There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, savory pastry filled with a hearty mixture of ground beef, onions, and cabbage. Nebraska Runzas, a beloved Midwestern classic, are the ultimate comfort food—perfect for cozy family dinners, game day gatherings, or even as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. These handheld delights are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
The origins of Runzas trace back to Eastern European immigrants who brought their traditional meat-filled pastries to the American Midwest. Over time, the recipe evolved into the iconic Nebraska Runza we know today. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy recipe will guide you step-by-step to create these golden, flaky pockets of goodness. Let’s dive in and bring a taste of Nebraska to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, flaky dough wrapped around a savory filling—what’s not to love?
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as a main dish, snack, or even party appetizer.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and reheat for a quick meal.
- Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like cheese, mushrooms, or spices to make them your own.
Ingredients for Easy Nebraska Runzas
Here’s what you’ll need to make 16 delicious Runzas:
- 16 Rhodes rolls frozen unbaked roll dough (or homemade dough if preferred)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups finely chopped cabbage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by placing the frozen Rhodes rolls several inches apart on parchment-covered baking sheets. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them rise at room temperature until they double in size. This process can take 3-5 hours, so plan accordingly. The dough should be soft and pliable when ready.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Cook the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. When the beef is about halfway cooked, add the butter, chopped onion, and cabbage. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions and cabbage are soft and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before assembling the Runzas.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the filling.
3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you assemble the Runzas.
4. Assemble the Runzas
On a lightly floured surface, flatten each dough ball into a circle, resembling a miniature pizza crust. Scoop a rounded spoonful of the beef mixture into the center of each dough circle. Carefully bring up the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling inside. Gently roll the dough between your hands to smooth out the seams. Place each Runza seam-side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Pro Tip: If you want to add cheese, place a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella in the center of the filling before sealing the dough.
5. Let the Runzas Rest
Cover the assembled Runzas with plastic wrap and let them rest for 30 minutes. This allows the dough to rise slightly and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
6. Apply the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Gently brush the tops of the Runzas with the egg wash. This step gives them a beautiful golden-brown finish.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake the Runzas in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Let the Runzas cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the dough, as it may tear during baking.
- Experiment with Fillings: Add ingredients like shredded cheese, cooked mushrooms, or diced potatoes for a unique twist.
- Freeze for Later: Baked Runzas freeze well. Simply reheat them in the oven for a quick meal.
Serving Suggestions
Nebraska Runzas are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your meal with these serving ideas:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ketchup, mustard, or a creamy ranch dressing.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
- Game Day Snack: Cut them into smaller pieces for bite-sized appetizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Homemade Dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, use your favorite yeast-based recipe. Just make sure it’s rolled out thin enough to hold the filling.
Can I Make Runzas Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the Runzas and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them the next day for a fresh, hot meal.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Runzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why Nebraska Runzas Are a Must-Try
Nebraska Runzas are more than just a recipe—they’re a taste of tradition and comfort. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply to enjoy on a quiet evening, these savory pastries are sure to become a favorite in your household. Their flaky exterior and flavorful filling make them irresistible, and the recipe’s simplicity ensures that even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of Easy Nebraska Runzas. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you!
Share the Love
Did you try this recipe? Share your creations on social media and tag us! We’d love to see how your Nebraska Runzas turned out. Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for easy access later. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Nebraska Runzas
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 Runzas 1x
Description
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, savory pastry filled with a hearty mixture of ground beef, onions, and cabbage. Nebraska Runzas, a beloved Midwestern classic, are the ultimate comfort food—perfect for cozy family dinners, game day gatherings, or even as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
16 Rhodes rolls frozen unbaked roll dough
1 lb lean ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cups finely chopped cabbage
Salt and pepper, to taste
1–2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- 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 (3-5 hours).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When the beef is halfway browned, add butter, onion, and cabbage. Cook until beef is browned and onions and cabbage are soft. Let cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, flatten each dough ball into a circle. Scoop a rounded spoonful of beef mixture into the center. Bring up the edges of the dough and pinch to seal. Roll gently between your hands to smooth seams. Place seam-side down on parchment paper.
- Cover assembled Runzas with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Whisk together egg and milk. Brush the tops of the Runzas with the egg wash.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown, rotating the baking sheet halfway through.
Notes
Don’t overfill the dough to avoid tearing. Experiment with fillings like cheese or mushrooms. Baked Runzas freeze well and can be reheated for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 4 hours (including dough rising)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes