Runza Casserole

This runza casserole recipe is even better than the iconic sandwich. It has ground beef, tender cabbage, and melted cheese, all layered between buttery crisp crescent roll dough. Every bite is loaded with flavor, and you’ll love how easy it is to make!

The Best Runza Casseorle

If you've been following the blog for a while, then you know I have an obsession with casserole recipes. They're quick, easy, and flavorful, and this runza casserole recipe is no different.

It's a take on the classic runza sandwich, made even easier by assembling it into a casserole.

This easy runza casserole recipe has shredded cabbage mixed with sautéed onions, ground beef, and ooey-gooey melted cheese for the filling. All that deliciousness is sandwiched between two layers of buttery crescent roll dough and baked to golden brown perfection.

How delicious does that sound?!

This family-friendly meal is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you're looking for a dish that's sure to impress. Whenever you serve it, this runza casserole will be the talk of the night!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's easy to make. All you have to do is cook the ground beef, let the cabbage simmer until it's soft, then layer everything in your casserole dish and let it bake. There's not much to this recipe, but the result tastes like it took you hours!

A crowd favorite. This runza casserole seems to be a dinner that's a hit with everyone. It's comforting, flavorful, loaded with veggies, and will please even the picky eaters at the table.

Better than the sandwich. The Original Runza Sandwich from the Midwest is pretty darn good, but this casserole version with a crescent roll crust instead of bread is even better!

Ingreidents

The runza casserole ingredients are super simple, and you probably have a few on hand already. Check out everything you’ll need:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 3 tbsp. butter
• ¼ sweet onion, diced
• 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 can crescent rolls
• 1 egg, for an egg wash
• Parsley to serve

If you end up with extra ground beef and cabbage, you can use it to make this simple ground beef and cabbage recipe next! 

How To Make Runza Casserole

1. Prep work: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC) and grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the ground beef and cabbage: Set a large skillet to medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it's browned, make a hole in the middle and add the butter, onions, and chopped cabbage to it. Cover the skillet and let everything cook for 30 minutes over low heat until the cabbage is soft.

3. Layer the casserole: Spread half of the refrigerated crescent rolls dough on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Add the ground beef mixture, followed by the shredded cheese on top. Spread the other half of the remaining crescent roll dough on top and brush with the optional egg wash if you want a shiny finish.

4. Bake: Put the casserole in the oven and bake it for 20-25 minutes until the crescent dough is golden brown on top. Serve warm with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Bake the bottom layer of crescent roll dough for 5 minutes before adding the topping for an extra crisp crust.
• Swap the cheese and try using mozzarella cheese or Swiss cheese for a different flavor.
• Feel free to use red cabbage or green cabbage in this recipe.
• Add a can of cream of mushroom soup to the beef and cabbage mixture for added creaminess.
• Experiment with adding ingredients like sauerkraut, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or chili powder to the meat mixture to add more flavor.

How To Store Runza Casserole

In the fridge: Store leftover runza casserole in an airtight container or in the casserole dish with the lid on it and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

In the freezer: Allow the leftover runza casserole to cool completely, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag with the air squeezed out and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Transfer the leftover casserole back to a baking dish and bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until it's fully reheated. Let the frozen runza casserole thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQS About This Runza Casserole Recipe

What is Runza casserole?

Runza casserole is a take on the Original Runza Sandwich from the Runza restaurant that started in Lincoln, Nebraska. The filling of the casserole, like the sandwich, is made up of ground beef, cabbage, onions, and cheese. Instead of being stuffed in a bread roll, this casserole version stuffs the filling between buttery crescent roll dough. 

What do you serve with Runza?

A Runza sandwich is typically served with coleslaw and tomato soup or vegetable soup. You can also serve it with potato chips, this Jiffy jalapeno cornbread, or McDonalds french fries.

What is a Runza in Germany?

Runzas are a type of stuffed German sandwich roll made up of ground beef, cabbage, and onions stuffed into a yeast dough bread pocket.

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