Published: · Modified: by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.
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Runza Casserole is inspired by a world-famous sandwich made with ground beef and cabbage. This is a filling, delicious and affordable way to feed an entire family!
Why This Recipe Works
Unless you are from the Midwest, you might not be familiar with the word RUNZA. What is a Runza?! Hmm, yes, it’s a very interesting word. I lived in Omaha, Nebraska, for a few years after college and this popular restaurant quickly became a favorite of mine.
Their specialty sandwich, The Runza Sandwich, consists of beef, cabbage and onions squished between two scrumptious pieces of bread.
Oh goodness, you guys, this is an absolute favorite sandwich of mine. The ingredients are so simple, so I can see where one might question this but TRUST ME. If you don’t live access to this restaurant, make this casserole and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
With just a little love and some cooking magic, cabbage and ground beef transform into a savory, comforting casserole the whole family will enjoy.
How To Make Runza Casserole
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Roll out one tube of crescent rolls and place on the bottom of prepared pan.
Bake for 5 minutes.
Step 2
Add 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain and use a spatula to move the meat to outer edges of the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the center of the skillet and allow it to melt.
Add the onions, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Step 3
Add cabbage (half of a head, shredded) to the hamburger and onion mixture.
Cook for 5 minutes, or until the cabbage has cooked down and wilted. Season again with salt and pepper. Pour meat-cabbage mixture over top of bottom crescent layer. Add an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Top with the remaining crescent roll dough.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until crescent rolls are golden brown.
Recipe Notes
- For an added burst of creaminess and flavor, consider adding a can of cream of mushroom soup to the hamburger cabbage mixture before adding it to the baking dish.
- Use any variety of cabbage for this recipe!
- Hamburger can be replaced with any ground meat.
- For added flavor, add 1 teaspoon seasoned salt to the hamburger before adding onions and cabbage.
What To Serve With Cabbage
So many main course options as well as secondary sides pair perfectly with it! If you are searching for that perfect recipe to pair it with, read on for some great ideas about what to serve with cabbage.
Included in the article is recipes for Reuben sandwiches, tacos, corned beef, potatoes, lamb, pork chops and more!
FAQ About Cabbage
How to cut cabbage?
Remove and discard the outermost leaves and cut the very bottom of the stem off. Place the head of cabbage on its end where you cut and slice down the center vertically. Cut each half lengthwise. Remove the core and stem by cutting a wedge out of each quarter. Place each cabbage quarter onto a flat portion so it is lying flat and slice 1/4-inch strips, creating shredded cabbage.
How many calories in cabbage?
One cup of shredded cabbage contains approximately 17 calories.
How many carbs in cabbage?
One cup of shredded cabbage contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates.
Cabbage Recipes
- Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup is super easy and comforting and it can be tossed right into your slow cooker!
- Make grilled cabbage to the next level by making Grilled Cabbage Steaks! Top them with shaved Parmesan cheese, bbq sauce or just a simple pat of butter. Serve alongside any summer meal for the absolute perfect healthy side dish!
- This classic Easy Coleslaw contains shredded cabbage, creamy vinaigrette dressing and it’s not loaded down with mayo! This will be your go-to slaw for a dinner side, picnic fare and fish tacos!
- Sauteed Cabbage is the perfect quick and delicious side dish for any meal. Using only a few ingredients and taking 10 minutes of your time, you can’t go wrong with this super flavorful and affordable recipe!
- Enjoy corned beef and cabbage made in the Instant Pot, done QUICKLY compared to traditional cooking methods and with just as much flavor! The meat turns out super juicy and tender. The cabbage, carrots and potatoes complement this delicious comforting dinner perfectly. Enjoy on Saint Patrick’s Day or any time of the year!
Ground Beef and Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipes
Simplify dinner tonight! Create an easy, affordable and delicious meal using two hearty main ingredients. Click over for a handful of ground beef and cream of mushroom soup recipes!
Affordable Ground Beef Recipes
If you are looking for more easy recipes using ground beef, check out this incredible roundup filled with delicious ideas!
30+ Delicious Dinners Using Ground Beef
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Runza Casserole Recipe
Runza Casserole is inspired by a world-famous sandwich made with ground beef and cabbage. This is a filling, delicious and affordable way to feed a family!
4.77 from 55 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 364kcal
Author: Megan Porta
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Roll out one tube of crescent rolls and place on the bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 5 minutes.
Add 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain and use a spatula to move the meat to outer edges of the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the center of the skillet and allow it to melt. Add the onions, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add half of a head of cabbage (shredded) and cook for 5 minutes, or until it has cooked down and wilted. Season again with salt and pepper. Pour meat-cabbage mixture over top of bottom crescent layer. Top with an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Top with the remaining crescent roll dough.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until crescent rolls are golden brown.
Notes
- For an added burst of creaminess and flavor, consider adding a can of cream of mushroom soup to the hamburger cabbage mixture before adding it to the baking dish.
- Use any variety of cabbage for this recipe!
- Hamburger can be replaced with any ground meat.
- For added flavor, add 1 teaspoon seasoned salt to the hamburger before adding onions and cabbage.
- If your can of crescent rolls come in 8oz, then you will 2 cans!
Nutrition
Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 834mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 237IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 2mg
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