Hearty Runza Casserole Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Food

The aroma of warm, hearty Runza casserole wafts through the air, making your stomach growl in anticipation. Picture layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tender cabbage nestled beneath a golden-brown crust, inviting you to dive in and savor every bite. For more inspiration, check out this cozy cabbage soup recipe recipe.

This delightful dish not only warms your belly but also sparks memories of family gatherings where laughter blended with the savory scents from the oven. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly nights or cozy weekends when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

Sharing this dish with friends brought smiles all around as we reminisced about our childhood meals together.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: I usually opt for lean ground beef for a healthier casserole without sacrificing flavor.
• Onion: Use a sweet onion to enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole. Crunchy Carrot Apple Salad for a sweet crunch.
• Cabbage: Fresh green cabbage gives a great texture and pairs perfectly with the meat. Green Goddess Salad for a vibrant addition.
• Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its rich taste, but feel free to mix in other cheeses!
• Crescent Roll Dough: The secret weapon for that flaky crust that everyone craves—easy and delicious!

For seasoning:

• Garlic Powder: A must-have for adding depth to the beef mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential staples to elevate all flavors—don’t skimp on these!
• Dried Oregano: A sprinkle brings an aromatic herbal note that rounds everything out beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure even baking for that perfect golden crust.

Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until they are translucent and fragrant. Drain any excess fat before seasoning.

Add cabbage: Toss in chopped cabbage and cook until it wilts down nicely, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until everything starts to meld together.

Mix in spices: Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Stir well and let those flavors marry together for another minute or two.

Prepare dough: Roll out crescent roll dough onto a greased baking dish. Press seams together to form one big sheet—this is where all the magic happens!

Layer it up: Pour your meat mixture onto the dough and top generously with shredded cheddar cheese before folding over any excess dough on top.

Bake away: Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before digging in!

Now you’re ready to serve this mouthwatering Runza casserole! Enjoy each bite as you reminisce about home-cooked meals filled with love.

Tips

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and meats enhance flavor and texture, making your Runza casserole irresistible. Olive Garden Salad for a fresh touch I learned this the hard way—once, I used wilted spinach and it tasted like regret.

Don’t rush the browning: Take your time to brown the meat well; it adds depth to the casserole. One time, I hurried through this step and my dish ended up tasting flat.

Add cheese for richness: A blend of cheeses can elevate this dish, creating a creamy texture. My friends still rave about the cheesy goodness from my last batch!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning ground beef with onions before adding garlic and vegetables. This sequence enhances flavors and ensures everything cooks evenly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a personal twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Runza casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

I remember when I first made this Runza casserole for friends; they devoured it and begged for seconds! It was a proud moment that cemented my love for cooking.

FAQ

Can I make Runza casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead, cover, and refrigerate before baking later.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken works well as lighter alternatives in this recipe. Southwest Chicken Salad for a side.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F to confirm it’s safely cooked through.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Irresistible Runza Casserole

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• Author: Mia Hanry
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Savor the comforting flavors of this Runza casserole, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and tender cabbage enveloped in a flaky crescent roll crust. Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, this hearty dish is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its rich aromas and delightful taste, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 2 cups chopped fresh green cabbage
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until translucent; drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped cabbage, cooking for about 5 minutes until wilted.
4. Stir in garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional minute.
5. Roll out crescent roll dough in a greased baking dish, pressing seams together.
6. Layer the beef mixture onto the dough and top with shredded cheddar cheese before folding over any excess dough.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg