Easy Nebraska-Style Runzas Recipe
Looking for a delicious and easy lunch idea that will satisfy the whole family? Try these Simple Nebraska-Style Runzas, a classic Midwestern dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. With the help of ready-made frozen roll dough and a savory beef filling made from just five ingredients, you can recreate this traditional American comfort food right in your own kitchen.
What Are Runzas?
Runzas, also known as bierocks, are yeast dough bread pockets filled with a mixture of ground beef, cabbage, and onions. Originating from Eastern Europe, they have become a staple in Nebraska’s culinary scene. These handheld meat pies are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a portable snack on the go.
Ingredients
Makes 18 Runzas
16 frozen unbaked crusty bread rolls (such as Rhodes rolls)
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cups chopped cabbage
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 to 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Place the frozen rolls on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving a few inches of space between each one.
Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap.
Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, which can take approximately 3 to 5 hours. Plan ahead, as rising time may vary based on room temperature.
Step 2: Make the Beef Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef.
Once the beef begins to brown, add the chopped cabbage, diced onion, and 2 tablespoons butter.
Cook until the beef is fully browned and the cabbage and onions are softened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If the mixture is too liquid, sprinkle 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over it to thicken.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
Alt Image Text: “Savory beef, cabbage, and onion filling cooking in a skillet for easy Runzas.”
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Assemble the Runzas
On a lightly floured surface, flatten each dough ball with your fingers to form a circle, resembling a small pizza dough.
Place a heaping spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
Bring the edges of the dough up over the filling and pinch them together to seal.
Gently roll the filled dough in your hands to smooth the seams and form a bun shape.
Place the filled Runzas seam-side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Cover the assembled Runzas loosely with plastic wrap and let them rest for 30 minutes.
Alt Image Text: “Assembling Runzas by filling dough circles with beef mixture and sealing edges.”
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk to create an egg wash.
Brush the top of each Runza lightly with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden shine when baked.
Alt Image Text: “Brushing egg wash over assembled Runzas before baking for a golden crust.”
Step 6: Bake the Runzas
Bake the Runzas in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the Runzas from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Serve warm, and enjoy your homemade Nebraska-style Runzas!
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