Best 3 Savory Runzas Recipes

**Savory Runzas: A Taste of German and Czech Heritage**

Runzas, a delectable fusion of German and Czech culinary traditions, are beloved meat-filled pastries that have become a staple in many American communities, particularly in the Midwest. These handheld pockets of goodness are crafted using a soft and chewy dough, enveloping a hearty filling of seasoned ground beef, cabbage, onions, and a blend of savory spices. Savor the symphony of flavors and textures in every bite, as the tender meat harmonizes with the crunchy cabbage and the aromatic spices.

This article presents a collection of savory runza recipes, each offering unique variations on this classic dish. From the traditional Nebraska Runzas, known for their generous filling and distinctive crimping, to the streamlined Bachelor Runzas, perfect for quick and easy meals, there's a recipe here to suit every taste and occasion.

Dive into the step-by-step instructions and discover the secrets behind creating the perfect runza dough, achieving just the right balance of chewiness and tenderness. Learn how to prepare the filling, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Explore creative topping options, from the classic poppy seeds to sesame seeds or even a sprinkle of garlic salt, to add an extra layer of taste and visual appeal.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the art of pastry-making, this collection of savory runza recipes will guide you towards creating these delightful treats in the comfort of your own kitchen. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that pays homage to a cherished heritage while tantalizing your taste buds.

Let's cook with our recipes!

EASY HOMEMADE RUNZA RECIPE

Easy Homemade Runza Recipe image

Classic Russian-German beef and cabbage filled sandwiches baked in yeast dough. More like a hand pie than a sandwich I think.

Provided by gbskitchen

Categories Main Dish

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 cups very warm water (about 110 degrees, a little warmer than a hot tub)
5 tsp yeast ( or two packets)
2 Tbsp butter (softened)
2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
6 cups flour (approximately)
2-3 Tbsp butter (melted, to brush on finished runza)
6 cups chopped cabbage (about one medium head)
2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder (or more if you like)
2 tsp favorite seasoned salt
2 tsp pepper

Steps:

This is by far easier when you use a large stand mixer with a dough hook. Put warm water, yeast, sugar, salt and butter in bowl and add a cup of flour. Using whip beater attachment, mix thoroughly, scraping down sides of bowl. HInt: grab a clean dish towel and wrap it around the bowl, see photo. That is unless you really enjoy cleaning up flour. (I don't.) Add 2 cups of flour, one at a time, and beat well. You'll still want to keep your mixer modestly draped for the next step. Switch to dough hook and keep adding flour gradually until the dough hook starts pulling the dough away from the sides of the bowl. Stop the mixer and feel the dough. If it's still sticky, add a tablespoon or so of flour at a time and resume kneading with the dough hook. Stop adding flour when it's soft but handles without sticking to your fingers.Great bread dough should feel satiny and elastic.At this point I simply remove the dough hook and gather the dough into a ball. I spray the bowl generously with Pam or similar, return the dough to the bowl (not necessary to wash it first) smooth a little cooking oil or olive oil over the dough, cover with dish towel and set in a nice warm place. (In the summer, I've found my car makes a great proofing box!!)When the dough has doubled in size, divide into 16 pieces and roll out into a thin oval about 6" by 8". Heavens, this is no time for exactitude. Think rustic and handmade. I like my runzas a little on the small side with thin, crisp dough wrappers. You may like yours chubby.(Sometimes I make 8 runzas with half the dough and cinnamon rolls with the other half.)

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

Ingredients

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

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

Ingredients

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

Tips:

To make the dough, you can use a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook or knead it by hand. If you are kneading it by hand, be sure to knead it for at least 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
If you don't have time to make the dough from scratch, you can use a store-bought pizza dough or bread dough.
For the filling, you can use any type of ground meat, such as beef, pork, or turkey. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as vegetables, cheese, or spices.
To make the egg wash, simply whisk together an egg and a tablespoon of water.
To ensure that the runzas are cooked through, bake them for at least 30 minutes. You can check to see if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of a runza. If the toothpick comes out clean, the runza is done.

Conclusion:

Savory runzas are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are also a great way to use up leftover ground beef or pork. With a little creativity, you can make runzas with any filling that you like. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give savory runzas a try.