RUNZA CASSEROLE

Runza Casserole: A Homage to Comfort in Every Bite

Step into a world of comforting flavors with our Runza Casserole recipe – a modern twist on the classic Nebraska Runza. This delightful dish captures the essence of the beloved Runza sandwich in a convenient casserole form, making it a perfect addition to your family meals. Join us on a culinary journey as we share the secrets to crafting this heartwarming creation, complete with cook notes, variations, and keto and low-carb alternatives for those seeking a lighter indulgence without compromising on taste.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Preparing the Filling:

  1. Cook Ground Beef:
    • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add Aromatics:
    • Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
  3. Season and Add Cabbage:
    • Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Incorporate shredded cabbage into the mixture and cook until the cabbage is tender.
  4. Melted Cheese Magic:
    • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and cabbage mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted and well distributed. Set aside.

Preparing the Dough:

  1. Activate Yeast:
    • In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-7 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes frothy.
  2. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, salt, and flour. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
  3. Let it Rise:
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Assembling the Casserole:

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll Out Dough:
    • Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle large enough to cover the bottom of a baking dish.
  3. Layer Filling:
    • Spread the beef and cabbage filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
  4. Create Top Layer:
    • Roll out another layer of dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges with the bottom layer. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Baking the Casserole:

  1. Bake to Golden Perfection:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

Cook Notes:

  • Cabbage Consistency: Ensure the cabbage is cooked until tender but still retains a slight crunch for texture.
  • Dough Rising Time: Letting the dough rise adequately is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture in the final product.
  • Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss or Gouda for added flavor complexity.
  • Portioning: Cut the casserole into squares for easy serving, resembling the handheld convenience of traditional Runza sandwiches.

Variations:

Runza Roll-Ups:

  • Transform the recipe into individual roll-ups by portioning the filling and dough for a portable twist.

Runza Pocket Pies:

  • Create pocket-sized versions by shaping the dough and filling into handheld pies for on-the-go enjoyment.

Spicy Runza:

  • Add a kick with diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy variation.

Keto Version:

  • Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour in the dough to reduce carb content.
  • Use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of sugar in the dough.
  • Adjust the quantity of cabbage to control carb intake.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Explore low-carb tortilla or wrap alternatives for a lighter dough option.
  • Opt for a low-carb cheese blend to maintain the cheesy goodness without excess carbs.
  • Monitor the sugar content in the ketchup used for added flavor in the filling.

Runza Casserole is a testament to the enduring appeal of the classic Nebraska Runza, now presented in a delightful casserole format. Whether you savor the comforting layers of beef, cabbage, and cheese or experiment with variations to suit your taste, this dish brings a taste of nostalgia to your table. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the aroma of Runza Casserole fill your kitchen as you create a dish that marries tradition with innovation.