Runza Casserole Recipe

Ground beef: Provides the savory base for the casserole.

Chopped onion: Adds flavor and aroma to the beef mixture.

Shredded cabbage: Brings a tender texture and mild sweetness to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the seasoning.

Shredded cheese: Melts over the beef and cabbage mixture, adding a creamy, cheesy layer.

Crescent roll dough: Forms the flaky crust that encases the filling.

When working with crescent roll dough, ensure it is chilled before unrolling to prevent tearing. If the dough becomes too warm, it can be difficult to handle and may not form a proper crust. Additionally, for a more even bake, consider lightly docking the bottom crust with a fork to allow steam to escape and prevent sogginess.

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

• ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean alternative that works well in casseroles.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion flavor and add a different texture to the dish.

• shredded cabbage - Substitute with shredded Brussels sprouts: Shredded Brussels sprouts have a similar texture and slightly nutty flavor.

• shredded cabbage - Substitute with kale: Kale can add a different texture and a bit more nutritional value.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of flavor and umami, reducing the need for additional salt.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different mineral content and flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and is less visually noticeable in the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different flavor dimension.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with mozzarella: Mozzarella melts well and provides a mild, creamy flavor.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with cheddar: Cheddar offers a sharper flavor and melts nicely in casseroles.

• crescent roll dough - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry can provide a similar flaky texture and richness.

• crescent roll dough - Substitute with pizza dough: Pizza dough can offer a different texture and is a versatile alternative.

• Allow the Runza Casserole to cool completely after baking. This ensures that condensation doesn't form inside the storage container, which could make the crust soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, cut the cooled casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. This method helps to prevent freezer burn and makes it easy to reheat single servings.

• Label the bags or containers with the date so you can keep track of how long the Runza Casserole has been stored. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to eat, thaw the casserole portions in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the cabbage and ground beef mixture.

• Reheat the thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the top crust from over-browning.

• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you notice the crust becoming too soft after reheating, you can place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp it up. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

• 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 in the oven 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 stir the beef and cabbage mixture if necessary.
  5. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-low 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 to help heat evenly.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
  6. Check to make sure the casserole is heated through before serving.

• 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 about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If needed, flip the casserole to ensure even heating.
  5. Continue heating until the crescent roll dough is crispy and the casserole is warmed through.

• Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ground beef and onion mixture over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used to stir and break up the ground beef while it cooks in the skillet.

• Cutting board: A surface used for chopping the onion and shredding the cabbage.

• Knife: A sharp tool used for chopping the onion and shredding the cabbage.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the chopped onion and shredded cabbage accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper.

• Baking dish: A dish used to assemble the casserole, where the crescent roll dough, beef mixture, and cheese are layered.

• Oven: An appliance preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the casserole.

• Can opener: A tool used to open the cans of crescent roll dough.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Oven mitts: Protective gloves used to handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and shred the cabbage the night before to save time.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time.

Pre-cook the beef: Cook the ground beef and onion mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop the onion and shred the cabbage using a food processor.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.