Nebraska runzas are a unique and flavorful type of sandwich that originated in Nebraska and have become a beloved part of the state's culinary culture. These savory pockets of dough are filled with a mixture of ground beef, cabbage, and seasonings, baked until golden brown, and served hot. Whether you're a local or just visiting, trying a Nebraska runza is a must-do experience. With their crispy crust, tender filling, and distinct taste, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of finding the best recipe for Nebraska runzas, ensuring you create a delicious and authentic version of this classic dish in your own kitchen.
Let's cook with our recipes!
NEBRASKA'S STUFFED BEEF SANDWICHES
When I moved to Nebraska, I discovered many ethnic foods that I had never heard of before. A friend introduced me to this runza recipe, a German-Russian beef sandwich, and it quickly became a family favorite. -Dolly Croghan, Mead, Nebraska
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 55m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Place 1-3/4 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt in a large bowl. Heat the milk, water and shortening to 120°-130°. Pour over flour mixture; add the eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until blended. Beat 3 additional minutes on high. Stir in the remaining flour; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes., Place dough in a greased bowl; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onions over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the cabbage, seasoned salt, garlic powder and pepper; cook until cabbage is wilted., Punch dough down; divide into 12 portions and cover. Working with 1 piece at a time, roll into a 6-in. square. Place 3/4 cup meat mixture in the center of each square. Fold dough over filling, forming a rectangle. Pinch edges tightly to seal and place on greased baking sheets., Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 433 calories, Fat 16g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 84mg cholesterol, Sodium 524mg sodium, Carbohydrate 48g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 23g protein.
RUNZA
Anyone from Nebraska should know this recipe. I got this particular one from the Minnesotans for Nebraska website. If you don't know what a Runza is, I suggest you either get on the next plane to Nebraska or make this recipe! Prep time differs on how you make your bread.
Provided by Jen Wiehl
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h20m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Thaw two loaves of frozen bread dough or make the equivalent amount using your favorite bread recipe.
- While dough thaws, make the filling.
- Brown the hamburger and drain, then return to pan.
- Add cabbage and onion and cook down.
- Salt and pepper to taste (1 tsp pepper recommended).
- Let dough rise, then punch down and roll a portion to 1/4" thickness.
- Cut into 4" x 8" pieces and add about 1/2 cup meat mixture to each.
- Fold dough pieces over and seal the edges, then place seam-side-down on a greased cookie sheet.
- Let rise 20-30 minutes, then bake in pre-heated 375 degree oven for 20 minutes or until brown.
- Call Nebraska natives not in attendance and gloat (taunting not advised).
HOMEMADE RUNZAS
Make Nebraska's famous Runza Sandwich at home! A bread dough pocket, filled with cabbage, onion, and seasoned ground beef, baked until golden brown. This recipe makes one dozen sandwiches but is easily cut in half. OR you can make them and freeze them!
Provided by Michaela Kenkel
Categories Sandwiches
Time 4h
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place frozen dinner roll dough on a sheet pan and rise according to package instructions. It will use 2 rolls for each sandwich.
- While dough rises, begin browning your ground beef and onion in a large skillet. When the meat is about halfway done, add in the shredded cabbage and cover with a lid. Cook until meat and cabbage are done. Drain off any excess grease or liquid. Set aside.
- When rolls have risen completely, lightly flour your surface. Remove two rolls and form a ball. Roll the ball out into a rectangle approximately 5"x7".
- Place approximately 1/3 cup of the filling in the center of the dough and spread out from top to bottom.
- Fold the bottom up and the top of the dough down and press to seal. Fold the left side over, pinching to seal. Then do the right side, gently stretching to cover the left. Pinch closed.
- Place each sandwich on a greased cookie sheet, seam side down.
- Let rise again for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Brush the tops with melted butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bread dough is golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 530 calories, Carbohydrate 67g grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 40g milligrams cholesterol, Fat 20 g grams fat, Fiber 4g grams fiber, Protein 20g grams protein, SaturatedFat 6g grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1 sandwich, Sodium 1370g milligrams sodium, Sugar 10g grams sugar, TransFat 3g grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams unsaturated fat
RUNZAS
A white roll stuffed with cabbage, beef and onions.
Provided by klinnea
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Pastries
Time 1h50m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir ground beef and onion until beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease. Stir in cabbage and season with 1 teaspoon salt. Continue to cook and stir until cabbage is tender, about 20 more minutes. Set mixture aside to cool.
- Mix warm water and butter in a large bowl. Combine dry milk powder, sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and yeast in another bowl; stir into butter mixture. Add egg and gradually stir in flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough is smooth.
- Roll dough out to 1/4-inch thick on a lightly floured surface; cut into 4-inch squares. Scoop beef mixture into each dough square. Bring corners of a dough square together at the top and pinch corners together to seal. Place on a baking sheet, seam side down. Repeat with remaining beef mixture and dough. Cover rolls with a damp cloth and allow to rise for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 243.3 calories, Carbohydrate 31.3 g, Cholesterol 41 mg, Fat 8 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 10.9 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 444 mg, Sugar 6.7 g
NEBRASKA'S HOMEMADE RUNZA
Steps:
- Start by placing 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
- Either in a small saucepan over medium heat or a microwave safe bowl, heat the milk, water, and butter to 120-130 degrees F.
- Pour heated wet ingredients into flour mixture. Stir slightly before adding beaten eggs.
- Continue by adding the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until when kneaded the dough comes together and is smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- While dough is rising, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, seasoned salt, and pepper. Stir gently until cabbage is cooked and filling combined.
- Punch dough down, and divide into 12 equal portions.
- Working with one piece of dough, roll into a rectangle (approx 6 inches x 8 inches in size).
- Place a heaping 1/2 cup of filling into the center of each dough piece.
- Fold dough over filling. Seal and tuck edges.
- Place onto a greased baking sheet (edges can touch).
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
RUNZAS
It's not difficult to make a decent batch of runzas, but it's dang tricky to make a FANTASTIC batch of runzas. This recipe includes several secrets to superlative runzas, those iconic cabbage and hamburger baked sandwiches that you can find in Nebraska and hardly anyplace else.
Provided by dramamamafive
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- First, make the filling: Chop onions and garlic and sauté in a large frying pan with a little butter or olive oil until tender.
- Add ground beef along with generous amounts of salt and pepper and cook through, then drain well, if needed. (This will depend on how fatty the beef is.)
- Put browned ground beef into a large pot (I like to use my Crock pot). Stir in cabbage and kraut and simmer 3-4 hours, stirring often, and seasoning and tasting. (If using a Crock pot, cook on "low" for 5 to 6 hours.)
- Now to make dough: Stir the yeast into the warm water.
- In a large bowl, mix together sugar, salt, and eggs. Beat in eggs, then stir in yeast mixture.
- Add flours quickly one cup at a time, stirring well after each cup. (I use my Bosch mixer for this step.)
- When the dough begins to pull away from the side of the mixing bowl, turn out onto a lightly-floured countertop and incorporate remaining flour by kneading. Knead 100 strokes until the dough is elastic and smooth. (Kneading can be omitted but this will make the dough nicer to handle, and with an improved texture.)
- Let rest in a covered bowl one hour or until doubled in size.
- Cut off golf ball sized pieces. Lightly flour countertop and roll out each piece.
- Fill each circle of dough with approximately 1/2 cup of filling, and optional cheese if desired. Pull edges of dough around the filling and pinch tightly. Place on a sheet of parchment on a sheet pan, or a 9x13" pan. Or any pan that you like, actually.
- Preheat oven to 375 while allowing runzas to rest for 30 minutes. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, until approaching golden.
- Swash with melted butter and bake for 10 more minutes or until golden. Serve while hot. Urge caution! The filling will be very hot.
NEBRASKA RUNZA
Ask any homesick Midwesterner what they miss about Nebraska, and they'll tell you about the beef and cabbage filled baked sandwiches known as runzas.
Provided by Wide Open Eats Test Kitchen
Categories Lunch
Time 1h20m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Combine the yeast and 1/4 cup warm water in a bowl. Set aside to let rest about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer, combine 1 3/4 cups flour, all the sugar, and the salt.
- Warm the remaining water, milk, and shortening until they reach about 130 F, basically hot enough for the shortening to melt but the milk isn't simmering.
- Pour the warmed liquids over the flour mix then add the eggs. Beat on low until everything is blended, then increase the speed to high and beat an additional 3 minutes. Work in the rest of the flour, kneading until smooth.
- Lightly grease a large bowl. Transfer the dough to the bowl, then cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Cook the beef and onion until the meat is cooked through, then add the seasoning and the cabbage. Cook cabbage until wilted, then set aside until ready to fill.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper.
- Punch the dough down, then divide into 12 equal portions. Form each portion into a square, then top with filling. Fold the square over to form a rectangle then press the edges to seal.
- Bake until golden brown, about 18 to 20 minutes. Serve warm, but leftovers can be refrigerated or even frozen.
EASY HOMEMADE RUNZA RECIPE
Classic Russian-German beef and cabbage filled sandwiches baked in yeast dough. More like a hand pie than a sandwich I think.
Provided by gbskitchen
Categories Main Dish
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- This is by far easier when you use a large stand mixer with a dough hook. Put warm water, yeast, sugar, salt and butter in bowl and add a cup of flour. Using whip beater attachment, mix thoroughly, scraping down sides of bowl. HInt: grab a clean dish towel and wrap it around the bowl, see photo. That is unless you really enjoy cleaning up flour. (I don't.) Add 2 cups of flour, one at a time, and beat well. You'll still want to keep your mixer modestly draped for the next step. Switch to dough hook and keep adding flour gradually until the dough hook starts pulling the dough away from the sides of the bowl. Stop the mixer and feel the dough. If it's still sticky, add a tablespoon or so of flour at a time and resume kneading with the dough hook. Stop adding flour when it's soft but handles without sticking to your fingers.Great bread dough should feel satiny and elastic.At this point I simply remove the dough hook and gather the dough into a ball. I spray the bowl generously with Pam or similar, return the dough to the bowl (not necessary to wash it first) smooth a little cooking oil or olive oil over the dough, cover with dish towel and set in a nice warm place. (In the summer, I've found my car makes a great proofing box!!)When the dough has doubled in size, divide into 16 pieces and roll out into a thin oval about 6" by 8". Heavens, this is no time for exactitude. Think rustic and handmade. I like my runzas a little on the small side with thin, crisp dough wrappers. You may like yours chubby.(Sometimes I make 8 runzas with half the dough and cinnamon rolls with the other half.)
NEBRASKA RUNZAS
I was born and raised in NE. All the Runzas I have ever tasted use sauerkraut. So here it is my NE Runza recipe.
Provided by hrlyhny
Categories Meat
Time 45m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Brown hamburger and onion, drain and add kraut and caraway seed.
- Cook about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Divide dough into 8 parts.
- Roll out each and fill Pinch dough together.
- Place seam side down on lightly greased baking sheet.
- Let raise 20 minutes.
- Bake 15 mins at 350.
- Brush with soften butter.
COPYCAT NEBRASKA RUNZAS
Provided by Ann
Time 1h30m
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Put the bread dough ingredients into a bread machine and set it on the dough setting. Press the start button. Check in a few minutes in to see if the dough is forming into a ball. If not, add a bit more water or if it is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- While the bread dough is forming, make the filling: put the garlic and onions in your food processor and pulse to chop into little bits. Remove from the food processor and add the cabbage. Pulse to chop the cabbage well.
- Heat a medium saute pan or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion and ground beef and cook, chopping the meat frequently with a rubber spatula, until the meat is all browned. While cooking, season the meat generously, tasting as you go.
- Add the onion powder, garlic power and white pepper and stir to mix. Stir in the chopped cabbage and continue cooking uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, then reduce heat to medium low, cover and cook for 20 - 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is very, very tender and soft. Add seasonings until it tastes just a little too peppery.
- When the dough is done, preheat the oven to 375 F. and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Separate the dough into 12 pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece of dough as thin as possible without making holes or tearing (about 1/8 inch thick).
- Dust a bowl with flour and put one of the rounds in the bowl, letting it go up the sides of the bowl a bit. Put 1/3 - 1/2 cup of filling in the middle, then pinch the dough up around the filling until it's sealed. When you flip it over, it should be a nice rounded rectangle shape.
- Set each Runza seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the Runzas are formed. Bake at 375 F. for 20 - 25 minutes or until the pockets are nicely browned on top. Spray the tops of the hot Runzas with cooking spray or brush with melted butter. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Runza
EASY HOMEMADE RUNZAS
Classic Russian-German buttery beef, onion, and savory cabbage-filled sandwich baked in a yeasty pocket of dough. It resembles a hand pie.
Provided by Betty Streff
Categories sandwiches
Time 2h10m
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Put warm water, yeast, sugar, salt, and butter in the mixer bowl and add a cup of flour. Using the whip attachment, mix thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Hint: grab a clean dish towel and wrap it around the bowl. That is unless you enjoy cleaning up flour. (I don't.)
- Add 2 cups of flour, one at a time, and beat well. Keep the mixer draped for the next step.
- Switch to a dough hook and keep adding flour gradually until the hook starts pulling the dough away from the sides of the bowl.
- Stop the mixer and feel the dough. If it's still sticky, add a tablespoon or so of flour at a time and resume kneading with the dough hook.
- Stop adding flour when it's soft but handles without sticking to your fingers. Great bread dough should feel satiny and elastic.
- Remove the dough hook and gather the dough into a ball.
- Spray the bowl generously with non-stick spray and return the dough to the bowl. It's not necessary to wash it before you do.
- Smooth a little cooking oil or olive oil over the dough, cover the bowl with a dishtowel and set it in a nice warm place to rise for about an hour. (In the summer, I've found my car makes a great proofing box!!)
- When the dough has doubled in size, divide it into 16 pieces and roll out into a thin oval about 6" by 8". Heavens, this is no time for exactitude. Think rustic and handmade. I like my runzas a little on the small side with thin, crisp dough wrappers. You may like yours chubby.
- Brown the ground beef until it begins to lose its pink.
- Next, add the butter, olive oil, onion, and cabbage and cook until the cabbage and onion wilts and the ground beef gets a little brown. Finally, break up the meat into pretty fine crumbles.
- Add salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Set it aside to cool until the bread is ready and rolled out.
- Put about 1/2- 2/3 cup of filling on each dough oval and fold over, sealing edges of the bread dough.
- You may water to wet the dough with your finger dipped in warm water for a better seal.
- Place each runza seam side down on a baking sheet. Leave a bit of space between each one to allow the bread to rise.
- Let them rise about 20-30 minutes.
- Bake in a 375-degree oven for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned. Brush with melted butter when they come out of the oven to give them a soft, beautiful color and tasty crust.
- These keep well in the fridge for a few days. Or, wrap individually in foil and freeze. They freeze well, so make a bunch when you do.
- REHEAT: Heat frozen wrapped runzas in 400* oven for 20-25 min. Remove foil last 5 min.
NEBRASKA RUNZA
This traditional runza recipe features a bread dough filled with ground beef, onions, and cabbage, served with a smoked tomato sauce and roasted poblano peppers.
Provided by pasatiempobbq
Categories Main Course
Time 1h40m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- In a large bowl, mix together 1½ cups of flour, ¼ cup of sugar, and ¼ ounce of yeast.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, heat ¾ cups of milk, a stick of butter, and ½ cup of water to 120-130 degrees.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir.
- Add 2 beaten eggs.
- Add in a cup of flour and mix. Continue in one-cup increments until dough comes together and is smooth and elastic.
- Place into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Fire up your grill or smoker and brown your ground beef seasoned with your favorite beef rub in a cast iron skillet.
- Place your halved Roma tomatoes and poblano pepper on the smoker grate.
- Drain the fat from the beef and add in your diced onion. Cook until soft and translucent. Add in your chopped cabbage and cook until cooked through.
- Once your Roma tomatoes are soft and slightly charred, place them in a separate skillet along with 3 TBSP olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp oregano, and a handful of halved cherry tomatoes. Simmer, stirring often, until well combined.
- Remove from stove top and place into blender. Pulse until desired consistency is reached.
- Place your poblano into a paper bag or Ziploc for about 10 minutes to steam. Carefully remove the skin, then dice up the pepper.
- Once your dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 10-12 equal portions.
- Roll out each portion into a 6"x8" rectangle.
- Place filling into the center of each one, top with a slice of cheese, fold the dough over it and seal.
- Place onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve with your smoked tomato sauce and roasted poblanos.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 runza, Calories 680 kcal, Carbohydrate 88 g, Protein 27 g, Fat 26 g, Sodium 1952 mg, Sugar 2 g
NEBRASKA RUNZAS
Yield 18
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place frozen....
Nutrition Facts :
NEBRASKA RUNZA
This Runza Recipe is made with already prepared frozen roll dough and browned ground beef mixed with onion, cabbage and seasoned with salt and fresh ground black pepper. The end result is absolutely delicious, quick and much easier than mixing the dough from scratch. These are always a hot commodity and a huge hit with family...
Provided by Beth Pierce
Categories Beef
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 1. Place frozen rolls several inches apart on parchment covered baking sheets. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise at room temperature until double in size. This can take 3-5 hours so plan accordingly.
- 2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When the beef is about halfway browned add the butter, onion and cabbage. Then cook until the beef is browned and onions and cabbage are soft. Let it cool for a few minutes.
- 3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- 4. Using your fingers work each dough ball into a circle patty looking like a miniature pizza dough. Scoop a rounded spoonful of hamburger mix into the center of the dough. Using your fingers bring up the edges of the dough and pinch to close. Roll gently between your hands to work the seams. Place back on the parchment paper seam side down. Continue working until all the dough balls are filled. Cover with plastic wrap for 30 minutes.
- 5. Whisk together the egg and milk. Gently and lightly brush the dough with the egg wash. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown rotating the baking sheet halfway through.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- When making the dough, be sure to knead it until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
- To prevent the buns from drying out, brush them with melted butter before baking.
- Bake the buns until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Conclusion:
Runzas are a delicious and hearty meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, and they can also be served as an appetizer or snack. With so many different variations available, there is sure to be a runza that everyone will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting meal to try, be sure to give runzas a try.
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