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Nebraska Runzas

Runzas are a beloved Midwestern hand-held delight filled with savory beef, cabbage, and onion, all wrapped in soft, golden bread. This homemade version brings the flavors of Nebraska right into your kitchen.

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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, Midwestern
Servings 8
Calories 530 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup milk warmed to 120-130°F
  • 1/2 cup water warmed to 120-130°F
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  • In a small saucepan, heat milk, water, and butter until warm (120-130°F).
  • Add the warm liquid to the flour mixture and beat until smooth.
  • Add eggs and remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  • Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 6–8 minutes.
  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is no longer pink.
  • Stir in cabbage, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until cabbage is tender. Remove from heat and let cool.
  • Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 6-inch circle.
  • Place about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture in the center. Fold dough over filling and pinch edges to seal.
  • Place runzas seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise 20 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and brush with melted butter. Serve warm.

Notes

You can freeze the unbaked runzas for later—just thaw and bake when ready. They're also delicious with a little cheese added to the filling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 530kcalCarbohydrates: 58.6gProtein: 18.8gFat: 21.1gSaturated Fat: 8.7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 416mgFiber: 2.4gSugar: 8.5g
Keyword beef and cabbage, hand pie, Nebraska classic, runza