Hearty Runza Casserole: A Delicious Midwestern Ground Beef & Cabbage Comfort Food Recipe
Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight meal! This incredibly easy-to-make Runza Casserole brings all the comfort and flavor of the classic Midwestern sandwich into a convenient, family-friendly bake. Imagine a savory, hearty filling of seasoned ground beef and tender cabbage, generously topped with shredded cheese, all embraced between two flaky, golden layers of crescent rolls. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a simple, delicious, incredibly filling, and wonderfully budget-friendly experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What is Runza? A Midwestern Culinary Gem
If you’re not from the heart of the United States, especially around Nebraska, the name “Runza” might be entirely new to you. But for those in the know, a Runza sandwich (or a Runza casserole, as we’re making today!) is a beloved staple of Midwestern cuisine. My friend Kim was kind enough to introduce me to the original Runza sandwich, and it quickly became a favorite.
At its core, a traditional Runza is a soft, warm pastry pocket, much like a savory turnover, filled with a delicious mixture of ground beef, shredded cabbage, and onions. While these ingredients might sound simple or even a little plain on their own, when combined and perfectly seasoned, they create a surprisingly robust and incredibly satisfying flavor profile. It’s the kind of unassuming dish that truly surprises and delights with its hearty goodness.
The History: From German Bierocks to American Runza
The unique combination of beef, cabbage, and onions in a pastry might sound familiar to culinary historians or those with German heritage. That’s because Runza sandwiches are direct descendants of the German *bierock*, a savory baked pastry brought to the Great Plains by German-Russian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These immigrants settled in areas like Nebraska, Kansas, and the Dakotas, bringing their cherished recipes with them. Over time, the *bierock* evolved, adapting to locally available ingredients and American tastes, eventually becoming what we know today as the Runza sandwich or, in some regions, a “kraut burger.”
The casserole format we’re exploring today is a genius adaptation, perfect for feeding a crowd without the labor-intensive individual shaping of traditional pastry pockets. It captures all the delicious, comforting essence of a Runza in an easy-to-bake dish, making it accessible to home cooks everywhere, regardless of their pastry-making skills.
Why This Runza Casserole Is A Must-Try
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Runza casserole:
- Effortlessly Easy: With canned crescent rolls as your dough, assembly is incredibly quick, saving you precious time in the kitchen.
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef, softened cabbage, and creamy soups creates a deeply savory and satisfying filling.
- Hearty & Wholesome: It’s a substantial meal that will genuinely fill you up and keep you satisfied, making it ideal for busy families or a comforting dinner on a chilly evening.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients, this casserole is kind to your wallet without sacrificing taste or quality.
- Family Favorite: Its familiar ingredients and comforting nature make it a hit with both kids and adults.
- A Taste of Tradition: Experience a classic Midwestern dish in a simplified, yet equally delicious, format.
Ingredients Spotlight: What You’ll Need for This Comforting Casserole
Gathering your ingredients for this Runza casserole is straightforward. Here’s a closer look at each component and why it’s essential:
- 2 (8-oz. each) cans crescent rolls, (do not separate): These are the heroes of convenience! They provide a beautifully flaky, buttery crust that mimics traditional pastry without any of the fuss. Make sure not to separate the triangles; you’ll unroll them as a whole sheet.
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef: The foundation of our hearty filling. Lean ground beef minimizes excess grease, keeping the casserole light yet rich in flavor.
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage: The signature vegetable of any Runza. When cooked, it becomes wonderfully tender and sweet, complementing the beef perfectly.
- 1 package onion soup mix: This is a secret weapon for adding a profound depth of savory, umami flavor to the filling. It brings a seasoned, oniony punch without needing to chop fresh onions.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, binding sauce for the filling, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. It also adds to the classic comfort food feel.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar: The melted cheese adds a gooey, savory layer that enhances the richness and makes the casserole even more irresistible. A blend of both cheeses works beautifully too, offering the stretch of mozzarella and the sharp flavor of cheddar.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the delicious flavors and allowing you to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Making the Runza Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide for Success
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Runza Casserole:
Step 1. Prepare the Flavorful Filling
Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, use a spatula or meat masher to break it into small, uniform pieces. Once the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, it’s crucial to drain any excess grease. This prevents your casserole from becoming oily and ensures a cleaner flavor. Next, add your chopped green cabbage to the skillet with the beef. Cook for just 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has softened and wilted slightly. You want it tender, but not mushy. Finally, stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup and the packet of onion soup mix. Mix everything until well combined and the filling is coated in the creamy, savory sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2. Assemble Your Runza Casserole Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough carefully, keeping it as a single sheet (do not separate the individual triangles). Press this sheet evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, gently stretching it to cover the entire base. Next, spoon the entire beef and cabbage filling mixture over the crescent roll base, spreading it out into an even layer. Then, generously sprinkle your shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or a mix!) over the filling. This cheesy layer will melt beautifully, adding an extra dimension of flavor and texture. Finally, unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cheese layer, gently pressing it down to cover the filling completely. Pinch any seams together to seal, creating a perfect pastry lid.
Step 3. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crescent roll topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling underneath is hot and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible! Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making for cleaner cuts and easier serving.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Midwestern Meal
Your warm, hearty Runza casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic sides to create a true “stick-to-your-ribs” Midwestern spread. Consider serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or a quick batch of roasted potatoes.
- Crispy french fries or savory onion rings for a diner-style feel.
- Sweet fried apples or applesauce for a delightful contrast.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to add freshness.
- Steamed green beans or roasted carrots for extra vegetables.
- Pickles or a side of mustard for a tangy kick, just like a classic Runza sandwich.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Runza Casserole
To ensure your Runza casserole turns out perfect every time, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Don’t Skip Draining the Grease: This is crucial for a non-greasy, flavorful filling.
- Chop Cabbage Evenly: Uniformly chopped cabbage will cook more evenly and integrate better into the filling.
- Seal the Crescent Rolls: When laying the top crescent roll sheet, gently press down and pinch any seams to fully enclose the filling, preventing it from drying out.
- Check for Doneness: The crescent rolls should be golden brown, and you might see the filling bubbling at the edges. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
- Let it Rest: A short resting period (5-10 minutes) after baking allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This Runza casserole is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef and cabbage filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, assemble the casserole as directed and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the filling is cold.
- Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through, or place larger portions in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until heated through and the crescent rolls crisp up again.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Once completely cooled, cut into individual portions and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about Runza casserole:
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground pork for the ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
- What if I don’t have crescent rolls? While crescent rolls offer unparalleled convenience and flakiness, you could experiment with puff pastry sheets or even homemade biscuit dough for the crusts.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Finely diced carrots or bell peppers could be added to the beef and cabbage mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Is this casserole spicy? No, this recipe is mild and savory. If you prefer a bit of heat, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef filling.
- Can I make it gluten-free? You would need to find gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure your cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix are also gluten-free.
Pin this recipe or click the ❤️ to save it for later!
Runza Casserole
Print
Rate
SaveSaved!
Ingredients
- 2 8- ounce tubes refrigerated crescent rolls, (do not separate)
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 package onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar*
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
-
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet on medium high heat, using a utensil to break the ground beef into small pieces. Drain any excess grease. Once the beef is browned, add the cabbage and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cabbage has slightly wilted. Stir the cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix into the beef and cabbage mixture.
-
Unroll one can of the refrigerated crescent rolls, do not separate them, and place in the bottom of the baking pan. Layer the beef and cabbage over the crescent rolls in the prepared baking dish.
-
Place an even layer of cheese over the beef and cabbage. Top the casserole with the remaining can of crescent rolls.
-
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown on top.
Notes
Recommended Products
Final Thoughts on This Midwestern Delight
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Runza or new to this delicious Midwestern tradition, this casserole offers an incredibly satisfying and convenient way to enjoy its unique flavors. It’s the perfect harmony of savory beef, tender cabbage, rich cheese, and flaky pastry, making it an ideal candidate for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a hearty, comforting meal. Give this Runza casserole a try; we’re confident it will become a cherished recipe in your family’s rotation!