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Close-up of Runza casserole sliced open, showing beef, cabbage, and melted cheese

Runza Casserole


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Homemade Runza Casserole brings all the savory flavors of the classic Nebraska favorite to your kitchen, with much less effort. Featuring a buttery crust, seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and melty cheese, it’s a hearty meal the whole family will enjoy, even picky eaters.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
  • ¼ cup butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup warm water

For the Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
  • 1 small head green cabbage, cored and finely shredded
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder (or to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices processed cheese (such as Velveeta)

Pro Tip: Short on time? Swap homemade dough for crescent or pizza dough.


Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, butter, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and stir into a soft dough. Knead for 3-4 minutes, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
  2. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
  3. Make the filling: Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain excess grease. Stir in cabbage and cook for 10 minutes, until tender. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Roll out half of the dough to fit the bottom and sides of the dish. Press in. Layer with beef mixture, cheese slices, and top with remaining dough. Pinch edges to seal.
  5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then cover loosely with foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.
  6. Rest and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Reheat: Oven at 325°F or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
  • Time Saver: Use store-bought crescent or pizza dough for faster prep.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Meat Casseroles
  • Method: Baking, Oven
  • Cuisine: Midwestern, American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: runza casserole, beef cabbage casserole, Nebraska recipe, homemade runza bake