There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy Runza casserole wafting through the kitchen. The aroma of savory ground beef mingles with the sweet smell of onions, creating a symphony of scents that could make even the most devoted food critic swoon. fresh flavors in a salad Picture this: fluffy bread encasing a hearty filling, bubbling cheese peeking from beneath a golden crust, and all your favorite flavors coming together in perfect harmony. explore a comforting curry option You can practically hear it calling your name, right?

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is Runza casserole?
- Can I use frozen vegetables?
- How do I make it vegetarian?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a hug on a plate. I remember the first time I made it for my friends during a game night. The laughter, the playful banter, and the oohs and aahs as they dug in were unforgettable moments that made me realize I had found a new staple in my recipe book. complement your meal with a salad Perfect for chilly evenings or when you just want to indulge yourself without too much fuss, Runza casserole is destined to become your new go-to comfort food. a sweet dessert to finish your meal. For more inspiration, check out this Smoked Sausage and Potatoes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Runza casserole offers an effortless cooking experience with minimal prep time
- Its delicious layers of flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds
- Visually appealing with its golden crust, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in
- Customize the filling according to your preferences for endless variations that suit any palate
I still chuckle at how my friends couldn’t believe something so simple could taste so heavenly.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a rich flavor without too much grease; it keeps the texture just right.
- Onion: Use yellow onions for sweetness; they caramelize beautifully and add depth to the dish.
- Cabbage: Fresh green cabbage enhances crunch and flavor; finely chop it to ensure even cooking.
- Cheddar Cheese: Mild cheddar melts perfectly; feel free to mix in some sharp cheddar for an extra kick.
- Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: These are life-savers! They create a flaky crust that holds everything together perfectly.
- Seasonings (Salt & Pepper): Simple seasonings elevate flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion and cabbage finely while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows all those wonderful aromas to mingle later.
Sauté the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add onions and cabbage, stirring until they soften and release their delicious scents.
Season It Up: Sprinkle salt and pepper into the meat mixture, tasting occasionally to ensure it’s seasoned just right—trust your instincts here!
Assemble Your Casserole: Unroll Pillsbury Crescent Rolls onto a greased baking dish, ensuring they cover the bottom completely. Spread half of your cheese over this layer before adding the meat mixture.
Add More Cheese!: Top off that glorious filling with the remaining cheese before folding over any remaining crescent roll dough around the edges for aesthetics and extra crunch.
Bake Away!: Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it since every oven behaves differently!
Now you’ve created an irresistible Runza casserole that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Runza casserole is a comforting delight, packed with flavors and nostalgia
- Its savory combination of beef, cheese, and veggies makes it a perfect family meal
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef and onions, then layer in the cabbage before baking. This sequence ensures all ingredients meld together beautifully for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or add your favorite cheese. Mix in some spices for an extra kick that reflects your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid a soggy casserole, ensure your veggies are well-drained before mixing
- Baking it uncovered helps achieve a nice golden top
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it enhances flavor and texture significantly
Sharing my first attempt at making Runza casserole was quite a comedy show; my friends were hesitant but left raving about it! Their smiles made all my kitchen mishaps worth it.
FAQ
What is Runza casserole?
Runza casserole combines ground beef, cabbage, cheese, and spices baked into a hearty dish. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta recipe.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, using frozen veggies can save time but ensure they’re thawed and drained well.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version of Runza casserole.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Runza Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Runza casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, marrying savory ground beef, fresh cabbage, and melty cheddar cheese all encased in a flaky crescent roll crust. This warm and hearty meal is perfect for chilly evenings or game nights with friends. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste, it’s sure to become a family favorite. With its irresistible aroma and rich flavors, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the onions and cabbage; sauté until softened.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Unroll one can of crescent rolls into a greased baking dish, covering the bottom completely.
- Spread half of the cheese over the crescent rolls, then add the meat mixture on top.
- Top with remaining cheese and fold over any excess crescent roll dough around the edges.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg