Runza Recipe

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When I first tried Runza, I couldn’t get enough of the savory meat-filled pockets wrapped in soft, pillowy dough. It’s the kind of comfort food that instantly brings a smile to your face and a sense of warmth to your soul. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a soft, slightly sweet dough—just like the iconic Nebraska dish. Whether you’re making them for lunch, dinner, or a snack, Runzas are deliciously satisfying. Plus, they’re great for meal prepping and freezing for future meals.

Making your own Runza at home is surprisingly simple and much more rewarding than picking up takeout. With just a few steps, you’ll have a batch of homemade Runzas that will rival any restaurant version. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Runza

Runzas are a perfect meal on the go, combining hearty beef, vegetables, and a tender dough into a handheld, fully satisfying bite. The flavor is comforting, with just the right balance of savory and subtle sweetness. Whether you bake them fresh or freeze them for later, they are a great choice for busy weeknights or a fun food project with the family.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Runza?

When it comes to choosing the meat for your Runza filling, ground beef is the classic choice. It’s tender, flavorful, and perfectly complements the vegetables inside. However, if you want to get creative, you can also use a blend of ground beef and pork for a richer taste or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option. Just make sure the meat is well-seasoned to get that savory, delicious flavor that is the hallmark of a good Runza.

Options for Substitutions

• Ground beef: While ground beef is traditional, you could also try using ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. These will still give you the savory filling but with less fat content.
• Vegetables: If you don’t have cabbage on hand, try using spinach or kale for a slightly different texture and flavor. You can also add mushrooms for a more earthy flavor, or even swap in some frozen mixed vegetables for convenience.
• Cheese: Some people like adding cheese to the filling for extra creaminess. Cheddar cheese works wonderfully, but you could try mozzarella or even a tangy goat cheese for a twist.

Ingredients for this Runza Recipe

• Ground Beef: The foundation of your Runza filling, ground beef gives the dish its rich, savory flavor and hearty texture.
• Cabbage: Adds a slight crunch and sweetness, complementing the beef perfectly.
• Onion: Provides depth and a savory undertone to balance the meat and cabbage.
• Carrot: Adds color and a bit of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Dough: Soft and slightly sweet, this dough serves as the perfect wrapper for your delicious filling.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce) are key to seasoning the filling, ensuring a flavorful bite.
• Butter: Brushed over the tops before baking for a golden, slightly crispy finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preparing your dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and warm water. Add in the butter and mix until everything comes together to form a dough. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth and allow it to rise for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Add in the chopped onion, carrots, and cabbage, cooking until the vegetables are tender. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Stir everything together, then set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Shape the Runzas

Once your dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small, even portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a round disc. Spoon a generous amount of the beef and vegetable filling into the center of each disc. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to form a sealed pocket. Repeat until all of the Runzas are shaped.

Step 4: Bake the Runzas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled Runzas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Brush the tops with melted butter for that golden, shiny finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the Runzas are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

How Long to Cook the Runza

The Runzas should bake for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The dough will turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the filling remains perfectly cooked and flavorful inside. Keep an eye on them in the final minutes of baking to ensure they don’t over-brown. If you like a crispier texture, you can leave them in for an extra few minutes.

Tips for Perfect Runza

• Don’t overstuff the filling: It’s tempting to pile the filling high, but overstuffing can make it difficult to seal the dough and could cause it to burst open while baking. Use a generous but manageable amount of filling for each Runza.
• Let the dough rise fully: Make sure your dough rises to double its size before you start shaping the Runzas. This ensures a light, airy texture in the final product.
• Brush with butter: Brushing the tops of the Runzas with melted butter before baking will give them that perfect golden, shiny finish and add extra flavor.
• Cool the filling: Let the filling cool slightly before using it. If it’s too hot, it can make the dough soggy and harder to work with.
• Bake on parchment paper: This prevents the Runzas from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the Dough: If you knead or mix the dough too much, it can become tough and dense. Keep your mixing to a minimum and knead just enough to form a smooth dough.
• Under-seasoning the Filling: The filling needs enough seasoning to bring out all the flavors. Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, or garlic powder. Taste as you go to make sure the flavor is right.
• Not Letting the Dough Rise Long Enough: If the dough doesn’t rise enough, the Runzas may come out too dense or doughy inside. Be patient, and let it double in size as it should.
• Not Allowing the Filling to Cool: Using hot filling can make the dough too soft and hard to seal. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling your Runzas.

What to Serve With Runza?

While Runzas are delicious on their own, they pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some options to complete your meal:

Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the savory Runzas.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes, make for a perfect side with a bit of natural sweetness.

Mashed Potatoes

A comforting classic, mashed potatoes are a great side to serve with Runzas if you’re looking for something extra hearty.

Pickles

The tangy crunch of pickles complements the rich, savory filling in the Runzas. Try dill or bread-and-butter pickles for a nice contrast.

Soup

A bowl of hot soup, like tomato or vegetable soup, pairs wonderfully with these meaty pockets. It’s especially great for chilly evenings.

Fruit Salad

A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance the richness of the Runza. Choose seasonal fruits for the best flavors.

French Fries

If you want something more indulgent, serve your Runzas with crispy French fries for the ultimate comfort meal.

Sauces

A simple dipping sauce, like ranch, ketchup, or a tangy mustard sauce, adds an extra layer of flavor to your Runzas.

Each of these sides brings something unique to the table, making your Runza meal even more satisfying and complete.

Storage Instructions

Once your Runzas are baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them for longer, it’s best to freeze them. To freeze, place the cooled Runzas in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat frozen Runzas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Runzas on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from room temperature, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are warm and the crust is crispy again. You can also microwave them for 30-60 seconds, but keep in mind that the dough may not be as crispy.

Estimated Nutrition

Each Runza is a hearty meal on its own. Here’s an estimate of the nutrition per serving (based on a standard-sized Runza):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg

These values will vary based on the ingredients you choose and the size of your Runzas, but this is a general estimate. They’re a filling and satisfying meal that’s great for both lunch and dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the Runza filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then cool it before assembling the Runzas.

2. Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought dough (like pizza dough or biscuit dough) can be a great substitute for homemade dough. Just ensure it’s soft and easily pliable.

3. Can I freeze uncooked Runzas?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked Runzas. After assembling, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, bake them from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

4. Can I add cheese to the filling?

Definitely! A bit of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella can add creaminess and extra flavor to your filling. Stir it in just before sealing the Runzas.

5. How do I make the dough less sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour while kneading. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can make the dough tough.

6. What if I don’t have cabbage?

No worries! You can use other leafy greens like spinach, kale, or even shredded zucchini as a substitute for cabbage in the filling.

7. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. It will still work well in this recipe and provide a delicious filling.

8. How can I make my Runza dough fluffier?

For a fluffier dough, make sure you allow it to rise fully before shaping, and avoid overworking the dough. You can also add an extra teaspoon of sugar to help the yeast work a bit better.

Conclusion

Runza is a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re making them from scratch or using shortcuts, these savory pockets are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to save it to Pinterest and share it with your family and friends—they’ll love it!

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