Description
Craving comfort food? Try this heartwarming Runza Casserole Recipe, a Nebraskan favorite that combines savory beef, tender cabbage, and melty cheese, all baked in a flaky croissant crust. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 packages of refrigerated croissants: Provides the base and topping, offering a buttery, flaky texture.
- 2 pounds ground beef or turkey: The main protein, adding richness and body to the filling.
- 2 medium onions, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked with the meat.
- 4 cups of green cabbage, chopped: Contributes a slight crunch and nutritional value, complementing the meat.
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese: Melts into the casserole, providing a gooey, cheesy layer.
- Salt and pepper – to taste: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the stage for baking.
- Prepare the base: Unroll one package of refrigerated croissants and lay them flat in the bottom of your 9×13 pan. Bake for 7-9 minutes until golden, then remove from the oven.
- Cook the meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey with the diced onions until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
- Incorporate the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, allowing it to cook slightly with the meat and onions, infusing the flavors.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer the meat and cabbage mixture over the baked croissant base, then sprinkle evenly with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Add the final layer: Top with the second package of croissants, carefully unrolling and placing them over the cheese.
- Bake to perfection: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Then, cover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to soften the top layer.
- Serve and enjoy: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly, cut into squares, and serve warm, inviting everyone to savor this Midwestern delight.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to adjust the meat-to-vegetable ratio or add ingredients like mushrooms for a twist.
- Prep Time: Around 20 minutes including chopping and browning
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (30 minutes uncovered + 10 minutes covered).
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, specifically Nebraskan/Midwestern