Name: Runza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 cups green cabbage, shredded; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

If you grew up in the Midwest, especially Nebraska, you probably know how special Runzas are. These stuffed rolls filled with ground beef, cabbage, and onions are the kind of comfort food that wraps you in warmth with every bite. But what if you could enjoy all that hearty, savory goodness without having to make yeast dough from scratch? That’s where this Runza Casserole comes in.

This cozy casserole takes everything you love about traditional Runzas and layers it into a creamy, cheesy, and flaky bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend potlucks. It hits all the right notes: golden crescent roll crust, seasoned beef and cabbage filling, melted cheese, and a baked top that gives you that perfect Runza finish. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a serious treat.

Why You’ll Love This Runza Casserole

This recipe is comfort food without the fuss. You don’t have to roll or shape anything. The crescent roll dough does all the heavy lifting. The filling is simple but flavorful, and the layers come together quickly in one pan. It also reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep or next-day leftovers. If you love hearty casseroles with Midwestern charm, this one will become a go-to.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Runza Casserole?

For this easy version, refrigerated crescent roll dough is the best shortcut. It provides a light, buttery crust that mimics the soft, slightly flaky texture of homemade Runza dough. Just unroll it, press it into your baking dish, and you’re good to go. If you prefer a thicker, breadier base, you could use pizza dough or even biscuit dough, but crescent rolls strike the perfect balance of light and golden.

Ingredients for the Runza Casserole

Runza Casserole uses simple, everyday ingredients that you might already have in your fridge or pantry. The beauty is in how they come together: rich, savory beef with tender cabbage all nestled between flaky layers of buttery dough. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground beef
Yellow onion
Green cabbage
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese
Refrigerated crescent roll dough

You’ll start by browning the ground beef to build the savory base. Yellow onion adds that classic aromatic note, while green cabbage brings just the right texture and earthiness. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for warmth. The gooey combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese ties everything together, and crescent roll dough becomes the golden crust and top.

How To Make the Runza Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and shredded cabbage and continue cooking until the vegetables are soft and tender. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the dish to create the base crust.

Step 3: Layer the Filling

Spread the cooked beef and cabbage mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top of the meat layer.

Step 4: Add the Top Crust

Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and lay it over the cheese layer. Gently press to seal the edges as much as possible.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares and serving warm.

How to Serve and Store This Runza Casserole

Runza Casserole is a full meal in itself, but it plays well with simple sides or a crisp salad. It feeds about 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size, making it an ideal dish for family dinners, casual gatherings, or as a make-ahead lunch for the week. Once it’s cooled, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can even freeze portions for up to 2 months—just wrap tightly in plastic and foil.

What to Serve With Runza Casserole?

Classic Garden Salad

A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette gives a fresh balance to the rich flavors of the casserole.

Roasted Carrots

Their natural sweetness complements the savory filling, and the textures play well together.

Creamy Tomato Soup

A cozy bowl of soup turns this into a hearty winter meal, especially on chilly nights.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Go full comfort mode with a fluffy, buttery side of mashed potatoes.

Pickled Beets

This tangy, vibrant side offers a beautiful contrast and brightens the plate.

Fresh Fruit Salad

If you want a lighter touch, a bowl of seasonal fruits is refreshing and helps cleanse the palate.

Coleslaw

Creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds crunch and a zingy twist to the meal.

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Simple, sweet, and buttery—it’s always a crowd-pleaser and feels right at home next to Runza casserole.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Runza Casserole won your heart, you might also fall in love with these delicious twists on comforting favorites:

Try the cozy and creamy No Peek Chicken Casserole for a hands-off dinner win.
Check out White Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a cheesy Tex-Mex vibe.
Love beef and rice? French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is deeply savory and wildly easy.
For a cabbage-filled favorite, the Tasty Deconstructed Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Rolls deliver flavor without the fuss.
Craving something rich and creamy? Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms might be your new obsession.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your Runza Casserole turned out. Did you add a personal twist, maybe a different cheese or a buttery herb topping? I love seeing how others put their own spin on these family favorites. Questions and tweaks are always welcome—let’s make these recipes even better together.

Explore beautifully curated, heartwarming meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and get inspired to cook with joy.

Conclusion

Runza Casserole brings together the classic Midwestern flavors of beef, cabbage, and onion in the easiest possible form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just in need of comfort food with a nostalgic kick, this dish has you covered. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular rotation.