Anabelle The Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines ground beef, cabbage, and cheese baked under a golden layer of crescent rolls. Inspired by the classic Nebraska Runza sandwich, this casserole transforms those beloved flavors into an easy-to-make family meal. With its warm, savory filling and flaky crust, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekends.
A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole
The Runza sandwich has German-Russian origins, brought to Nebraska by immigrants who made filled bread pockets called “bierocks.” The Pioneer Woman’s Runza Casserole keeps that same flavor profile — seasoned beef, cabbage, and melted cheese — but simplifies it by layering everything in a casserole dish instead of stuffing individual rolls. The result is just as delicious and far less time-consuming.
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Why This Recipe is Worth Trying
- Classic comfort food made easy for busy nights.
- All-in-one meal with meat, veggies, and bread in one dish.
- Rich, cheesy flavor everyone loves.
- Inspired by the Midwest favorite Runza sandwich.
- Perfect make-ahead or freezer-friendly dinner.
Essential Ingredients for This Recipe
For the filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For assembling the casserole:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing the top)
Useful Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with butter or oil.
Step 2: Cook the beef and onions
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add cabbage and seasoning
Stir in shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage softens and reduces in volume. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the crust base
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, sealing any seams.
Step 5: Layer the filling
Spread the cooked beef and cabbage mixture evenly over the crescent dough. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Step 6: Add the top crust
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese layer, pressing the edges to seal. Brush the top with melted butter for a golden finish.
Step 7: Bake the casserole
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top crust is puffed and golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)
- Dough stayed raw underneath: pre-bake the bottom crust for 5 minutes before adding filling.
- Cabbage too crunchy: cooked it longer until fully tender.
- Too greasy: drained beef well before layering.
- Uneven baking: covered loosely with foil halfway through if browning too quickly.
Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole
- Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat.
- Replace crescent dough with whole wheat or reduced-fat dough.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for nutrition.
- Use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole
- Ground beef: substitute with ground turkey or sausage.
- Cheddar cheese: use mozzarella or Swiss for a milder flavor.
- Cabbage: replace with shredded Brussels sprouts or coleslaw mix.
- Worcestershire sauce: soy sauce or steak sauce works in a pinch.
Unexpected Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole
- Serve with ketchup or mustard for a traditional Runza taste.
- Add a side of mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
- Turn leftovers into hand pies by wrapping filling in puff pastry.
- Pair with soup for a complete meal.
Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole Success
- Seal the edges well to keep the filling inside while baking.
- Don’t skip draining the beef to avoid a soggy crust.
- Bake until golden — underbaking leads to doughy layers.
- Let it cool slightly before cutting to set the layers.
- Store properly for best reheating results.
Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole
- Cheesy bacon version: add cooked bacon bits to the filling.
- Spicy twist: mix in jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
- Breakfast runza casserole: replace beef with sausage and add scrambled eggs.
- Vegetarian option: skip meat and use mushrooms and lentils.
Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole
- Refrigerate: up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: thaw overnight before reheating in the oven.
Ways to Warm It Up Again
- Oven: reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes for a crisp crust.
- Microwave: heat slices for 30–45 seconds (crust may soften).
- Air fryer: reheat at 325°F for 5 minutes for a flaky finish.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)
- Calories: ~370
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole
The Runza sandwich has German-Russian origins, brought to Nebraska by immigrants who made filled bread pockets called “bierocks.” The Pioneer Woman’s Runza Casserole keeps that same flavor profile — seasoned beef, cabbage, and melted cheese — but simplifies it by layering everything in a casserole dish instead of stuffing individual rolls. The result is just as delicious and far less time-consuming.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Midwestern)
Ingredients
For the filling:
-
1 pound ground beef
-
1 small onion, chopped
-
2 cups shredded cabbage
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For assembling the casserole:
-
2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing the top)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with butter or oil.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage softens and reduces in volume. Remove from heat.
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, sealing any seams.
Spread the cooked beef and cabbage mixture evenly over the crescent dough. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese layer, pressing the edges to seal. Brush the top with melted butter for a golden finish.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top crust is puffed and golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Where did the Runza casserole originate?
Runza casserole is inspired by the Runza sandwich, a regional favorite from Nebraska, USA. The original Runza has German-Russian roots, brought to the Midwest by immigrants who made bierocks — bread pockets filled with beef, cabbage, and onions. The casserole version simplifies this dish by layering the filling between crescent roll dough, making it a convenient and family-friendly meal.
How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy in Runza casserole?
To prevent a soggy bottom crust, pre-bake the bottom layer of crescent dough for about 5 minutes before adding the filling. Also, make sure to drain excess grease from the beef and avoid overly moist ingredients. This ensures a crisp, flaky base once baked.
Can I make Runza casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Runza casserole in advance. Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed. It’s also freezer-friendly for longer storage.
What can I serve with the Runza casserole?
Runza casserole pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a classic Midwestern touch, serve it with ketchup, mustard, or creamy ranch dressing on the side.
Wrapping It Up
The Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole takes the classic Midwest sandwich and turns it into an easy, family-friendly dish. With layers of savory beef, tender cabbage, melted cheese, and buttery crust, it’s the ultimate comfort meal.
