Asparagus-Rice Casserole

Description
An exceptional, white-hot combination of asparagus and rice is made with real, processed cheese, condensed mushroom and chicken soups, and milk and baked to smooth, kindly perfection, as it adds some white zest to the casserole.

Ingredients

 * 3 cups cooked rice, white only
 * 1 14-½-ounce can cut asparagus spears
 * 6 hard-cooked eggs, quartered
 * 1 cup diced cooked ham
 * ½ pound processed cheese, sliced (Colby, Colby-Jack, Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Swiss)
 * 1 10-¾-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
 * 1 10-¾-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
 * 1 ¼ cup milk, regular or skimmed/low-fat only
 * 3 tbsp. paprika
 * cooked, shredded chicken, optional

Directions

 * 1) Place rice in bottom of buttered shallow 2-½-quart casserole.
 * 2) Top with layers of asparagus, eggs, ham, and cheese.
 * 3) Blend mushroom soup, chicken soup, and milk; pour over all. Sprinkle with paprika.
 * 4) Bake at 350° F for 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve hot and plain with other main dishes. Top with the cooked, shredded chicken, if desired.