Runza Recipe | The Recipe Critic

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Runza is a savory hand pastry stuffed with a delicious blend of ground beef, onions, garlic, cabbage and spices, all snugly wrapped in a soft pizza dough. It’s a golden, comforting dish that’s definitely worth digging into!

Need more meat-filled treats? Some recipes similar to runza are empanadas, spring rolls or calzones! I mean, you can’t go wrong with crispy on the outside, meaty on the inside, no matter the cuisine!

What is Runza?

Have you ever heard of Runza? It’s this awesome hand-baked pastry filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, garlic, shredded cabbage, and savory seasoning, all wrapped in a soft and cozy pizza dough. This heavenly creation hails from the Midwest, specifically Nebraska, and let me tell you, it’s become a total sensation there! You can enjoy it as a main dish or have it as a super satisfying appetizer. No matter how you choose to snack on it, this product is pure comfort food bliss.

Believe me, you have to give it a try if you haven’t already! The flavors are out of this world and the way it all comes together is like a feast in your mouth. Whether you’re in a hurry and need a quick and hearty lunch or you’re hosting a gathering and want to impress your friends, Runza is the answer. It has that perfect blend of flavorful goodness that will leave you wanting more.

Runza Ingredients

One of the great things about runza is all the simple ingredients it uses! Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these hearty treats:

• Pizza dough: The soft and delicious outer layer that envelops the savory fillings. You can make your own pizza dough or buy premade pizza dough for easy preparation!
• Lean ground beef: Hearty and tasty, providing the main element of meat. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or plant-based meat crumbs for a vegetarian version.
• yellow onion: Adds sweetness and great flavor to the filling.
• Garlic: Provides a nice touch of garlic to enhance the taste. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works too!
• shredded cabbage: Adds texture and a touch of freshness. Want to change things? Try this red cabbage salad! It’s so fresh and tasty!
• Salt and pepper: Indispensable for seasoning the filling. Adjust to your taste!
• Old Bay Seasoning: Provides a unique blend of herbs and spices for added flavor. You can also use Cajun seasoning for a slightly different twist.
• Egg white: Helps to bind the dough and gives it a golden crust.
• Water: Used to create egg wash for brushing dough.

How to make Runza

Bursting with savory flavor, these hand pastries filled with ground beef and seasoned cabbage will win hearts at any gathering or as a delicious meal. So roll up your sleeves and let’s go for the pastry!

1. Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 6 equal pieces, then cover and set aside.
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until almost browned. Then drain and discard the fat.
3. Sautéed Veggies: In the skillet, add the onion, garlic, cabbage, salt and pepper and continue cooking with the beef until the cabbage is tender. About 10 more minutes.
4. Cool: Remove beef mixture from heat and let cool.
5. To preheat the oven: While the beef filling cools, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. To assemble: Roll out the dough pieces into rectangles and fill each with a portion of the meat filling. Then fold the ends over and roll the dough over the filling to create a cylinder of meat-stuffed dough.
7. Add to the baking sheet: Pinch the dough joints together and place the runzas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, so the joint side is down.
8. Prepare the egg wash: Mix egg white and water to make a glaze.
9. Bake: Brush the top of each runza with egg wash, then bake for 18-20 minutes. Or until they are all golden brown.
10. Chill and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before eating!