of those "what do I have in the fridge that can become a meal" nights, and my husband's plea NOT to make spaghetti, again.  It is #gluten-free, #wheat-free, #corn-free, and can be #soy-free with a slight adjustment.  It was adapted from this recipe.  I didn't have all the ingredients at home to make the original recipe so that is how I created this recipe. (Husband even came back for seconds)

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⭐2021 Update: I love cheese, and now my tummy has decided it doesn't. I am now using vegan cheese. Recommend Daiya Brand. (Paid Link)

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked white rice (approximately 1 cup uncooked) *substitute brown rice is desired
6 tablespoons butter *can substitute soy free alternative
6 tablespoons rice flour
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can (10.5oz) Gluten Free Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup *may contain soy, dairy
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
12oz. frozen (or fresh) asparagus,cooked, cut in 1-inch pieces, about 2 cups
1lb. ground turkey *make sure no fillers are added that may contain gluten
8 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese

Preparation:

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Heat oven to 350°.
Cook rice in boiling water following package directions.

1. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter
2. Add chopped bell pepper and sauté until tender.
3. Add minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute. 
4. Stir in rice flour until well blended. (mixture will be slightly crumbled)
5. Add condensed chicken soup and milk; Stir
6. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until mixture is hot (but not boiling).
7. Add salt, pepper, asparagus, and ground turkey; heat through. 
8. Stir in about 4oz of cheese (about 1/2 of the cheese) and cook until melted. 
9. Stir in the cooked rice
10. Pour into the prepared baking dish. 
11. Sprinkle top with remainder of cheese
12. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Serves 6 to 8.