Best 4 Runzas From Scratch Recipes

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**Runzas: A Taste of Nebraska's Culinary Heritage**

Hailing from the heart of Nebraska, Runzas are delectable savory pastries that have captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. These handheld delights, also known as bierocks, consist of a fluffy yeast dough enveloping a savory filling typically made from ground beef, cabbage, and onions, seasoned to perfection with a blend of herbs and spices. Runzas are a testament to Nebraska's rich culinary heritage and a staple at local gatherings, potlucks, and church suppers.

This article presents a collection of carefully curated Runza recipes that offer a range of options to suit every taste and skill level. From traditional recipes that stay true to the classic flavors to creative variations that introduce unique twists, these recipes provide a comprehensive guide to crafting these iconic pastries at home. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find recipes that cater to your culinary expertise and guarantee a delicious outcome. So, embark on this culinary journey and discover the secrets of creating Runzas that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Nebraska's culinary traditions.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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.

RUNZAS (BIEROCKS)



Runzas (Bierocks) image

My mother-in-law introduced me to this and it kinda stuck. I am from Iowa, now in Kentucky, and the only way I can get this is by making it at home.

Provided by Krista Tank

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Savory Pie Recipes     Beef Pie Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 9

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (3 pound) package frozen white bread dough
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 medium head cabbage, shredded
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste
vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Thaw out frozen bread dough; cut each roll into 3 pieces and set aside. Brown beef and cabbage in a large skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Roll out bread dough and cut into squares. Place a spoonful of the beef/cabbage mixture onto the center of each dough square. Sprinkle cheese on top, fold over and pinch sides to seal. Rub a bit of oil on the outside of each pastry.
  • Place in a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 750.2 calories, Carbohydrate 79.9 g, Cholesterol 78.8 mg, Fat 27.5 g, Fiber 8.6 g, Protein 41.2 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sodium 1221.7 mg, Sugar 9.9 g

RUNZAS (FROM SCRATCH)



Runzas (From Scratch) image

If you are a German from Nebraska, you must have this recipe. There are lots of shortcuts, but here is the dough and filling from scratch. Making the dough from scratch is far better than the frozen dough shortcut, but it is time consuming. They also freeze well.

Provided by Ranelle

Categories     Meat

Time 4h20m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups warm water
2 (7 1/4 g) packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
6 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 lbs hamburger
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3 cups cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 dash Tabasco sauce (optional)

Steps:

  • For the Dough:.
  • 1. Mix water, yeast, sugar ans salt. Stir until dissolved.
  • 2. Add egg and melted butter.
  • 3. Stir in flour.
  • 4. Put in refrigerator for four hours.
  • For the Filling:.
  • 1. Brown hamburger and onion. Drain off excess grease.
  • 2. Add cabbage, seasonings and water then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  • 3. Let cool before filling Runzas.
  • For the Runzas:.
  • 1. Roll dough into an oblong shape and cut into 16 squares.
  • 2. Divide filling between the squares.
  • 3. Pull the four sides together and press to seal.
  • 4. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

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

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. This will help you stay organized and prevent any scrambling.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and meat will make a big difference in the taste of your runzas.
  • Season Generously: Don't be afraid to season your runzas generously. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all great ways to add flavor. You can also add other herbs and spices to your liking.
  • Cook the Cabbage Thoroughly: The cabbage in your runzas should be cooked until it is soft and tender. This will help to prevent the runzas from being too dry.
  • Let the Runzas Cool Slightly Before Serving: Once the runzas are cooked, let them cool slightly before serving. This will help to prevent them from falling apart.
  • Serve with Your Favorite Toppings: Runzas can be served with a variety of toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, or cheese. Choose your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Conclusion:

Runzas are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little planning and preparation, you can make your own runzas at home that taste just as good as the ones from your favorite restaurant. So next time you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal, give this runza recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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