Keto Runza Casserole

The Keto Runza Casserole is a delicious adaptation of the traditional Runza, a beloved dish with origins in Eastern Europe, particularly popular in Nebraska. Traditionally, a Runza is a bread pocket filled with ground beef, cabbage, and onions, making it a comforting and hearty meal. The Keto Runza Casserole transforms this classic into a low-carb delight, perfect for those adhering to a ketogenic diet. This dish maintains the essence of the original Runza but eliminates the high-carb bread, substituting it with a savory and satisfying casserole that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.

Key Considerations

When preparing this Keto Runza Casserole, several important aspects should be kept in mind to achieve the best results:

1. Ingredient Freshness: Use fresh ground beef, cabbage, and cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
2. Even Cooking: Ensure the cabbage and beef are cooked evenly to prevent any soggy or undercooked spots in the casserole.
3. Low-Carb Ingredients: Double-check all ingredients, especially any pre-packaged items, to confirm they are keto-friendly and free from hidden sugars or carbs.
4. Seasoning Balance: Properly season each layer of the casserole to ensure a well-rounded and flavorful dish.

Tips and Tricks

• Drain Excess Fat: After cooking the ground beef, drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
• Thinly Slice Cabbage: Slice the cabbage thinly and uniformly to ensure it cooks evenly and integrates well into the casserole.
• Cheese Variations: Use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Swiss are excellent choices.
• Taste Test: Taste the beef mixture before layering the casserole to adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder