Description
Making ultimate runza casserole connects generations of Midwestern comfort with hearty, satisfying flavors that remind us of home-cooked meals. Packed with ground beef, cabbage, and melted cheese nestled between flaky layers of bread dough, this casserole delivers pure comfort straight from your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds ground beef
Produce:
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
Dairy and Dough:
- 2 packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm your oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion until transparent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add 2 pounds ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, breaking meat into small pieces while cooking for 6-8 minutes until fully browned.
- Mix 4 cups shredded cabbage into the beef. Cook an additional 7-10 minutes until cabbage softens and turns golden.
- Unroll the first package of crescent roll dough into your prepared dish. Press seams together to create a complete bottom crust that slightly climbs the dish’s sides.
- Spread the entire beef and cabbage mixture evenly across the bottom crust. Scatter 1½ cups mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Carefully stretch the second crescent roll dough package over the filling. Pinch all edges and seams to create a sealed top layer.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns a deep golden brown and looks beautifully flaky.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps your portions hold a perfect shape when serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative to make the casserole lighter and more diet-friendly.
- Drain excess fat from beef after browning to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a crisp bottom crust.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the beef and cabbage mixture while cooking.
- Ensure your crescent roll dough is fresh and not expired to get the best rise and flakiness in your casserole crust.
- Prep Time: 17-23 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 615 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg