Runza Casserole
Recipe Introduction: Your New Comfort Food Casserole
Fancy a runza casserole that's proper lush? Ever asked yourself, "What's for tea?" Well, let me tell you about a dish that's both easy to make and seriously satisfying.
This isn't just any cabbage casserole ; it's a hug in a dish.
Quick Hook: Midwestern Casserole Recipe Magic!
Craving something warming and hearty? Then you're in for a treat! This runza casserole , a kind of bierock casserole , takes the classic flavors of Nebraska recipes casserole and turns them into a super easy casserole that tastes like a dream, it's just what the doctor ordered!
Brief Overview: From Nebraska With Love
This midwestern casserole recipe is inspired by the famous Nebraska runza. It’s basically a savory pastry pocket, but we’re deconstructing it into an easy casserole recipe .
This one will take you about an hour, with 25 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cook time. This recipe makes enough for 6-8 servings! Honestly, runza casserole is a great crowd pleaser.
Main Benefits: Proper Comfort Food
This ground beef casserole is packed with protein and hearty vegetables. It's proper comfort food , perfect for a chilly evening or a potluck with mates.
What makes this recipe special is that it’s so simple, yet the flavors are so rich and comforting. And you can use crescent rolls for the crust.
Who knew crescent roll casserole recipes could be this good?.
Alright, now that we've covered the basics, let's get to the ingredients for this amazing runza filling recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Runza Casserole Started!
Right then, let's chat about what you'll need to whip up this amazing runza casserole . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, even if you're not exactly Mary Berry in the kitchen! We will break down the main ingredients, essential seasonings, and the basic equipment.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of This Midwestern Casserole Recipe
Okay, here's the lowdown on what goes into our lovely cabbage casserole :
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Any old olive oil will do.
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450 g) . Go for a good quality, not too lean, mind. You want some flavor!
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup/150 g) . That's the normal big one.
- Shredded green cabbage: 4 cups (about 1/2 medium head/200 g) . Don't be shy, pack it in!
- Caraway seeds: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . These are key for that bierock casserole flavour!
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) .
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) .
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) .
- Beef broth: 1/4 cup (60 ml) .
For the crust, you have choices, love!
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: 2 (14.1 ounce) cans (2 x 400g) . The ready-made stuff is fine.
- OR ready-made puff pastry: 1 sheet . If you're feeling fancy!
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (30 ml) . For that golden finish.
- Everything bagel seasoning: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) (Optional, but yummy!).
Seasoning Notes: Secret Weapon for a Runza Filling Recipe
Now, the seasonings are where the magic happens. Don't skimp! That caraway is crucial for that authentic Nebraska recipes casserole taste.
Thyme and garlic powder add warmth and depth. If you haven't got caraway, a pinch of fennel seeds might do, but go easy on them.
Want a bit of a kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes is your friend! And honestly, a good sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top? Chef's kiss! It takes this ground beef casserole to the next level.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
Honestly, you don't need fancy kit for this easy casserole recipes dish.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: For browning the beef and cooking the filling.
- 9x13 inch baking dish: Standard stuff.
- Mixing bowl: For, you know, mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Obvious, really.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For chopping the onion and cabbage.
Don't have a fancy Dutch oven? A large frying pan will do just fine! We are all about comfort food casserole here. This crescent roll casserole recipes dish is adaptable!
Cooking Method: Casserole Magic for a Runza Dream
Right, let's talk about turning a classic runza into a runza casserole , shall we? It's proper comfort food, innit? Imagine a ground beef casserole , but with a touch of that je ne sais quoi .
We're talking Midwestern casserole recipe vibes here perfect for those chilly evenings when you just need a hug from the inside out.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Mate
First, get your ingredients sorted. This "mise en place" malarkey is French, but it just means having everything prepped and ready to go.
Chop your onion (about 1 cup or 150g), and shred that cabbage (about 4 cups or 200g). Honestly, prepping is half the battle.
For safety, always use a sharp knife and watch those fingers, yeah?
step-by-step: Bashing Out a Brilliant Runza Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Brown 1 pound (450g) of ground beef in a large skillet. Drain off any fat. Soggy bottoms are a no-no!
- Sauté the chopped onion until softened (about 5 minutes). Then, add the shredded cabbage, 1 teaspoon (5ml) of caraway seeds, 1 teaspoon (5ml) of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) of black pepper.
- Simmer with 1/4 cup (60ml) of beef broth until the cabbage is tender (5- 7 minutes). Don't overcook it! You want a bit of bite.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the dish. Alternatively, use half of a sheet of puff pastry if you're feeling fancy.
- Spread that lovely filling evenly over the base.
- Top with the remaining crescent roll dough or puff pastry, sealing the edges.
- Brush with 2 tablespoons (30ml) of melted butter and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning (optional). Bake for 30- 35 minutes , until golden brown.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Runza Game
Want to really nail this comfort food casserole ? Try adding a layer of shredded cheddar cheese before topping with the crust.
And whatever you do, don't overcook the cabbage . It should be tender, not mushy. If you want to spice things up a bit you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
Honestly, this runza filling recipe is so versatile. I often make a big batch and freeze half for a quick weeknight meal.
It's a proper time saver. And if you are out of crescent rolls then you can use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry for the crust.
It's still easy casserole recipes but it all depends on your personal preferences.
Remember that this is just a variation of the bierock casserole or cabbage casserole , and Nebraska recipes casserole are perfect for a family dinner.
Recipe Notes for Your Runza Casserole Adventure
Right, so you're about to whip up this amazing runza casserole . Ace! Before you dive in, a few little pointers, yeah? Think of these as friendly nudges in the right direction.
Serving Up Some Serious Style
Okay, so presentation matters, doesn't it? A simple dollop of sour cream on top of your runza casserole adds a bit of poshness.
Or, if you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley. On the side? A crisp green salad cuts through the richness perfectly.
For drinks, try a light beer it's a bierock casserole kinda vibe, you know? It's like the ultimate in comfort food casserole goals.
Storing Like a Pro
Got leftovers? Winner! This ground beef casserole keeps well. Chuck it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing? Absolutely! Just wrap it well in foil and it'll last for up to 2 months. Reheating is a doddle.
Oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Easy peasy.
Mix It Up, Mate!
Want to go veggie? Swop out the ground beef for lentils. Boom! A vegetarian runza casserole . Honestly, it's delicious. Or, chuck in some different veg depending on the season.
Swede in the winter? Peppers in the summer? Go wild! Maybe some cheddar cheese inside...just a thought.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Okay, quick bit about the good stuff. This Nebraska recipes casserole has protein from the beef. Cabbage brings fiber, keeping things moving.
And the carbs? Well, they're your energy! It's a balanced meal, innit? It can also serve as a good cabbage casserole .
Honestly, don't stress too much. Cooking should be fun, yeah? This easy casserole recipes is proper forgiving. Even if you make a little boo-boo, it'll still taste amazing.
Now get in that kitchen and make some magic! Think of it as a midwestern casserole recipe . Enjoy creating your runza filling recipe !
Honestly, don't overthink it. Cooking is supposed to be fun, innit? Enjoy creating your runza casserole and make it your own.
You can even try some crescent roll casserole recipes . If I can do it, you can do it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make runza casserole ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! You can assemble the runza casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with cling film and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through. Just like getting your ducks in a row before the big event!
What's the best way to store leftover runza casserole?
Leftover runza casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for a crispier crust, I recommend popping it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Think of it as giving your leftovers a second chance to shine!
I'm not a fan of cabbage. What else can I use in this runza casserole recipe?
While cabbage is traditional, you can definitely experiment! Try using shredded Brussels sprouts or even finely chopped kale as a substitute. You could also add other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. It's your kitchen, your rules go on, be a culinary trailblazer!
My runza casserole crust always seems soggy. Any tips to prevent that?
Soggy bottoms are a common casserole woe! Be sure to drain the ground beef really well after browning to remove excess grease. Also, don't overcook the filling you want the cabbage tender, not swimming in liquid.
You might also consider blind baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling for extra crispness think of it like giving your crust a head start in the race to deliciousness!
Can I freeze runza casserole? I want to make a batch for later!
Freezing is a grand idea for future you! Bake the runza casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film, followed by foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
It's like having a ready meal hidden away for a rainy day!
Is runza casserole healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Runza casserole, like many comfort foods, is best enjoyed in moderation. It contains a good amount of protein from the beef, but also has fat and carbohydrates from the crust. To make it healthier, you can use leaner ground beef, reduce the amount of butter, and add more vegetables.
Think of it as finding the right balance, a bit like Mary Berry advising on the perfect bake!
Runza Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
