Writing about my grandma in December got me thinking about all the food she used to make. Some of the things she made are staples in our house like her potato salad. And somethings she made that were yummy, I’ve never made. So I decided this month I would learn to make one – Runzas.

I know you are asking what are runzas. In doing some research, I found that they are mostly found in Nebraska, but they are a German food. From what I have found, many Germans that were living in Russia that came to America moved to the upper Midwest region. And runza was a food they brought with them. As I’ve said before, each culture has their version of a dumpling. Mexicans have empanadas, Italians have ravioli, Chinese have potstickers and Germans have runzas. Runzas are basically rolls with meat & cabbage inside.

I have several friends living in Nebraska. One is a roommate from college. I went home with her a couple times in college. Once she took me to a restaurant called Runza. I was so excited. It reminded me so much of my grandma.

For my first attempt I made them traditionally. But I have plans to make breakfast runzas, and to add potatoes to the traditional ones. There are so many possibilities. I’ve seen suggestions of pizza runzas and Mexican runzas. While Germans tend to like bland food, these could be fun with spicier meat in them also.

Yield: 12

Runzas

Ingredients

Dough

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
6 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 Tbsp dry active yeast
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
Filling
2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
4 cups chopped cabbage
1 cup beef broth

Instructions

Heat milk, water, butter and sugar to 105 - 110 degrees.
Stir in yeast and allow to proof for 10 minutes.
In large bowl, stir together flour and salt.
Once yeast has proofed, stir in flour mixture.
Knead dough for 8 minutes or until dough is smooth and not sticky adding flour as needed.
Place in a grease bowl, cover, and set to rise in a warm draft free place until doubled about an hour.
While dough is rising, brown ground beef with onions. Once browned and onion are translucent, stir in beef broth and cabbage. Allow to cook until cabbage is tender.
Once dough has doubled, divide into 12 even balls.
Roll balls out into 5 - 6 inch circles.
Place filling on dough and draw sides up to make a ball. Place on a greased sheet pan, cover, and allow to rise for an hour. You will need to place only six per sheet pan. You can brush them with an egg wash before baking but I found that it made my dough fall.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until light brown on top.
Enjoy!

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25 thoughts on “Goal for December – Runzas”

We lived in Nebraska for 5 years, but I hadn’t heard of runzas before we moved there. I’d love to try this recipe.

Kerry C says:
January 8, 2014 at 2:59 pm
It was pretty easy if you are familiar with making bread. Thanks for stopping by.
Reply

These look delicious! I showed the recipe to my husband and he went “yum” too! Stopping by from DBB 🙂

Jamie says:
January 1, 2014 at 11:03 pm
Thanks for stopping by, Lydia! That’s awesome that your husband thought it looked good- I bet he’ll like it!
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Kerry C says:
January 8, 2014 at 3:00 pm
My husband loves cabbage so he love these also. Thanks for stopping by.
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These sound so good! I can see them having Russian/German influence–I guess the roll part comes from Nebraska? 😉 Pinning and hopefully making soon!

Kerry C says:
January 8, 2014 at 3:02 pm
I wonder if the roll part came from it being something easy to eat on the go. And they seemed to migrate some. Thanks for pinning and I hope you enjoy.
Reply

G’day! These look delicious and are now on my list to do! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing as party of Foodie Friends Friday 30 Minute Meals Party!
Cheers! Joanne

Kerry C says:
January 8, 2014 at 3:08 pm
Thanks, We really enjoyed them. I need to make some more and wrap them up and pop them in the freezer for The Hardworking Husband to take them for lunch.
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I’d love to try these runzas! I haven’t heard of them before either.

Kerry C says:
January 8, 2014 at 3:09 pm
I’m learning about more and more foods that are similar. It’s interesting what each culture has.
Reply

Czech have dumplings that are boiled bread called Knedlicky. They are the best! I am going to have to try runzas.

Kerry C says:
January 8, 2014 at 3:10 pm
I will have to look into Knedlicky. I may make it a goal to learn to make all the “dumplings” from each culture or at least as many as I can find. Thanks for stopping by.
Reply

I’ve never heard of Runzas, but these look delicious! I’m really excited to try these!

Kerry C says:
January 8, 2014 at 3:10 pm
I hope you enjoy them. My mom likes potatoes in hers rather than cabbage.
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Kerry,
Reminds me of Char Siu–the buns we had living in Hawaii. What a terrific idea, to make your grandma’s foods. I’m glad to follow you on Tasty Tuesdays!

Kerry C says:
January 8, 2014 at 3:15 pm
I’m going to have to add Char Siu to my list. I may try to make the “dumplings” of each culture. Thanks for stopping by.
Reply