How to Make Runzas - A Step-by-Step Guide

Runzas, also known as bierocks or kraut buns, are a delightful and comforting dish that originated in Eastern Europe. These delicious filled rolls are a staple in many households, particularly those with ancestry from countries such as Germany, Russia, and Ukraine. The filling usually consists of ground beef, cabbage, and onions, all mixed together and nestled inside a fluffy, homemade bread dough.

While the origin of the runza can be traced back to the 1800s in Eastern Europe, it has...

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 cups warm water (100 to 110 degrees F/40 to 45 degrees C)
  • ⅓ cup butter, melted
  • ⅔ cup instant dry milk powder
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

Information

  • Prep Time: 45 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Additional Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
  • Servings: 16

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir ground beef and onion until beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease. Stir in cabbage and season with 1 teaspoon salt. Continue to cook and stir until cabbage is tender, about 20 more minutes. Set mixture aside to cool.
  • Mix warm water and butter in a large bowl. Combine dry milk powder, sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and yeast in another bowl; stir into butter mixture. Add egg and gradually stir in flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough is smooth.
  • Roll dough out to 1/4-inch thick on a lightly floured surface; cut into 4-inch squares. Scoop beef mixture into each dough square. Bring corners of a dough square together at the top and pinch corners together to seal. Place on a baking sheet, seam-side down. Repeat with remaining beef mixture and dough. Cover rolls with a damp cloth and allow to rise for 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    243 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 41mg
    • Sodium: 444mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 31g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 7g
    • Protein: 11g
    • Vitamin C: 7mg
    • Calcium: 83mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 235mg