Runza Casserole

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Runza casserole is a yummy twist on the classic Nebraska sandwich. You’ll love this easy dish that brings together beef, cabbage, and cheese in a cozy crescent roll crust. This recipe serves 8 and takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

With simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, cabbage, and crescent rolls, you can whip up this hearty meal in no time. The layers of savory filling and gooey cheese between flaky crusts will make your mouth water. Give this Midwest favorite a try – your family will thank you!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Runza casserole:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

You’ll also want to have a 9×13-inch baking dish ready. Don’t forget to grease it before you start!

This recipe makes 8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Each serving packs about 510 calories, so it’s quite filling.

Remember, you can always adjust the seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add more garlic powder if you love garlic, or use less salt if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Instructions

Heat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This gets your oven ready and prevents sticking.

Brown the ground beef and onions in a big skillet. Drain the extra fat once they’re cooked.

Mix in the cabbage, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage gets soft.

Open one can of crescent rolls. Press the dough into your baking dish to make a bottom crust. Bake it for 5 minutes.

Spread your beef mix over the baked crust. Cover it with cheese.

Use the second can of crescent rolls to make a top crust. Just unroll and place on top.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top crust turns golden brown.

Let your casserole cool for 5 minutes before you cut it. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your homemade Runza casserole! It’s a tasty meal that’s sure to fill you up.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this Runza casserole to suit your taste. Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter meal. If you’re not a fan of cabbage, swap it for spinach or kale.

Don’t have crescent rolls? No problem! Use pie crust or puff pastry as a substitute. For a low-carb option, skip the crust and make it into a skillet meal.

Here are some fun ways to mix it up:

• Add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra veggies
• Mix in some sauerkraut for a tangy twist
• Sprinkle in some caraway seeds for a traditional flavor
• Use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar

Want to make it spicy? Add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapenos to the filling. For a creamy version, mix in some cream cheese or sour cream.

You can also play with the seasonings. Try adding some paprika, thyme, or Italian herbs to change up the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and make it your own!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best Runza casserole, use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. You can swap the beef for ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option.

Shred your own cabbage for a fresher taste. A food processor makes quick work of this task.

Don’t skip pre-baking the bottom crust. This step keeps it from getting soggy.

To save time, cook the beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. Just heat it up before assembling the casserole.

Get creative with cheese! Try Swiss or provolone for a twist on flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep the crust crispy.

You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

For easy serving, cut the casserole into squares and use a spatula to lift out each piece.