Runza Casserole

$- 1 lb ground beef - 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 2 packages of crescent roll dough - 1 small onion, finely diced - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and black pepper, to taste The main ingredients are the heart of this dish. Ground beef gives it a rich flavor. Green cabbage adds crunch and health. Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and ties it all together. For the additional ingredients, you’ll need crescent roll dough. This dough forms a tasty crust. The onion brings sweetness and depth. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add layers of flavor. To cook, we use olive oil. It helps to sauté the onion. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors. You can adjust these to fit your taste. For the full recipe, refer to the instructions above. Enjoy making this delicious comfort food! First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds flavor. Next, raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Brown the beef while breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and tasty. Now, stir in the finely shredded cabbage, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for another 5-7 minutes. You want the cabbage to be tender but still have a bit of crunch. This adds texture and flavor to your casserole. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil. Open the first package of crescent roll dough and place it in the dish. Press down to form a seamless layer. Pinch the seams together to seal any gaps. Spread the cooked beef and cabbage mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and cover the cheese. Press down to seal the edges well. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This is when the kitchen fills with a lovely aroma. Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set, making it easier to cut into squares. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your delicious Runza casserole! To make your Runza casserole just right, keep a few things in mind: - Avoid making it greasy: Drain the fat after cooking the beef. Too much fat can make the dish heavy. - Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the filling before you layer it. If it needs more salt or pepper, add it. This step makes a big difference in flavor. Serving your casserole well can make it even more inviting: - Garnish ideas for serving: Add fresh parsley on top for color. You could also sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving. - Pairing suggestions for sides: Serve with a fresh salad or crusty bread. These pair nicely with the casserole and add crunch. Here are some common errors to avoid for a perfect casserole: - Not sealing the dough properly: Make sure to press the seams tightly. If they are not sealed, the filling might leak out. - Overcooking or undercooking: Keep an eye on the oven timer. Bake until golden brown, but don't leave it too long or the bottom can burn. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Runza casserole. Start by swapping ground beef for mushrooms or lentils. These ingredients add great texture and flavor. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. They make the dish even more colorful and healthy. Cheese is a key part of this recipe. While sharp cheddar is classic, you can explore different cheese options. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing cheeses can give your casserole a unique flavor that suits your taste. If you love heat, a spicy Runza casserole is for you. Add jalapeños or spicy sausage to the meat mixture for an extra zing. You can also use hot sauce to spice up the dish. This variation will surely impress anyone who enjoys bold flavors. For the full recipe, click [here](#). To keep Runza casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If stored correctly, leftovers stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Just make sure to let it cool down first before placing it in the fridge. This helps keep the texture nice. You can freeze Runza casserole before or after baking. If you freeze it before baking, assemble it in a dish, cover it well, and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual. If you bake it first, let it cool completely. Then wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer. It will stay good for about 2 to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may also use the microwave, but the oven keeps the crust crispy. Enjoy your delicious Runza casserole anytime! A Runza is a tasty pocket filled with seasoned beef and cabbage. It started in Nebraska, where it became a local favorite. Many people enjoy it as a quick meal or snack. The dough is usually soft and flaky, making it comforting and fun to eat. This dish shows how simple ingredients can create great flavor. Yes, you can prep Runza Casserole ahead. Just follow these steps: - Prepare the beef and cabbage mixture. - Layer it in the baking dish with dough and cheese. - Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. This saves time on busy days! Runza Casserole is not gluten-free as it uses crescent roll dough. However, you can make it gluten-free with these options: - Use gluten-free crescent roll dough. - Choose a gluten-free bread or biscuit mix for the base. Always check labels for hidden gluten in other ingredients. Customizing your Runza Casserole is easy and fun. Here are some ideas: - Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. - Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. - Mix in different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack. Feel free to get creative and make it your own! You can find the Full Recipe for more details. In this article, we covered making a delicious Runza casserole. You learned about main and additional ingredients, like ground beef and crescent roll dough. I provided step-by-step instructions to guide you in cooking and assembling the dish. You found tips, variations, and storage options to keep your casserole fresh and tasty. My final thought: Enjoy this hearty meal any way you like it. Get cooking and make it your own!$

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Runza casserole that's sure to warm your heart and home! Loaded with savory ground beef, crisp cabbage, and gooey cheese all tucked inside a buttery crescent roll crust, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days. Don't miss out on this delicious recipe that combines simplicity and flavor. Click through now to discover how to make your own Runza casserole and delight your loved ones!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 packages of crescent roll dough

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Stir in the finely shredded cabbage, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the mixture for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage becomes tender and slightly wilted.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Open one package of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it, pressing the dough into the bottom of the dish to create a seamless layer. Pinch the seams together to seal any gaps.

Evenly layer the cooked beef and cabbage mixture over the crescent roll dough, spreading it out with a spatula for uniform coverage. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese, just as you did with the first package. Press the seams together to seal and cover any exposed areas.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is a delightful golden brown and the casserole is bubbling slightly at the edges.

Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing it into squares. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve individual slices on plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and consider offering a side of hot mustard or spicy dipping sauce for added flavor. Enjoy the comforting blend of flavors!