Runza Casserole for Two: A Cozy Meal for a Perfect Night In

Are you craving the comforting flavors of a classic Runza but don’t want to deal with making (and eating!) a huge batch? This Runza Casserole for Two is the perfect solution! It delivers all the savory goodness of a traditional Runza in a perfectly portioned dish, ideal for a cozy night in. This recipe simplifies the process, making it easy to enjoy this Midwest favorite any night of the week. We’re talking about tender ground beef, savory cabbage, and onions, all enveloped in a cheesy, bread-like crust. What’s not to love?

What is a Runza?

For those unfamiliar, a Runza (also known as a Bierock) is a yeast dough pocket filled with a mixture of ground beef, cabbage, onions, and seasonings. It’s a popular dish, especially in the Midwest, and is known for its hearty and comforting flavors. This casserole recreates those flavors in an easier-to-make format.

Why a Casserole?

Making individual Runzas can be a bit time-consuming. A casserole simplifies the process significantly. Instead of individually filling and shaping dough pockets, you layer all the ingredients in a baking dish and bake until golden brown and bubbly. This Runza Casserole for Two retains all the delicious flavors of the original while being much easier and quicker to prepare. Plus, it’s perfect for portion control!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe is designed for two servings, but you can easily double or triple it if you’re cooking for a larger group.

* **Ground Beef:** 1/2 pound. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer.
* **Cabbage:** 2 cups, shredded. Green cabbage is traditional, but you can also use savoy cabbage for a slightly milder flavor. Pre-shredded cabbage saves time, or you can shred it yourself using a knife or mandoline.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion works well. Diced finely so it cooks evenly.
* **Garlic:** 1 clove, minced. Adds a wonderful aromatic element.
* **Cream Cheese:** 2 ounces, softened. Adds richness and creaminess to the filling. Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1/2 cup, shredded. Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but you can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
* **Milk:** 1/4 cup. Used to moisten the “dough” layer.
* **Egg:** 1 large. Binds the “dough” layer together.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup. Forms the base of the “dough” layer. You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
* **Baking Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Helps the “dough” layer rise.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a touch of spice.
* **Caraway Seeds (optional):** 1/2 teaspoon. These add a traditional Runza flavor. If you don’t like caraway seeds, you can omit them.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon. Adds depth and umami to the beef mixture.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the vegetables.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Small Baking Dish:** An 8×8 inch baking dish or a similar size is perfect.
* **Skillet:** For cooking the ground beef and vegetables.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the filling and the “dough” layer.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons
* **Spatula or Spoon**

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious Runza Casserole for Two:

**1. Prepare the Filling:**

* Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
* Stir in the shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, caraway seeds (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the cabbage is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until well combined. Set aside.

**2. Prepare the “Dough” Layer:**

* In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
* In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter should be slightly thick.

**3. Assemble the Casserole:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Spread the ground beef and cabbage mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
* Pour the “dough” batter evenly over the meat mixture. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth; a rustic look is fine.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

**4. Bake the Casserole:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center of the topping should come out clean.

**5. Let it Rest:**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the topping to set slightly.

**6. Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the Runza Casserole hot. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Meats:** Experiment with different ground meats, such as ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage.
* **Cheese Variations:** Try different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Garlic Powder or Onion Powder:** If you don’t have fresh garlic or onion, you can substitute with garlic powder or onion powder. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of each.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the “dough” layer.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the casserole just before baking.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Baked casserole can be cooled completely, wrapped tightly, and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This Runza Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even better:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich casserole.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a nice textural contrast.
* **Pickles:** Dill pickles or sweet pickles provide a tangy counterpoint to the savory casserole.
* **Sour Cream:** A dollop of sour cream adds a touch of tanginess and creaminess.
* **Mustard:** Serve with your favorite mustard for dipping.
* **Ketchup:** Ketchup is a classic condiment for Runzas and goes well with this casserole as well.
* **Hot Sauce:** If you like a little heat, serve with your favorite hot sauce.

Detailed Recipe Card

**Runza Casserole for Two**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 2

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 pound ground beef
* 2 cups shredded cabbage
* 1/2 medium onion, chopped
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Filling:** Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in cabbage, salt, pepper, caraway seeds (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until cabbage is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese until well combined.
5. **Prepare the “Dough” Layer:** In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
7. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
8. **Assemble the Casserole:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Spread ground beef mixture in an 8×8 inch baking dish.
10. Pour “dough” batter over meat mixture.
11. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
12. **Bake the Casserole:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center of the topping should come out clean.
13. **Let it Rest:** Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
14. **Serve and Enjoy!** Serve hot.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Conclusion

This Runza Casserole for Two is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of a classic Runza without all the fuss. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or any time you’re craving something comforting and satisfying. Give it a try, and let us know what you think! We hope you love this recipe as much as we do. Enjoy!