Runza Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained (or use 1 small head of cabbage, shredded)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough (or use 1 package of refrigerated biscuit dough)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, for a more authentic Runza flavor)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes. If using garlic, add it in the last minute of cooking. Drain excess fat.
- Add Sauerkraut/Cabbage: Stir in the sauerkraut (or shredded cabbage) and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds if using. Add dried thyme if desired.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with milk, stirring until smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the beef and sauerkraut mixture evenly. Pour the soup mixture over the beef, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and place it over the casserole in one layer, or break it into pieces and distribute it over the top. Alternatively, use biscuit dough if you prefer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Variations:
- Ground Pork or Turkey: Substitute the ground beef with ground pork or turkey for a different flavor.
- Different Cheese: Use a different cheese, like Swiss or mozzarella, if you prefer.
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Enjoy your Runza Casserole!