**Runza Chili: A Nebraska Classic, Now in Your Kitchen**
Hailing from the heartland of America, Runza Chili is a legendary dish that embodies the spirit of comfort food. This hearty and flavorful chili is a delightful blend of ground beef, tender vegetables, and a symphony of spices that dance on your taste buds. Originating from the iconic Runza restaurants in Nebraska, this chili has garnered a loyal following, and now, you can recreate this culinary treasure in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're a chili aficionado or simply seeking a soul-warming meal, this Runza Chili Copycat recipe is sure to hit the spot. With variations including a traditional version, a vegetarian alternative, and even a slow cooker adaptation, this article caters to every palate and cooking preference. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more!
NEBRASKAN RUNZAS
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.
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
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).
EASY RUNZA CASSEROLE
This is an easy, cheesy casserole version of the great-tasting runza.
Provided by ROSEBUDY23
Categories Main Dish Recipes Casserole Recipes
Time 50m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Melt butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir ground beef until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; cook until onion softens, 3 to 5 minutes. Add cabbage and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir mushroom soup into the skillet.
- Open crescent roll packages and unroll dough. Press 8 pieces into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour beef mixture on top. Cover with mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses. Place remaining 8 pieces of dough on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown and filling is bubbling, 20 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 381.7 calories, Carbohydrate 21 g, Cholesterol 56.8 mg, Fat 24.3 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 17.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 775.7 mg, Sugar 4.6 g
Tips:
- For a more authentic Runza flavor, use a sweet onion and freshly ground beef.
- If you don't have sauerkraut, you can substitute shredded cabbage.
- To make the chili ahead of time, cook it and let it cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to serve the chili, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it over medium heat on the stovetop.
Conclusion:
This Runza chili copycat is a hearty and delicious meal that's perfect for a cold winter day. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're craving a warm and comforting bowl of chili, give this recipe a try!
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