Class Reunion Casserole

Class Reunion Casserole–Instant Pot broccoli, orzo, bacon, cheese and chicken casserole. A twist on a classic casserole with an easier and faster method of making it.

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Class Reunion Casserole

Casseroles are number one when it comes to comfort foods. They have the unique ability to bring various ingredients together in a single dish. In that way they are similar to a class reunion, where classmates from different backgrounds and walks of life unite once again. Reunited and it feels so good….

You’re going to love this casserole! Imagine succulent chunks of chicken and bacon crumbles mingled with orzo pasta and broccoli florets. Plus the melty cheese pulls all the flavors together.

This recipe allows for customization. Whether it’s swapping in a different cheese or incorporating additional vegetables, or using cubed ham in the place of bacon there are a lot of ways to make this casserole your own.

This casserole will bring you a bit of nostalgia from the old days (I think every mom served a broccoli casserole). However it is an updated version that you’ll want to make over and over again! It was a winner at my house and won me all sorts of compliments.

Ingredients/Substitution Ideas

• Butter–or olive oil
• Shallot–or ½ cup minced onion
• Chicken broth–or water and Better than Bouillon
• Chopped, cooked chicken or turkey–I like to use rotisserie chicken from Costco
• Orzo or converted rice–or minute rice
• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder–or granulated garlic
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper–or smoked paprika
• Broccoli florets–I used fresh but you can also use frozen. You can also use cauliflower or brussels sprouts.
• Bacon crumbles–I use packaged real bacon crumbles but you can also fry up some bacon and crumble it. You can also use cubes of ham instead.
• Shredded cheddar–or a blend of cheeses
• Heavy cream–or a half cup of sour cream or 4 ounces of cream cheese (add in before pressure cooking on top of broccoli).

Steps

Turn Instant Pot to saute setting. When display says hot add in the butter and let it melt. Add in the shallot and saute for 3 minutes.

Pour in the broth and scrape bottom of pot so that nothing is sticking. 

Add the chicken into the pot evenly on the bottom of the pot.

Sprinkle the orzo/rice over the chicken evenly.

Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, pepper and cayenne on top.

Add the broccoli on top. Don’t stir. 

Cover Instant Pot and secure the lid. Make sure valve is set to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 1 minute. When time is up let pot sit for 5 minutes and then move valve to venting. Remove the lid. 

Stir in the bacon, cheese and cream. 

Serve and enjoy!

Notes/Tips

• We served this as an all in one pot type of meal. If you’d like to serve something on the side try garlic bread, green salad and fresh fruit.
• You can easily double this recipe. Double all ingredients but keep the same cooking time.
• Variation idea! Try using ham cubes in the place of bacon.
• This recipe can be gluten-free if you use rice instead of orzo.
• I used my 3 quart Instant Pot*. You can also make this in a 6 or 8 quart pot.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container* in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Other recipes you can make with broccoli florets are Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Instant Pot Broccoli Alfredo.
• What is converted/parboiled rice? Don’t confuse converted rice (or sometimes it is called parboiled rice) with pre-cooked or minute rice. Parboiled rice has been processed in its husk by soaking, steaming, and drying. As a result, all the nutrients from the husk are absorbed into the grain before it’s removed. The starch content alters in the process, making cooked parboiled rice less sticky than regular white rice. The rice kernels aren’t clumpy and glued together instead they are more separated. I found a bag of parboiled rice at Walmart next to the normal long grain white rice. Sometimes I buy it at Winco in the bulk section. I have also found it in the orange box (Ben’s brand) next to other rices.
• What is orzo? Orzo is a type of pasta that is often mistaken for rice due to its small, rice-like shape. However, it is indeed a pasta made from wheat flour and water. Its name “orzo” comes from the Italian word for “barley,” which the pasta’s shape is said to resemble.

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More Instant Pot Broccoli Recipes…

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*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.