Runza Casserole

Runza Casserole is a beloved Midwestern comfort food that combines the flavors of a classic Runza sandwich with the convenience of a casserole. The Runza sandwich, also known as a bierock, is a traditional German dish consisting of ground beef, cabbage, and onions stuffed inside a yeasted bread dough and baked to golden perfection. The Runza Casserole takes these same delicious ingredients and transforms them into a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family dinner.

Runza Casserole
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Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Additional Time:

1 hr 5 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 10 mins

Servings:

2

Ingredients

Runza Casserole
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, or as needed
¼ cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup warm water
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 small head cabbage, cored and shredded
1 tablespoon garlic powder, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
4 slices processed cheese food (such as Velveeta), or to taste

Directions

Runza Casserole

Step 1

Make the crust: Mix flour, butter, sugar, yeast, and salt together in a large bowl. Pour in warm water and stir until a soft ball forms. Roll dough on a floured surface and knead until elastic, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cover with a towel; let rise in a warm and dry area for about 1 hour.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 3

Make the filling: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef and onion in the hot skillet until beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 10 minutes; drain and discard grease. Add cabbage; cook and stir until steamed and wilted, about 10 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4

Split dough in half. Roll each piece to fit an 8-inch square baking dish. Press one crust into the bottom and up the sides of the baking dish. Spoon beef mixture into the crust and cover with cheese slices. Cover cheese layer with the second crust; pinch the edges of both crusts together to seal.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Cover casserole with aluminum foil and continue to bake until filling is hot, about 10 more minutes. Let sit for about 5 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

1348

Calories

70g

Fat

115g

Carbs

68g

Protein

Complement

The beauty of Runza Casserole lies in its simplicity and versatility. It can be customized to suit individual tastes, with options to add cheese, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the filling. The dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Whether you have a craving for a taste of the Midwest or simply want to indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal, Runza Casserole is sure to satisfy.