Delicious Swiss Mushroom Runza Casserole: A Hearty Nebraska Comfort Food Twist
Experience the ultimate comfort with our Swiss Cheese Mushroom Runza Casserole. This incredibly simple, yet amazingly delicious, recipe features a golden crescent roll crust enveloping a warm, seasoned filling of ground beef, savory onions, earthy mushrooms, and tender cabbage. Baked to perfection with a generous blend of creamy Swiss and gooey mozzarella cheeses, then topped with another flaky crescent roll crust, this casserole is a family-favorite that promises pure satisfaction.
Embracing the Runza Legacy in Casserole Form
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting a classic Runza sandwich, you already understand the irresistible appeal of its contents. The harmonious blend of warm, seasoned ground beef, sweet onions, and tender cabbage, all encased within a soft bread pocket, is truly a culinary delight. It’s the kind of flavor combination that evokes an audible “mmm” with every bite.
Here in Nebraska, the original Runza sandwich holds a special place in our hearts, marking the beginning of a beloved culinary tradition. From this humble origin, countless variations have emerged, showcasing the versatility of the Runza concept. We’ve seen cheese-filled Runzas, zesty Italian Runzas, and even more adventurous creations like the Reuben Runza. This constant innovation proves that while the original is iconic, there’s always room to explore new and exciting twists on this classic comfort food.
Introducing Our Swiss Mushroom Runza Casserole Innovation
When I visit a Runza restaurant, I often find myself torn between two distinct favorites: the traditional Runza sandwich and their incredible Swiss Cheese Mushroom Burger. The flavors of both are so compelling that I often wish I could combine them into one perfect dish. That desire led to the creation of this very casserole – what I proudly consider a flawless fusion of my two top choices!
The standard recipe for Runza casserole typically calls for a simple combination of cabbage, onion, and ground beef, sometimes with a touch of American or cheddar cheese. My version elevates this beloved classic by incorporating two star ingredients: savory mushrooms and rich Swiss cheese. This addition, in my humble opinion, transforms the dish into the ultimate “best of both worlds” casserole, offering a deeper flavor profile and an extra layer of gourmet comfort that truly sets it apart.
What Exactly is a Runza? Unpacking a Nebraska Treasure
If you find yourself asking “What is a Runza?”, then we Nebraskans instantly know you haven’t yet experienced the charm of our wonderful state. But perhaps you’ve heard it by its traditional Volga German name: the Bierock.
At its core, a Runza is a delightfully soft bread dough pocket, generously stuffed with a savory mixture. The classic filling includes tender cabbage, sweet onion, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. Often, cheese is added to further enhance its deliciousness. Once assembled, these pockets are baked until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust, resulting in a portable, incredibly satisfying meal. In a single word, they are simply delicious!
For those outside of Nebraska craving this unique taste, you can even order these iconic Nebraska Stuffed Beef Sandwiches online and have them shipped directly to your door. Alternatively, for the adventurous home cook, I highly recommend following my super simple Runza Sandwich recipe. It ingeniously uses frozen bread dough, making the process of crafting your own from scratch surprisingly easy and enjoyable. A pro tip: make a double batch and freeze some extras – you’ll be incredibly thankful you did when a craving strikes!
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Runza Casserole
While the traditional Runza is a culinary masterpiece, sometimes time constraints or a desire for a simpler approach calls for an alternative. That’s where this fantastic bierock/Runza bake truly shines. It’s an excellent and convenient way to satisfy that deep-seated craving for the classic flavors without the labor-intensive process of individual bread pockets. I’ve encountered numerous similar casserole recipes throughout my life; in my local area, almost every church cookbook features at least five variations. This prevalence makes me wonder about the true origin of the Runza casserole!
The foundational recipe for this casserole, which I’ve proudly adapted, came from a colleague of my twins. While some variations of this casserole are made with Bisquick (which can indeed be delicious), I’ve found that using crescent roll dough offers a significantly easier and equally delightful experience. The pre-made dough provides a wonderfully flaky and buttery crust that complements the savory filling perfectly, making this a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Your Swiss Cheese Mushroom Runza Casserole
This wholesome casserole is a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients. You won’t find anything overly fancy here, just basic pantry staples combined to create a truly comforting and flavorful meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Crescent Roll Dough: Two 8-ounce packages are needed. If you can find the full sheets of crescent roll dough, grab them! They make lining your baking dish even easier, eliminating the need to pinch seams together.
- Lean Ground Beef: About 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef ensures a rich, hearty filling without excessive grease.
- Onion: ½ cup of finely chopped onion adds a foundational aromatic sweetness that beautifully balances the savory beef and cabbage.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: One can of this classic soup contributes a creamy texture and deep mushroom flavor, binding the filling together.
- Canned Sliced Mushrooms: One 4-ounce can, drained. While canned mushrooms are convenient, you can certainly use fresh mushrooms if preferred. Just ensure you cook them until tender and any excess moisture has evaporated before adding to the mix.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, these essential seasonings enhance all the other flavors in the casserole.
- Green Cabbage: Approximately 2 cups of finely shredded green cabbage (roughly half of a small head). This is the signature ingredient that gives Runza its unique texture and taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 4 ounces (about 1.5 cups) shredded. Mozzarella offers a wonderful melt and a mild, creamy flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: 4 ounces (about 1.5 cups) shredded. The distinctive nutty and slightly sweet flavor of Swiss cheese is what gives this casserole its special twist. A pro tip for maximum flavor and melt: if you don’t shred your own cheese, you’re missing out! {See why} – freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and tastes better.
Simple Steps to Create Your Own Runza Casserole
Making this Swiss Mushroom Runza Casserole is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal the whole family will adore:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking dish by lightly spraying a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef with the finely chopped onion over medium heat. As the meat cooks, break it apart with a spoon. When the beef is about halfway cooked through and no longer pink, season it generously with salt and pepper. Add in the drained sliced mushrooms, chopping them slightly if desired for a finer texture. Continue to cook for a couple more minutes, allowing the mushroom flavors to meld with the beef.
- Next, stir in the finely shredded green cabbage. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will soften and wilt down significantly, becoming tender and sweet.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, ensuring it is thoroughly combined with the meat and vegetable mixture. This forms the creamy, savory base of your casserole filling.
With your filling ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole for baking:
- Unroll one sheet of crescent roll dough (or separate the triangles and press them together to form a sheet). Carefully line the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish with this crescent dough, pressing it gently up the sides to form a crust.
- Evenly spoon the rich meat and vegetable mixture over the crescent roll base in the baking dish. Spread it out to cover the entire surface.
- Generously sprinkle both the shredded mozzarella and Swiss cheeses over the meat mixture. The combination of these two cheeses will create a delightfully gooey and flavorful layer.
- Finally, top the casserole with the remaining sheet of crescent roll dough. Gently stretch and press the edges of the top dough layer to meet and seal with the bottom crust, creating a fully enclosed package.
- Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling vigorously from the center.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. Serve it hot, directly from the baking dish, right at the table. This simple, hearty dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner and is sure to become a regular request!
Tips for the Perfect Runza Casserole
- For a Crispier Crust: Ensure your oven is fully preheated. For an extra golden-brown top, you can brush the top crescent roll sheet with a little melted butter before baking.
- Vegetable Prep: Finely shredding the cabbage and chopping the onion ensures they cook down evenly and blend seamlessly into the filling, mimicking the texture of a traditional Runza.
- Cheese Choice: While Swiss and mozzarella are key to this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Meat Options: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for lean ground beef if preferred, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat and vegetable filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble with the crescent rolls and cheese, then bake as directed.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted root vegetables.
Love It? Pin It!
If this Swiss Mushroom Runza Casserole recipe has captured your imagination and you can’t wait to try it, make sure you remember where you found it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board right now so you can easily come back to it whenever the craving hits!
This casserole delivers ultimate warm and cheesy goodness. Of course, if the Swiss cheese and mushroom aspect isn’t what you’re looking for, it’s an easy adjustment. Simply follow the recipe and omit the mushrooms and both types of cheese for a more traditional Runza casserole flavor profile. You can even add in American or cheddar cheese if you prefer!
Celebrating a Decade: An Affair from the Heart’s 10th Anniversary & Nebraska Roots
Today’s delightful recipe for this Swiss Mushroom Runza Casserole is proudly presented as a part of my blog’s grand Tenth Anniversary Giveaway Extravaganza! This particular giveaway celebrates my deep-seated love for my home state of Nebraska. As someone born and raised here, embodying the spirit of “Nebraska nice,” I have always been and will forever remain a proud Nebraskan.
While I cherish travel and dream of warmer retreats during our chilly Nebraska winters, my roots are firmly planted in this state I adore. In my experience, there’s truly no better place to raise a family, and you’d be hard-pressed to find kinder, more welcoming people anywhere in the world. This casserole, inspired by local flavors, is a tribute to that enduring love for my community and home.
Showcasing Local Excellence: The Grow Nebraska Basket
I am incredibly proud to be a member of Grow Nebraska, an exceptional statewide marketing program dedicated to promoting Nebraska’s diverse products, arts, and businesses. Launched in 1998 by the visionary Janell Anderson Ehrke, Grow Nebraska has been instrumental in creating sustainable living opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs across “Anywhere, Nebraska.” This initiative empowers local talent, allowing them to thrive while contributing to the state’s economy and unique identity.
In celebration of this partnership and my anniversary, Grow Nebraska has generously donated a fantastic basket filled with some of their finest products. Many of these items, like Bakers Chocolates, Dorothy Lynch Dressing, Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus, Herbal Gatherings Mustard, Gary’s QuickSteak WOW Seasoning, and Arbor Day Coffee, you may have even seen featured right here on my website! This curated basket and its contents are valued at an impressive $85, offering a taste of Nebraska’s entrepreneurial spirit and delicious offerings.
Discover and Shop ALL of Grow Nebraska’s Wonderful Products Here at Buy Nebraska
Speaking of things I adore—the fortunate winner of today’s special giveaway will also receive one of my exclusive 10th Anniversary T-Shirts! I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out, and trust me, they are incredibly soft and comfortable!
(Please note: Prizes are only available to my cherished readers within the US. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, but shipping restrictions make this unavoidable. T-Shirts are available in limited sizes.)
But wait, the celebration doesn’t stop there! There’s even MORE to win!
Grand 10th Anniversary Prizes: Your Chance to Win Big!
In honor of this milestone, I’m also giving away a coveted KitchenAid Mixer to one incredibly lucky winner! Entering this fantastic draw couldn’t be simpler – all you have to do is make one of my beloved recipes! That’s right. Whether you bake a delightful dessert, whip up a comforting dinner for your family, or experiment with a new appetizer or drink recipe from my collection, just take a photo of your creation and email it to me at [email protected].
I will be accepting entries from March 1st until 11:59 PM CST on March 31st. You are welcome to make as many recipes as you wish! For each recipe you try, simply send me a photo via email, tell me what you made, and share your thoughts on the recipe. Each submission earns you an entry into the drawing. Pretty easy, right?
Bonus Entry Opportunity!
Boost your chances of winning with a bonus entry! For each recipe photo you share on social media, you can earn an additional entry. Make sure to tag me on my Facebook page or Instagram page and include the hashtag: #AnAffairFromTheHeart. Due to various privacy settings on social media accounts, I kindly request that you also send a screenshot of your shared post to my email address. This ensures I don’t miss any of your exciting bonus entries!
But guess what? The giveaways don’t stop there! Nope! There are 9 more incredible prizes waiting for you to enter and win! It’s super easy to participate – and all 10 prize opportunities (the nine I just mentioned, plus today’s featured prize) are fully detailed here in one comprehensive Rafflecopter Giveaway. You can enter to win some of these fantastic prizes every single day throughout the month of March, so make sure to visit my site often and share the news with your friends and family!
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More Yummy Casserole Recipes to Explore
Beyond our incredible Runza casserole, I have a few other cherished casserole recipes that utilize versatile crescent rolls, and they’ve become some of my absolute family favorites! My Sausage Crescent Breakfast Bake, prominently pictured above, is a delightful and savory way to start your day. Equally fantastic is my Reuben Crescent Breakfast Bake, which transforms classic Reuben flavors into a comforting breakfast dish.
For even more effortless and delicious family-favorite casserole recipes, be sure to check out these tried-and-true dishes:
- Mom’s Tuna Tetrazzini: A creamy, classic pasta bake that never disappoints.
- Chicken Divan – Chicken & Broccoli Casserole: A wholesome and cheesy favorite featuring tender chicken and vibrant broccoli.
- Chicken & Doritos Casserole: A fun, crunchy, and flavor-packed dish that kids and adults alike will love.
- Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet: All the savory flavors of cabbage rolls, simplified into an easy one-pan meal.
- Mom’s Taco Casserole: A zesty and satisfying casserole layered with all your favorite taco ingredients.
- Broccoli Rice & Cheese Casserole: A comforting vegetarian side or main dish, rich with cheesy goodness.
This easy ground beef and cabbage dinner, with its delightful Swiss mushroom twist, is guaranteed to bring smiles all around! Now that you’re inspired, let’s dive into making this delectable Swiss Mushroom Runza Casserole Recipe, shall we?
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Print Recipe
Swiss Cheese Mushroom Runza Casserole
Equipment
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
Ingredients
- 2 8 ounce packages of crescent roll dough (purchase the full sheets if you can find them for easier handling)
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- 1 can 4 ounce sliced mushrooms, drained (fresh can be used, cooked until tender)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups green cabbage finely shredded (about ½ of a small head)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded (about 1.5 cups)
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese shredded (about 1.5 cups)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion over medium heat, breaking up the meat. When the meat is about halfway cooked, season with salt and pepper. Add in drained (and optionally chopped) mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in shredded cabbage, cover with a lid, and cook for about 5 minutes more, or until cabbage has wilted.
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Remove from heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup until well combined with the meat and vegetable mixture.
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Unroll one sheet of crescent dough and line the bottom of the prepared baking dish, gently pressing it up the sides to form a crust. Evenly spread the meat mixture over the dough.
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Sprinkle both shredded mozzarella and Swiss cheeses over the meat mixture.
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Top with the remaining sheet of crescent dough. Pinch the edges together firmly to seal the casserole.
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Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let stand for a few minutes before slicing and serving hot.