Runza Casserole Recipe

A Comforting, Easy Family Meal

Runza Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings all the flavors of the classic Runza sandwich into a simple, baked casserole. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to serve at family gatherings, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Packed with savory ground beef, sweet cabbage, and melty cheese, all nestled between layers of flaky crescent roll dough, this casserole is a Midwestern favorite with a delightful twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: This casserole comes together with minimal prep and uses common ingredients.
  • Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, cheesy, and hearty, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings for homemade comfort food.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option.
  • Customizable: You can switch up the cheese, add extra veggies, or swap out the protein to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife for chopping onion and shredding cabbage
  • Cheese grater (if shredding cheese from a block)
  • Oven mitts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion turns translucent. Drain excess fat.

Add shredded cabbage, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir and cook until the cabbage softens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Mix with Soup

Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup until well combined. This helps bind the mixture together and adds extra creaminess.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a crust.

Evenly spread the beef and cabbage mixture over the crescent roll crust.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese to form a top crust.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Colby-Jack, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
  • Protein Alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for extra texture and nutrients.
  • Dough Substitutions: If you prefer, use homemade biscuit dough or puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, or Dijon mustard for extra flavor depth.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap individual portions in foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

  • Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
  • Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Best Pairings

This Runza Casserole pairs beautifully with:

  • Side Dishes: A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
  • Drinks: A light beer, lemonade, or an iced tea complements the savory flavors.
  • Dessert: A warm apple crisp or classic chocolate chip cookies make a perfect ending.

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just bake when ready.

Can I use fresh dough instead of crescent rolls?

Absolutely! You can substitute homemade dough or even use puff pastry for a flakier texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free crescent roll dough or a gluten-free biscuit dough alternative.

What if I don’t like cabbage?

Try substituting shredded spinach, kale, or even finely chopped zucchini.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Pre-baking the bottom crescent roll layer for about 5-7 minutes before adding the filling can help create a firmer base.

Try It and Share!

This Runza Casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! If you love it, share it with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more easy, delicious recipes!

Happy cooking!

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