Easy Runza Casserole Recipe with Beef and Cabbage

Ever wished you could have the iconic flavor of a Nebraska Runza in a dish you can share with the whole family? Look no further! This Runza Casserole brings all the comfort of the original sandwich into a simple, shareable bake. With layers of soft, slightly sweet homemade dough, seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and melty cheese, it’s a true Midwestern classic.

This hearty meal is everything you love about comfort food, warm, filling, and full of flavor. Best of all, this easy Runza recipe skips complicated steps and still delivers that authentic taste your whole family will love.

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What is a Runza Casserole?

A Runza Casserole is a baked dish inspired by the beloved Nebraska Runza sandwich, which traces its roots to German-Russian immigrants. Traditionally called Bierocks, these hand-held pastries feature a savory filling of ground beef and cabbage, often with onions and cheese, all wrapped in soft yeast dough.

This casserole version takes all the flavors of the classic sandwich and transforms them into a simple, family-friendly format. Instead of individually stuffed rolls, the ingredients are layered in a baking dish, yeast dough on the bottom and top, with a hearty, savory filling in the middle.

The result is a ground beef and cabbage casserole that delivers the same cozy, satisfying taste of the original with far less work. It’s ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you crave warm, homemade comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Runza Casserole Recipe

This easy Runza Casserole Recipe takes everything you love about the traditional sandwich and turns it into a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing casserole. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:

• All-in-One Meal: Every bite delivers protein, veggies, and carbs, making it a complete and satisfying dinner.
• Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish fills a 9×9 pan and serves generously.
• Authentic Flavor: It captures the rich, comforting taste of a Nebraska Runza with its seasoned ground beef and cabbage filling and soft homemade crust.
• Freezer-Friendly: Great for making ahead, just bake, cool, and freeze for a quick heat-and-eat meal later.

Whether you’re new to Runzas or grew up with them, this casserole offers all the flavor with less effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s break down what you’ll need for this delicious Runza Casserole. We’ll go over both the soft yeast crust and the savory beef and cabbage filling to help you prepare like a pro.

For the Soft Yeast Crust

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
  All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our dough, giving it structure and softness. You may need a bit more while kneading.
• ¼ cup butter, softened
  Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the crust. Make sure it’s fully softened for easy mixing.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  Sugar: Helps feed the yeast and gives the crust a touch of sweetness, just like traditional Runza dough.
• 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  Active Dry Yeast: This helps the crust rise and gives it that fluffy, bakery-style texture. Let it bloom in warm water for best results.
• ½ teaspoon salt
  Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness in the dough.
• ½ cup warm water
  Water: Should feel warm to the touch but not hot. It activates the yeast and brings the dough together.

For the Savory Beef & Cabbage Filling

• 1 pound ground beef
  Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 or 85/15 blend. Drain well after browning to keep your crust from getting soggy.
• 1 small onion, chopped (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
  Onion: Fresh onion adds depth. Onion powder works too when you’re short on time.
• 1 small head green cabbage, cored and finely shredded
  Cabbage: This adds volume and texture. Shred it thin so it cooks down evenly.
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder, or to taste
  Garlic Powder: Adds warmth and flavor throughout the filling.
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  Seasonings: Don’t skip these. They bring all the savory flavors together.
• 4 slices processed cheese food (such as Velveeta)
  Processed Cheese: Melts perfectly and gives the casserole a creamy, nostalgic finish. It’s a must for that classic homemade Runza casserole experience.

How to Make Runza Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Runza Casserole is easier than you might think. Just follow these clear steps to create a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. For best results, consider adding photos of each step to guide you along the way.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast with ½ cup warm water (not hot). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the dough. Add 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ cup softened butter to the yeast mixture.
3. Knead the dough. Stir until a soft dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface. Knead by hand for 3 to 4 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Let it rise. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Filling

1. Brown the meat. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound ground beef with 1 chopped onion (or 1 teaspoon onion powder) until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
2. Drain the grease. Carefully remove the excess fat from the pan. This step is key to keeping your crust from becoming soggy.
3. Add cabbage and seasoning. Stir in 1 small head of shredded cabbage, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage is wilted and tender.

This savory beef and cabbage combination is also featured in other hearty recipes like our Cabbage Roll Casserole with White Sauce, perfect if you love comforting, layered meals.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Grease the baking dish. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Roll out the dough. Divide the dough in half. Roll the first half into a rectangle to fit the bottom of the dish. Press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides.
3. Add the filling. Spoon the ground beef and cabbage mixture over the crust and spread it out evenly.
4. Layer the cheese. Place 4 slices of processed cheese (like Velveeta) on top of the filling for that classic, creamy finish.
5. Top with dough. Roll out the second half of the dough and lay it over the top. Pinch the edges to seal the casserole.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Brush with butter. For extra color and flavor, brush the top crust with melted butter (optional but recommended).
2. Bake. Place the dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
3. Let it rest. Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes serving cleaner and easier.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Runza casserole, warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor!

Expert Tips & Recipe Variations

Want to make your Runza Casserole foolproof? These expert tips and fun twists will help you customize it to your taste and avoid common mistakes.

Expert Tips for Success

• Don’t Rush the Rise: Letting the dough rise fully is key to getting a light and airy crust. A well-proofed dough will bake up fluffy and soft, giving you that perfect bakery-style texture.
• Drain, Drain, Drain!: This step is crucial. After browning the beef and cooking the cabbage, drain off all the excess grease and liquid. Too much moisture can lead to a soggy bottom crust, which nobody wants.
• Dough Shortcut: In a hurry? Swap the homemade dough with 1 to 2 cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough. It’s not exactly the same, but it still gives you a delicious Runza casserole with crescent rolls and saves time on busy nights.

Fun Variations

• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrition and flavor by adding finely shredded carrots, diced mushrooms, or even a handful of baby spinach to the filling.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Not a fan of processed cheese? You can use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. Just keep in mind that Velveeta melts the creamiest, giving you that signature Runza texture.
• Make it Spicy: For a little kick, stir in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef and cabbage.

These tweaks let you make this easy Runza recipe your own while keeping the heart of the dish intact.

If you enjoy budget-friendly casseroles that don’t skimp on flavor, try our Poor Man Husband Casserole or this cheesy Big Mac Casserole for a fun twist on fast food at home.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

Runza Casserole makes excellent leftovers and is a great option for make-ahead meals or freezer dinners. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before transferring it to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze baked or unbaked Runza casserole for later.

• To freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.
• To freeze after baking: Let the casserole cool completely. Wrap individual slices or the whole dish tightly and freeze. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Reheating Tips

• From the fridge: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
• From frozen: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until heated through.

These tips make this homemade Runza casserole a perfect meal prep favorite!

This Runza casserole stores well, just like our popular Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole which is another great make-ahead option.

FAQs About Runza Casserole

These common questions will help you get even more out of your Runza Casserole experience. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a longtime fan, these tips can guide you to success.

Time To Try! Runza Casserole Recipe

And there you have it, a warm, hearty Runza Casserole that brings the classic Midwestern flavor right to your kitchen. With its soft crust, savory ground beef and cabbage filling, and melty cheese center, it’s a comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you go all in with the homemade dough or take a shortcut with crescent rolls, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

If you make this Runza Casserole, please leave a comment and a rating below! I love to hear from you. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @charlotterecipes!

Looking for more filling dinners your family will love? Check out our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole for another easy comfort food hit.

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