Best 7 Nebraska Runzas Recipes

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In the vast culinary landscape of American cuisine, the Nebraska runza stands tall as a testament to the state's rich immigrant heritage and its unique culinary traditions. Originating from the Volga German settlers who brought their culinary skills and recipes to the region, runzas have become an iconic dish that embodies Nebraska's cultural identity. These savory pockets of dough are filled with a delectable blend of seasoned ground beef, cabbage, and onions, then baked to perfection. Savor the tender, flaky crust that encases the flavorful filling, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. With variations such as the bierock and krautburger adding their own distinct twists, Nebraska runzas have captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Embark on a culinary journey through Nebraska's culinary heritage as we delve into the secrets of crafting the perfect runza, exploring its variations, and unraveling the stories behind this beloved dish.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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.

NEBRASKA'S STUFFED BEEF SANDWICHES



Nebraska's Stuffed Beef Sandwiches image

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

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 cup sugar
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup shortening
2 large eggs, room temperature
FILLING:
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 medium onions, chopped
4 cups chopped cabbage
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon pepper

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.

RUNZAS



Runzas image

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

4 cups ground beef
1 onion, chopped
4 cups shredded cabbage
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 cups warm water (100 to 110 degrees F/40 to 45 degrees C)
⅓ cup butter, melted
⅔ cup instant dry milk powder
¼ cup white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 egg, beaten
4 cups all-purpose flour

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 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.

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 RUNZA



Nebraska Runza image

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

4½ cups Flour
¼ cup Sugar
¼ ounce Yeast
1 tsp Kosher salt
¾ cup Milk
½ cup Water
1 stick Butter
2 Eggs (beaten)
2 pounds Ground beef
1 Vidalia onion
½ head Cabbage
10-12 Cheddar cheese slices
2 Roma tomatoes (halved)
3 TBSP Olive oil
2 cloves Garlic
1 tsp Oregano
Fresh cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 Poblano pepper

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 RUNZA



Nebraska Runza image

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

16 rhodes roll (frozen unbaked roll dough)
1 lb lean ground beef
2 Tbsp butter
1 small onion finely chopped
2 c finely chopped cabbage
salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
1 Tbsp milk

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:

  • Use a good quality beef. The type of beef you use will make a big difference in the final flavor of your runzas. Look for a beef that is ground fresh and has a good amount of fat. USDA chuck, ground sirloin, and ground round are all good choices.
  • Don't overmix the filling. Overmixing the filling will make it tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
  • Let the dough rest before rolling it out. This will help the dough to become more elastic and easier to work with. Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour.
  • Roll the dough out thinly. The thinner the dough, the crispier your runzas will be. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan. When you are frying the runzas, don't overcrowd the pan. This will cause the runzas to steam instead of fry. Fry the runzas in batches, if necessary.
  • Serve the runzas hot. Runzas are best served hot out of the fryer. You can also keep them warm in a low oven until you are ready to serve.

Conclusion:

Runzas are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. Whether you like your runzas spicy or mild, with cheese or without, there is a runza recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a warm and satisfying meal, give runzas a try.

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