Runza Casserole Recipe

Ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base for the casserole.

Onion: Adds flavor and aroma to the beef mixture.

Cabbage: Gives a slight crunch and balances the richness of the beef and cheese.

Shredded cheese: Melts into a gooey layer that ties the dish together.

Crescent roll dough: Forms the crust and top layer, adding a buttery, flaky texture.

Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.

When cooking the ground beef and onion in the skillet, make sure to break the beef into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir frequently, which helps to prevent any large clumps from forming. This will also allow the onion to cook more uniformly and blend seamlessly with the beef.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great plant-based protein that can mimic the texture of ground beef when cooked.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a subtle onion-like flavor and can add a unique twist to the dish.

• cabbage - Substitute with kale: Kale provides a similar texture and a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• cabbage - Substitute with spinach: Spinach can be used for a softer texture and a milder taste.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a good option for those avoiding dairy.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free alternative that melts similarly to regular cheese.

• crescent roll dough - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry can provide a similar flaky texture and can be used in the same way.

• crescent roll dough - Substitute with pizza dough: Pizza dough offers a different texture but can still work well as a base for the casserole.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and a different flavor profile.

• Allow the Runza casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, transfer individual portions to airtight containers.
• Store the covered casserole or portions in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the Runza casserole. Cut the casserole into individual servings and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container, and label with the date. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed thoroughly.
• To maintain the crispiness of the crescent roll dough crust, reheating in the oven is recommended over the microwave.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Runza Casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the crescent roll dough from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top crust.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the Runza Casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place a portion of the Runza Casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a portion of the Runza Casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. This method will help maintain a crispy crust while warming the casserole.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Runza Casserole on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep the crescent roll dough from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) until the crust is golden brown.

• Skillet: Used to cook the ground beef, onion, and cabbage mixture.

• Spatula: Helps in stirring and mixing the ingredients in the skillet.

• Knife: Used to chop the onion and shred the cabbage.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the onion and shredding the cabbage.

• Baking dish: Holds the crescent roll dough and the beef-cabbage mixture for baking.

• Can opener: Used to open the cans of crescent roll dough.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the shredded cheese and cabbage.

• Colander: Used to drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef and onion mixture.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the baking dish in and out of the oven.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and shred the cabbage ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the ground beef mixture.

Utilize a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the onion and shred the cabbage.

Layer efficiently: Have all components ready to layer the crescent roll dough, beef mixture, and cheese without delay.