Description
Get ready to cozy up with a warm, satisfying slice of Runza Casserole — a flaky puff pastry delight filled with seasoned ground beef, sautéed cabbage and onions, and melty cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or when you need comfort food fast. It’s hearty, rich, and a delicious twist on the classic Nebraska Runza sandwich. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, family-friendly meals, or a comforting easy recipe with protein and veggies, this one hits all the marks. Great for meal prep or freezing for later!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 cups chopped green cabbage
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cottage cheese
2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing top)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the puff pastry thaw according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
4. Stir in chopped cabbage, salt, and pepper. Cook until cabbage is soft and moisture mostly evaporated.
5. Remove from heat. Let the filling cool slightly, then mix in shredded mozzarella and cottage cheese.
6. Place one sheet of puff pastry in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, covering the bottom completely.
7. Spread the filling evenly over the pastry layer.
8. Cover the filling with the second puff pastry sheet. Tuck edges slightly to seal.
9. Brush the top layer with melted butter.
10. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
11. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Make sure the filling has cooled slightly before adding it to the puff pastry to prevent sogginess.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder or smoked paprika into the meat while browning.
You can use crescent roll dough if puff pastry isn’t available, but the texture will be more bread-like.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: runza casserole, puff pastry bake, ground beef dinner, comfort food, Nebraska runza, easy dinner, casserole recipe