Ultimate Runza Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Are you craving a taste of the Midwest? Look no further than this delicious Runza Casserole recipe! Inspired by the iconic Nebraska Runza sandwich, this casserole combines seasoned ground beef, cabbage, onions, and cheese, all wrapped in a flaky crescent roll crust. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening or to serve at your next family gathering. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this comforting classic!

Ingredients:

2 packages refrigerated crescent rolls (do not separate rolls)
2 lbs ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
4 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, grated
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

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

2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture:

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Once the beef is cooked, add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

Unroll one package of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, covering the bottom completely.
Spread the cooked ground beef and cabbage mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust.
Sprinkle the grated Mozzarella cheese evenly over the ground beef mixture.
Unroll the second package of crescent rolls and place it over the top of the cheese layer, covering the filling completely.
Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal the casserole.

4. Bake the Casserole:

Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and cooked through.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

Add Seasonings: Enhance the flavor of the ground beef mixture by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite herbs and spices.
Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere, for a unique flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version of this casserole.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

To make a keto or low-carb version of this Runza Casserole, consider the following modifications:

Crescent Roll Substitute: Replace the crescent rolls with a homemade or store-bought low-carb dough made from almond flour or coconut flour.
Low-Carb Vegetables: Instead of cabbage, use low-carb vegetables like cauliflower rice or shredded Brussels sprouts.
Cheese: Opt for full-fat cheese varieties and avoid using any sweetened or flavored varieties to keep the carb count low.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap individual portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.

With its hearty filling and buttery crescent roll crust, this Runza Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a Nebraska native longing for a taste of home or simply looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious taste of the Midwest with this flavorful Runza Casserole