This Runza Recipe uses pre-made frozen bread dough, browned ground beef mixed with onion and green cabbage, and salt and fresh-ground black pepper. The result is absolutely delicious, quick, and much easier than mixing the dough from scratch.
Learn how to make the famous and flavorful Runza sandwich at home with this easy recipe. They are perfect for a quick and tasty meal. They are quite popular in the Midwest, especially in Nebraska and Kansas, where they are also known as bierocks. These are always a hot commodity and a huge hit with kids. I love to serve them with homemade French fries or onion rings.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Roll dough: Rhodes brand ready-made frozen roll dough is available at most local grocery stores in the frozen food section. I have always found it a good product, but I am sure there are other good brands you can use as well. Crescent roll dough is an excellent second option.
- Ground beef: Use ground beef with some fat. Fat gives it flavor.
- Cabbage: Green cabbage is best. Savoy cabbage is the next best option.
How to Make Runzas
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Take the frozen roll dough out of the freezer and place it on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Space the rolls several inches apart.
- Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the butter, onion, and cabbage. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions and cabbage are soft.
- On a lightly floured surface, using your fingers, work each piece of dough into a round patty, resembling miniature pizza dough.
- Scoop a rounded spoonful of hamburger mix into the center of the dough. Using your fingers, bring up the edges of the dough and pinch them to seal.
- Place them seam side down on the parchment paper. Cover again with plastic wrap for about 30 minutes.
- Brush them with egg wash and bake.
Preparation Tips
- If the dough rises too quickly and you are not prepared, pop it in the refrigerator for up to an hour to slow the process.
- If the dough is sticky, lightly flour your working surface and hands. .
- Don’t skip the egg wash. It makes them look so bakery-fresh. If you prefer, you can also brush them with melted butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to use your favorite yeast dinner roll recipe. Homemade dough will work just as well and may even taste better. After rolling the dough into balls, place them on parchment-covered baking sheets with several inches between each ball. Then, cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size.
Follow the rest of the instructions as written. Be sure to let the runzas rise for 30 minutes again after stuffing.
A true Nebraska runza does not have cheese; however, a little sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese is delicious. Add it right on top of the spooned-in meat mixture before pinching up the dough. You can also try cooked chopped bacon, browned sausage, or sauteed mushrooms.
More Sandwich Recipes
Easy Runzas
Ingredients
- 16 Rhodes rolls frozen unbaked roll dough
- 1 lb 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
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Place frozen rolls several inches apart on parchment-covered baking sheets. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise at room temperature until doubled in size. This can take 3-5 hours, so plan accordingly.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the butter, onion, and cabbage. Then cook until the beef is browned, and the onions and cabbage are soft. Let it cool for a few minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- On a lightly floured surface, using your fingers, work each dough ball into a circle patty, looking like a miniature pizza dough. Scoop a rounded spoonful of hamburger mix into the center of the dough.
- Using your fingers, bring up the edges of the dough and pinch to close. Roll gently between your hands to work the seams. Place back on the parchment paper seam side down. Continue working until all the dough balls are filled. Cover with plastic wrap for 30 minutes.
- Whisk together the egg and milk. Gently and lightly brush the dough with the egg wash.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown, rotating the baking sheet halfway through.
Notes
- To freeze, fully cool them by moving them to a wire rack. Once cooled, place the runzas back on the baking sheet with space between them. Place the baking sheet on a level surface in the freezer. Once fully frozen, place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight, wrap in aluminium foil, and reheat in the oven at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. To reheat in the microwave, wrap in a paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes at 50% power.
Nutrition
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Donna
Thanks for posting this recipe. We lived in Nebraska for 16 years before moving to NC. Runzas is one of the things we miss. I am having a timing issue as I want to serve them for a family from Ukraine that is coming to stay with us a while as they try and find housing in the U.S. Could I make them up and put them seam down and put the uncooked Runzas in the fridge for 20 hours and then set them out for 30 min. and then bake them? Do you think the extra time in the fridge would hurt? Thanks.
Beth Pierce
I do not think that will work. However you could bake and reheat.
Patti
Donna, we make them and freeze them. We wrap each in foil and then put them in gallon freezer bags. We put them in the fridge the night before to thaw and then in the oven the next day till heated. They turn out perfect.
Kathleen
These are so very tasty. Great weekend dinner option. I was excited to find the Rhodes frozen bread at my local Stop N Shop! The house was filled with enticing aromas as they were prepped and baked! YUMMY!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kathleen! So glad that you liked the Runzas!
Dina and Bruce
Oh HEY! We have heard of Runza, and love them. And NOW we have the recipe! THANK YOU! These were a huge hit over at our house this week!
Justine
I had never heard of these, but man am I glad I found this recipe! How can you say no to a piece of bread stuffed with goodies? ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!
Holly
These were fun to make and the family gobbled them up immediately. I love recipes that get my boys in the kitchen with me. They enjoyed making and eating them.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Holly! So glad that you and the boys liked them!
Sisley
I had never had these before. They were easy and delicious with the use of premade roll dough. What a delight. These would be perfect for a family gathering.
Stacey
These are going to make my family very happy! I am going to add the bacon for that extra yum!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stacey! Enjoy!
Maria
I’ve never heard of a runza before. Looks so delicious! Can’t go wrong with a bready pocket of goodness!
Tisha
These remind me of bierocks that my mom used to make all the time. They are so yummy!
Betty
Great game day food! The whole pack of peeps loved them. I will make them again.