Every time I make Nebraska-style Runzas, it feels like a warm hug from my childhood. Growing up in a household that cherished hearty, home-cooked meals, these delightful pockets of goodness were a favorite at our dinner table. I remember the aroma wafting through our cozy kitchen, making everyone rush home from their daily activities, eager to dig into what was simmering on the stovetop.
There’s something heartwarming about preparing a meal that not only nourishes the body but also fills the heart with memories. If you’ve never had the pleasure of trying a Runza, you’re in for a treat. Imagine tender ground beef, savory cabbage, and onions all tucked inside a fluffy dough—what’s not to love? Whether you’re making dinner for your family or just want to indulge in some comforting food, these little pockets are sure to bring everyone together. Once you try them, I promise you’ll look forward to those cozy nights in the kitchen, just as I do!
How to Make Nebraska-style Runzas
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these wonderful Nebraska-style Runzas. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that delicious and comforting flavor profile.
| Ingredients | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Ready-made frozen roll dough | 1 package |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Cabbage, chopped | 1 cup |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
I love adding fresh herbs, too, like dill or parsley. They give the Runzas a delightful twist, but you do you—just be sure to choose what makes your heart sing!
Cooking Steps
1. Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Trust me, this is key for that perfect golden crust that makes the Runzas so delicious!
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, stirring regularly for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart well as it cooks.
3. Add Onions and Cabbage
Once your beef is nice and browned, toss in the chopped onion and cabbage. Season with salt and pepper. Cook everything together for about 5 more minutes, until the cabbage wilts and softens up a bit.
4. Prepare the Roll Dough
While your beef and veggies are cooking, it’s time to take out that frozen roll dough! Divide it into pieces according to the package instructions and roll each piece into a small circle.
5. Fill the Dough
Once your filling has cooled a bit, it’s time to fill the dough. Place a generous spoonful of the beef and cabbage mixture in the center of each dough circle.
6. Fold and Seal
Now for the fun part! Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Pinch the edges well to ensure it’s sealed. You don’t want any of that delicious filling to escape!
7. Place on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place your assembled Runzas on the sheet, seam side down. Leave a little space between them for some room to rise.
8. Bake
Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. The smell will drive you wild!
9. Cool and Serve
When they come out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but trust me; they’ll be piping hot!
Why I Love Making This Dish
Making Nebraska-style Runzas is more than just whipping up a meal—it’s creating a moment filled with love, warmth, and memories. Every time I bake them, I’m transported back to family gatherings where everyone helped out, sharing stories and laughter around the kitchen. Runzas have that magical quality of bringing loved ones together, and it’s wonderful how the act of cooking can create such strong bonds.
What You’ll Need
Aside from the ingredients, here are a few special tools to make your cooking experience smooth:
- Skillet: A nice, sturdy one for browning ground beef.
- Baking Sheet: To hold your Runzas while they bake.
- Parchment Paper: If you want easy cleanup, this is a must!
Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s go over those steps again for clarity:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Add in onions and cabbage to cook down.
- Prepare the roll dough by dividing and rolling.
- Fill each dough circle with the delicious filling.
- Fold and seal each pocket carefully.
- Arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake until golden brown and irresistible.
- Let cool slightly before enjoying!
Tips for Perfect Results
Oh, let me tell you—it took me a few rounds of trial and error to get my Runzas just right! Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Make sure your filling isn’t too hot when you put it in the dough; otherwise, it might start to melt the dough.
- If you want extra flavor, consider sautéing some garlic with the onions! It’s a game-changer.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it makes all the difference for that lovely crust!
Serving Suggestions and Sides
When it comes to sides, I love to keep it simple. A fresh garden salad pairs perfectly with these hearty pockets. You can also serve them with a side of creamy coleslaw if you want some crunch. And don’t forget a bowl of warm soup to dip those Runzas into! It creates a perfect cozy meal that warms you from the inside out.
Leftovers
Now, let’s talk leftovers! If you happen to have any Runzas left (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat. If you prefer, you can also reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to get that crispy crust back.
FAQ Section
Can I Use Different Fillings?
Absolutely! While the beef and cabbage mixture is traditional, feel free to get creative. I’ve made variations with ground turkey and even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. You do you!
Can I Make Them Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the Runzas ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Should I Serve with Runzas?
I recommend serving them with a side of baked beans or a light salad. They’re hearty enough that you really have your pick!
Conclusion
These Nebraska-style Runzas have been a treasure in my family for years, and I truly can’t wait for you to experience the joy they bring. They carry with them a sense of home and warmth that fills not only your belly but your heart. When made with love, these little pockets can make any dinner feel special. I hope you’ll try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. If your family starts asking for seconds (which they will!), you’ll know you’ve made something truly special. Happy cooking, friends!
Nebraska-style Runzas
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 package Ready-made frozen roll dough
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 cup Cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Optional Herbs
- Fresh dill or parsley For added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring regularly for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and cabbage to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until cabbage wilts.
- While the beef and veggies are cooking, take out the frozen roll dough, divide it into pieces as per package instructions, and roll each piece into a small circle.
- Allow the filling to cool slightly, then place a spoonful in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket and pinch the edges to seal.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the assembled Runzas seam side down with space between them.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.