Best 4 Nebraskan Runzas Recipes

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Originating from the small town of David City, Nebraska, in the 1890s, Nebraskan Runzas have become a beloved delicacy across the state. These delightful pastries are crafted with a combination of tender dough and a savory filling, typically made from ground beef, cabbage, onions, and seasonings, all encased in a golden-brown crust. The aroma of freshly baked runzas wafting through the air is enough to tantalize the taste buds and evoke a sense of nostalgia. As the state's unofficial sandwich, Nebraskans take pride in their runzas and consider them a culinary treasure. Discover the magic behind this iconic dish, and embark on a journey to find the best Nebraskan runza recipe that will leave you craving for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HOMEMADE RUNZAS



Homemade Runzas image

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

1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef
1 small head of cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
1 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
24 Frozen Bread Dough Dinner Rolls
salt and pepper
melted butter

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

NEBRASKA'S HOMEMADE RUNZA



Nebraska's Homemade Runza image

Provided by My Farmhouse Table

Categories     Main Course

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup Sugar
2 pkgs (1/4 oz) Yeast
1 tsp Salt
3/4 cup Milk
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Butter
2 Eggs
2 lbs Ground Beef
1 Small Onion, diced
4 cups Cabbage, chopped
2 tsp Seasoned Salt
1 tsp Pepper

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.

NEBRASKAN RUNZAS



Nebraskan Runzas image

Provided by Amy Thielen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h

Yield 8 large runzas

Number Of Ingredients 17

For the dough:
1 1/4-ounce packetactive dry yeast
3 tablespoons sugar, plus a pinch
4 large eggs
3 3/4 cups bread flour,plus more for the counter
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter, softened, plus more for the bowl
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
For the filling:
1 pound 85 to 90 percent lean ground beef
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons salted butter
1 large Vidalia onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried)
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried)
1 tablespoon canola oil, plus more for the baking sheets
8 ounces baby spinach

Steps:

  • Make the dough: Combine 3/4 cup warm water (approximately 110 degrees F),the yeast and a pinch of sugar in a large mixing bowl and let sit until foamy, about 10 minutes.
  • Add 3 eggs and whisk to combine. Add half of the bread flour and beat with a wooden spoon until good and thready, about 3 minutes. Add the butter, the remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, the remaining flour and the salt and mix well. The dough will be a little sticky. Let rest 15 minutes.
  • Knead the dough to develop the gluten until it feels tight and smooth, about 5 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly buttered bowl, cover and let it rise for 1 hour at room temperature. Then chill in the refrigerator,1 to 2 hours or overnight.
  • Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into 8 even portions. Roll each one into a ball and leave on the counter, covered loosely, to warm up, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the filling: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, breaking up the beef, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a bowl.
  • Drain and discard all but a film of the fat from the skillet. Add the butter; when it has melted, add the onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme and rosemary and cook 3 minutes. Add the mixture to the bowl containing the beef.
  • Without cleaning the skillet, add 1 tablespoon canola oil. Saute the spinach over high heat until wilted and the excess liquid has evaporated, about 1 minute. Chop the spinach, then add it to the beef mixture and set aside to cool.
  • Roll out the dough: Flatten a dough ball on a heavily floured surface and roll out into a 3-by-5-inch rectangle. Then make wrapping flaps from the four corners of the rectangle by rolling out each corner thinly so you have a thick rectangle with four thinner triangular wings at the corners.
  • Fill the runzas: Spoon 1/2 cup of the beef filling into the center of the dough rectangle and wrap the flaps over it, pinching to close. Flip the bundle over in your hands, gently forming the runza into a fat football shape. Set the runza seam-side down on an oiled baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining filling and dough balls, arranging them on 2 oiled baking sheets. Let the runzas rise about an inch, uncovered, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Whisk the remaining egg and 2 tablespoons water to make an egg wash and brush it thinly over the tops of the runzas. Bake until golden brown, 25 minutes. Serve hot.

NEBRASKA RUNZAS



Nebraska Runzas image

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

1 lb ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sauerkraut
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon caraway seed
1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed

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.

Tips:

  • Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Don't overmix the dough, or the runzas will be tough.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
  • Be generous with the fillings, and don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors.
  • Bake the runzas until they are golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
  • Serve the runzas hot, with your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion:

Runzas are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a variety of fillings to choose from, there is sure to be a runza that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting meal to try, give runzas a try. You won't be disappointed!

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