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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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Tips and Notes
- Plan Ahead: The dough needs several hours to rise, so be sure to start early or prepare the dough the night before.
- Control Rising Time: If the dough rises too quickly and you’re not ready to assemble, you can place it in the refrigerator for up to an hour to slow down the rising process.
- Dough Options: If you can’t find Rhodes brand frozen roll dough, look for similar frozen bread dough in your grocer’s freezer section. You can also use crescent roll dough as an alternative.
- Handling Sticky Dough: If the dough is sticky, dust your work surface and hands with a little flour to make handling easier.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the Runzas with egg wash gives them a professional, bakery-quality appearance. Alternatively, you can brush them with melted butter for added flavor.
What to Serve with Runzas
These savory meat-filled buns are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with:
- Potato Salad: A classic side dish that complements the hearty filling.
- Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness.
- Pickles and Mustard: Serve with dill pickles and spicy mustard for extra flavor.
- Soup or Salad: A bowl of soup or a fresh green salad makes for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 222 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
- Sodium: 365 mg
- Potassium: 115 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Vitamin A: 61 IU
- Vitamin C: 3 mg
- Calcium: 70 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze Runzas?
A: Yes! Runzas freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I make vegetarian Runzas?
A: Absolutely. Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or other vegetables for the filling.
Q: Can I add cheese to the filling?
A: Yes! Adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the filling adds a delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
Making Simple Nebraska-Style Runzas at home is easier than you might think, especially with the convenience of ready-made frozen roll dough. These delicious meat-filled buns are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re familiar with this Midwestern classic or trying it for the first time, this easy recipe brings the authentic taste of Nebraska right to your kitchen.
Happy cooking!