Runza Casserole

Runza Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make casserole that brings the flavor of the classic Runza sandwich to your dinner table in a whole new way. This casserole version features seasoned beef, onions, and cabbage, all baked together in a savory, biscuit-like crust that’s golden and flaky. Inspired by the famous Midwestern Runza sandwich, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and flavorful.

The best part about this casserole is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Plus, it’s fully customizable! You can adjust the seasonings to your taste, swap out ingredients if needed, or even make it ahead of time for a stress-free dinner. Whether you’re a fan of the original Runza sandwich or new to this tasty dish, Runza Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients (Measured in Grams)

For the Casserole:

500g ground beef (you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version)
1 medium onion (150g), chopped
500g cabbage, shredded
1 can (425g) refrigerated biscuit dough (or you can use homemade biscuit dough)
240g shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder (3g)
1/2 teaspoon salt (1.5g)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15ml)
1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml) for sautéing

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the meat if necessary.
Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted. Season with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Layer

Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. You’ll be using the biscuit dough to create a topping that will form a golden crust over the casserole.
In the prepared baking dish, spread the meat and cabbage mixture evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Arrange the biscuit dough pieces on top of the meat mixture, covering it as evenly as possible. There may be some gaps, but the biscuits will expand as they bake, filling in the spaces.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the biscuit dough.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 450 kcal (1 serving)
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 3g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Runza Casserole

✅ Make it Ahead – You can easily prepare this casserole ahead of time. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

✅ Customize the Meat – Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage to suit your taste. If using a leaner meat like ground turkey, consider adding a little extra olive oil to ensure the dish stays moist.

✅ Add More Veggies – Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Try adding carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the onions before adding the ground beef.

✅ Use Homemade Biscuits – If you prefer homemade biscuit dough, you can easily make your own using a basic biscuit recipe. Simply roll out the dough and cut it into pieces to top the casserole.

✅ Cheese Variations – While cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this casserole, you can switch it up by using mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for different flavors. For an extra cheesy experience, add more cheese on top just before serving.

Variations to Try

Vegetarian Runza Casserole – For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or vegetarian crumbles. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or corn for more texture and flavor.
Spicy Runza Casserole – Spice things up by adding a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the meat and cabbage mixture, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the casserole before baking.
Mushroom Runza Casserole – Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory beef and cabbage filling. Mushrooms also add a great texture and richness to the dish.
Cheesy Runza Casserole – For a super cheesy twist, mix some cheese into the beef and cabbage filling before baking, and top with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey topping.