Runza Casserole Recipe

Allow yourself to be transported to the heart of the Midwest with the comforting and savory embrace of Runza Casserole, a cherished dish that emanates from the culinary traditions of Nebraska. Inspired by the much-loved Runza sandwich, this casserole intertwines the robust flavors of seasoned ground beef, cabbage, onions, and a generous layer of cheese, all nestled within the tender layers of flaky crescent roll dough. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm, hearty hug in casserole form, bringing the quintessential warmth and flavors of the Midwest straight to your dining table.

Enhance Your Runza Casserole Experience with These Delightful Sides:

• Side Salad: Elevate your meal with a crisp green salad, adorned with a zesty vinaigrette, to provide a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the casserole’s rich, savory notes.
• Roasted Vegetables: Consider accompanying your casserole with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes, introducing a nourishing and flavorful companion to your meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: Indulge in the velvety smoothness of creamy mashed potatoes, a side that lovingly complements the robust, hearty fillings of the casserole.

Crafting Your Runza Casserole:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 head of cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s browned, remove any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Stir in the shredded cabbage, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender. Remove from heat.
5. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the bottom layer.
6. Spread the beef and cabbage mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer.
7. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef and cabbage.
8. Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese layer, pressing the edges to seal with the bottom layer of dough.
9. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes:

– You can customize the filling by adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.
– Feel free to serve this hearty Runza Casserole with the suggested sides like a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes to complete your Midwest-inspired meal.