Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crescent-Crust Beef Runza Casserole Recipe

Crescent-Crust Beef Runza Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 42-53 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Ultimate Runza Casserole brings Midwest-style comfort straight to the table. Savory beef, tangy sauerkraut, and flaky dough create a dish that feels nostalgic and filling.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 2 packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped yellow onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add 2 pounds ground beef to the skillet. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Break meat into small pieces while cooking for 6-8 minutes until completely browned.
  4. Stir 4 cups shredded green cabbage into the meat mixture. Cook for 7-10 minutes until cabbage becomes tender and slightly golden.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and let filling cool slightly.
  6. Unroll first package of crescent roll dough into the greased baking dish. Press seams together to create a seamless bottom crust that covers dish bottom and slightly climbs the sides.
  7. Spread meat and cabbage mixture evenly across the first dough layer.
  8. Sprinkle 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling.
  9. Carefully unroll second crescent roll dough package over the cheese layer. Pinch seams together to create a sealed top crust.
  10. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until top crust turns golden brown and flaky.
  11. Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes before cutting. This helps your slices hold their shape when serving.

Notes

  • Crescent roll dough works best when slightly chilled, making it easier to handle and roll out without tearing.
  • Drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp bottom crust.
  • For a lighter version, swap ground beef for lean ground turkey and use reduced-fat cheese.
  • Shred the cabbage finely to help it cook faster and distribute more evenly throughout the meat mixture.
  • Prep Time: 17-23 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Casseroles
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 548 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg