What is Runza

Homemade Runza and Fries served whole on a white plate.

4.96 from 21 votes

Runza is a Midwestern Fast Food Franchise known for its namesake, The Runza Sandwich. However, if you don't live in the heartland, fear not, this is a fantastic recipe for these bundles of joy, also known as Bierocks.

Prep Time1

Cook Time20

Total Time1 20

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main

Cuisine: American, Midwestern

Servings: servings

Calories: 496kcal

Author: Jeremy Klae

Ingredients

The Dough

9 Cups Bread Flour
½ Cup Sugar
9 tsp. Active Dry Instant Yeast or 4 Packets
2 tsp. Kosher Salt
1 ½ Cups Whole Milk
1 Cup Water
1 Cup Shortening (Crisco)
4 Eggs

The Filling

4 ½ lbs 90% Lean Ground Beef
4 Yellow Onions
2 Heads of Cabbage - Chopped
2 tablespoon Kosher Salt
2 tablespoon Black Pepper
1 tablespoon Garlic Powder

Instructions

The Dough

In a large bowl mix the Flour, Sugar, Salt, and Yeast.
Heat the Milk, Water, Egg, and Crisco to 125°f and pour this over the dry mixture.
Add the flour and water mixture to a Stand Mixer and mix on low speed until fully incorporated.
Turn the mixer up to a higher speed and knead for about 6 minutes until the dough is smooth.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap allowing to rise and double in size for about an hour.

The Filling

In a large Stock Pot cook the onions for a few minutes until they start to become translucent.
Add the lean ground beef and brown, stirring constantly to break it up.
Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
Add the chopped cabbage and cook until wilted and well mixed.
Add Cheese (Optional)

Roll the Runzas

Preheat oven to 350°f.
Punch dough down and roll it out on a clean countertop.
Place ¾ cup meat mixture in the center of each square, fold dough over the filling, and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
Place the rolled Runzas on a well greased baking sheets.
Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until Golden Brown and slightly dark on the bottom.

Video

Notes

If you'd rather not make your own bread dough, I recommend using frozen bread dough. Rhodes brand dinner rolls have proven to be the best alternative.

Pre-shredded cabbage and the mixture containing shredded carrots will work fine in this recipe. Carrots are not in a traditional runza, but that won't change the flavor or texture.

Be sure to get the leanest ground beef that you can. The less fatty the ground beef is, the better.

Nutrition