How to Make a Delicious Runza Casserole
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Discover the comforting flavors of “Comfort in a Dish: Runza Casserole,” a delightful twist on the classic Nebraska Runza sandwich. This hearty casserole features seasoned ground beef, onions, and cabbage, all baked under a layer of crescent roll dough. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a favorite with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Why You’ll Love Runza Casserole:
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with seasoned beef and vegetables.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Comfort Food: A warm, satisfying dish perfect for any meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients Notes For Runza Casserole:
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef for a rich, meaty filling.
- Onion: Finely chopped for added flavor.
- Cabbage: Shredded, adds texture and bulk.
- Garlic: Minced, for an aromatic boost.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Crescent Roll Dough: For the top and bottom crust.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese for added richness.
- Butter: Optional, for brushing the top crust.
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Recipe Steps:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 4 cups of shredded cabbage and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
- Unroll one can (8 ounces) of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, sealing any perforations to form a solid layer.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the beef and cabbage mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Unroll the second can (8 ounces) of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese, stretching and sealing any perforations to cover the entire surface.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm, optionally brushed with melted butter.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freeze: Freeze the assembled (but unbaked) casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
How to Make a Delicious Runza Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cans 8 oz each refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups shredded cabbage or a mix of cabbage and sauerkraut for extra flavor
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds optional, adds a traditional flavor
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Base:
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and, without separating the triangles, place it in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Stretch the dough to cover the bottom, pinching any seams to seal.
- Cook the Meat Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the minced garlic and shredded cabbage. Cook, stirring, until the cabbage is wilted and tender, about 7-10 minutes. If using caraway seeds, add them now.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the meat and cabbage filling evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the filling, stretching and pinching seams to seal and cover the filling completely.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot, cut into squares.