Runza Casserole

Runza Casserole brings the flavors of the classic Nebraska dish straight to your table with minimal effort. This casserole is a delicious, hearty meal filled with seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and tender cabbage, all wrapped in a flaky crescent roll crust. With gooey mozzarella cheese melted on top, it’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Unroll one tube of crescent rolls and place it as a sheet in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 5 minutes.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and push the beef to the outer edges of the skillet.
4. Add butter to the center of the skillet. Once melted, add chopped onions, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes.
5. Add shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Spread the beef and cabbage mixture over the partially baked crescent rolls.
7. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top, then cover with the second tube of crescent rolls, placing the dough over the filling.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 6

Tips

• For a bit of extra flavor, you can add a dash of garlic powder or paprika to the beef and cabbage mixture.
• Serve with a side salad or pickles for a complete meal.

FAQ

Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, cheddar or a cheese blend would work great in place of mozzarella.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different meat?
Feel free to substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork if preferred.