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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cups green cabbage, shredded - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 packages of crescent roll dough - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Large skillet - 9x13 inch baking dish - Spoon or spatula - Knife and cutting board To make a tasty Runza casserole, you'll want to gather all the ingredients first. The ground beef is your protein base. Next, the onion adds great flavor. Green cabbage gives a nice crunch and a bit of color. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, making everything creamy. You will also need crescent roll dough. It creates a flaky crust. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning are key for flavor. Salt and pepper help to enhance all the tastes. A bit of olive oil is perfect for cooking the beef and onion. For cooking, a large skillet works best. A 9x13 inch baking dish holds everything nicely. A spoon or spatula helps with mixing, and a knife and cutting board are needed for prepping the veggies. This list makes it easy to get started. Check each item off as you gather them. You will be ready to create your warm and cozy dish in no time. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for exact steps! - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. - Dice 1 small onion finely. - Shred 2 cups of green cabbage. - Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until it turns clear. - Next, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until it is brown. - Drain any extra fat from the meat. - Stir in the shredded cabbage, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. - Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is soft. - Get a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly. - Spread one package of crescent roll dough on the bottom, pressing the seams together. - Layer the beef and cabbage mixture evenly over the dough. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. - Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese. - Seal the seams as you did with the first layer of dough. - Place the casserole in the preheated oven. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is a nice golden brown. - Check for doneness by looking for a crispy top and bubbling cheese. - Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. This Runza casserole is easy to make and perfect for any night. You can find the Full Recipe for more cooking details. Enjoy! To avoid soggy dough, always ensure the filling is not too wet. After cooking the beef and cabbage, drain any excess liquid. This keeps the crust crispy. Use a large baking dish so the filling spreads evenly. For even cheese melting, shred your cheese instead of using pre-packaged blocks. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a nice texture. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the filling. This helps it melt uniformly during baking. Pair your Runza casserole with fresh sides like a crisp salad or tangy pickles. The coolness of the salad complements the warm casserole. Pickles add a nice crunch and flavor contrast. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the baked casserole. This adds color and freshness. You can also serve slices on individual plates with a side of hot mustard for dipping. It enhances the flavor and gives a fun twist. To boost the flavor, add spices like paprika or cumin to the beef mixture. These spices add warmth and depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also brighten the dish. Just add them right before baking to keep their flavor strong. For extra toppings before baking, consider adding sliced jalapeños or diced tomatoes. These add spice and freshness. You could even layer some extra cheese on top for a gooey finish. For the full recipe, check the details above! {{image_2}} You can change the meat in Runza casserole to suit your taste. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. Both meats work well and still taste great. If you want a vegetarian version, swap the meat for tofu or beans. These options give you similar texture and flavor. You can also mix in lentils for added protein. Cheese is key to making this dish creamy and rich. While cheddar is a classic choice, you can explore other cheese varieties. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture. Mixing different cheeses adds layers of flavor. For a fun twist, use feta or gouda to create a unique taste. Adding other vegetables can make the casserole even better. Carrots or bell peppers can brighten up the dish. You can mix in some spinach for more nutrients, too. Want to make it spicy? Try adding hot sauce or jalapeños to the filling. These small changes can turn your Runza casserole into a new family favorite. Explore these variations with the full recipe for the best results! To keep your Runza casserole fresh, you should refrigerate it right away. Place it in an airtight container to lock in moisture. This helps maintain its delicious flavor and texture. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Leftovers stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. For the best results, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the heat in and helps avoid dryness. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. If you prefer the microwave, place a slice on a plate. Heat it for 1 to 2 minutes, checking often to keep it moist. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great! First, let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy use. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or microwave as I mentioned earlier. Enjoy your Runza casserole at any time! For the full recipe to make this delightful dish, check out the earlier sections. A Runza Casserole is a tasty dish inspired by the popular Nebraska sandwich. This dish combines ground beef, onions, and cabbage, all wrapped in dough. The flavors are rich and comfort-filled. Runza sandwiches date back to the 1940s. They started as a quick meal for farm families. The dish became popular due to its easy preparation and hearty taste. Typical ingredients for a Runza Casserole include: - Ground beef - Green cabbage - Onion - Cheddar cheese - Crescent roll dough The flavor profile is savory and satisfying. You get the meatiness from beef, crunch from cabbage, and creaminess from cheese. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. To do so, follow these steps: 1. Cook the beef and cabbage mixture as directed in the recipe. 2. Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, but do not bake it yet. 3. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the fridge. You can store it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just pop it in the oven. Baking time may need slight adjustment if it's cold. You can make a gluten-free Runza Casserole. Instead of using crescent roll dough, try gluten-free dough. Some good options are: - Gluten-free pizza dough - Gluten-free pie crust You can find these at most grocery stores. Make sure to check for any allergies. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. To add some heat, you can try these simple tips: - Mix in chopped jalapeños or green chilies with the beef and cabbage. - Use spicy cheese like pepper jack instead of cheddar. - Add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. These changes can make your Runza Casserole a delightful spicy treat. This blog post covered an easy and tasty runza casserole recipe. We discussed ingredients, cooking tools, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for storing leftovers and reheating them. You can also explore variations to mix things up. In the end, this casserole is simple to make and full of flavor. It satisfies hunger and brings comfort. Enjoy the process of cooking and share this dish with others. Your family will love it!

Runza Casserole

Looking for an easy comfort food recipe that the whole family will love? Try this delicious Runza casserole! Made with ground beef, cabbage, and cheese wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, it's the perfect hearty meal for busy nights. Quick to prepare and satisfying, this dish will warm your heart and bring everyone to the table. Discover the full recipe and cooking tips that will make your dinner a hit! Explore now!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, diced

2 cups green cabbage, shredded

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 packages of crescent roll dough

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.

      Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.

        Stir in the shredded cabbage, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.

          In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread one package of the crescent roll dough to cover the bottom of the dish, pressing seams together to seal.

            Layer the cooked beef and cabbage mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

              Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese, sealing the seams as before.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

                  Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve slices on individual plates, garnished with fresh parsley, and offer a side of hot mustard for dipping.