Runza Casserole

Runza Casserole Delight: A Homage to Comfort and Flavor Unleashed in Every Bite

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that pays tribute to the beloved Runza with our delectable Runza Casserole recipe. This dish encapsulates the essence of a classic Runza, transforming it into a comforting casserole that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Join us as we dive into the heart of this savory delight, exploring the layers of seasoned beef, cabbage, and dough, all melded together in a symphony of flavors. Get ready to savor the taste of nostalgia and create a dish that’s destined to be a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small head cabbage, shredded
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For Assembly:

• 2 cups shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg into the well. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling:

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
2. Add shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook until it wilts.
3. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the cabbage is tender.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Assembling the Runza Casserole:

1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle.
2. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a greased baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
3. Spread the ground beef and cabbage mixture evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese on top of the filling.
5. Fold the sides of the dough over the filling, sealing it like a traditional Runza.

Baking the Runza Casserole:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
2. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Cooking Notes:

• Feel free to customize the seasoning in the filling according to your taste preferences. Add herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough as a convenient alternative.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties to find your perfect flavor combination.

Variations:

Spicy Kick Runza: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a spicy twist.

Pizza Inspired Runza: Incorporate pizza sauce, pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings into the filling for a pizza-inspired Runza.

Tex-Mex Fusion Runza: Replace the traditional filling with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and Mexican cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Runza Casserole:

• Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in the dough to reduce carb content.
• Use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of sugar in the dough.
• Replace the onions and cabbage with low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and spinach.

Low-Carb Savory Delight:

• Reduce the amount of flour in the dough or use a low-carb alternative.
• Opt for a ground meat with higher fat content for a low-carb version.
• Choose a low-carb cheese or omit it entirely to reduce carb intake.

Runza Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. Whether you follow the classic recipe, explore tempting variations, or opt for keto and low-carb adaptations, this dish is a canvas for culinary creativity.

So, preheat that oven, let the aroma of seasoned beef and golden crust fill your kitchen, and indulge in the joy of creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Share this delightful creation with family and friends, and let the Runza Casserole become a staple in your repertoire of go-to recipes. This recipe is more than a casserole; it’s a journey into the heart of flavor, nostalgia, and the joy of bringing loved ones together around a table filled with homemade goodness.