Quick & Easy Bierock Casserole is a modern take on a cherished dish that traces its origins to Eastern Europe and has since become a staple in Midwestern American homes, particularly in states like Kansas and Nebraska. Traditionally, bierocks (also known as "runzas") are yeast-dough pockets stuffed with a savory filling of ground beef, cabbage, and onions. This casserole version simplifies the process by replacing the labor-intensive dough with crescent roll dough, offering all the flavors of the original bierock in a fraction of the time. It's a perfect solution for busy families who crave comfort food but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

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Bierocks were brought to the United States by Volga German immigrants in the 19th century, and they quickly became a popular food among farming communities. These portable, stuffed buns were ideal for workers in the fields, providing a filling and nutritious meal that could be eaten by hand. Over time, the recipe has been adapted into many forms, including this easy casserole version, which retains the hearty combination of ground beef, cabbage, and cheese, layered between flaky crescent rolls.

This casserole captures the spirit of traditional bierocks, but with a quick and easy preparation that suits today’s busy lifestyle. The rich filling, made with seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, and tender cabbage, is layered with creamy mushroom soup and topped with gooey melted cheese. The crescent roll dough creates a perfectly buttery, flaky crust that holds everything together. Whether you're feeding a crowd or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this bierock casserole will bring the comforting flavors of the Midwest to your table with minimal effort.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):  

• • Calories: 420 kcal  
  • Protein: 24g  
  • Carbohydrates: 25g  
  • Fat: 26g  
  • Sodium: 850mg  
  • Sugars: 3g

Storage Information:  

Quick & Easy Bierock Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for individual portions. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Fun Fact:  

The word "bierock" comes from the Russian word *pirogi*, meaning "pie." Over time, these savory stuffed buns evolved into the bierocks we know today, featuring hearty fillings wrapped in dough. This casserole version lets you skip the dough-making process without sacrificing flavor!

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Quick & Easy Bierock Casserole Recipe  

Ingredients:  

• 2 lbs hamburger (ground beef)  
• 1 medium onion, diced  
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic  
• 1/2 head cabbage, shredded  
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade version)  
• 2 cans crescent rolls  
• 1 cup shredded cheese of your choice  
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:  

1. Brown the hamburger  

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the hamburger, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease.

2. Sauté the vegetables  

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned hamburger. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cabbage has softened. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the base  

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the dish, pinching the seams together to create a solid layer of dough.

4. Assemble the casserole  

Spread the hamburger and cabbage mixture evenly over the crescent roll base. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the top of the meat and vegetable mixture, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded cheese of your choice over the soup layer.

5. Add the top crust  

Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place it over the cheese layer, pinching the edges together to seal the casserole. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the top dough layer to allow steam to escape while baking.

6. Bake  

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

7. Serve  

Cut the casserole into squares and serve hot. It pairs perfectly with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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This Quick & Easy Bierock Casserole is a family favorite that combines the savory flavors of ground beef, cabbage, and cheese, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. With just a few simple steps, you can have this comforting dish on the table in no time, bringing the beloved taste of bierocks to your home without the hassle of making dough from scratch. Enjoy!