This Runza Recipe is a famous stuffed sandwich from Nebraska! Soft dough is filled with onions, seasoned beef and cabbage for an authentic Midwest experience!
Why You Will Love This Runza Recipe
- AUTHENTIC COMFORT FOOD – There is just something about a warm Runza on a cold, Fall day (probably while watching football!). It’s one of those recipes that just warms you up from inside.
- GREAT FREEZER MEAL – Runzas freeze great! You can freeze them either before or after you bake them for a quick meal anytime!
- EASY TO ADAPT – Our recipe is for the classic, authentic Runza Sandwich. But there are many variations and ways to make this sandwich even more fun and delicious. Read below for some inspiration!
- SIMPLE AND EASY RECIPE – Made all in one skillet and using frozen bread dough, this recipe only takes a couple minutes to throw together and get in your oven. You literally can’t mess this recipe up!
What Is A Runza?
A Runza is both a restaurant and the sandwich the restaurant is famous for serving. Runa (the restaurant) has been open for more than 70s years and it’s been owned by the same family passed down through generations. The Runza sandwich is made from soft dough that completely surrounds beef, onions and cabbage. Traditionally, it isn’t served with cheese. But you can add cheese in it.
Homemade Runza Sandwich Recipe
Now, you don’t have to live in Nebraska to enjoy this local favorite! With this easy recipe, you can make it in your own kitchen anytime you want! And, by using frozen bread dough, it is so simple, easy and quick! For step-by-step instructions, check out our printable recipe card below. But here is what you’ll need to get started:
- FROZEN BREAD DOUGH – Thawed. Use any brand you’d like but we love using Rhodes.
- GROUND BEEF – We used 80/20 lean. You can also substitute for ground turkey, ground chicken or ground sausage.
- ONION – Diced finely. We like using yellow onion for it’s sweeter, milder flavor. But you can use red onion if you’d rather.
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CABBAGE – Finely shredded. We used a food processor. If you want a shortcut, you can also use a bag of coleslaw mix.
- SEASONINGS – Garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Storage, Leftovers and Freezing
You can store leftover Runzas in an airtight container in your fridge. Leftovers should be good for about 4-5 days. You can reheat in the microwave.
Runzas are also great to freeze. You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, follow the instructions through #9. Then put them on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, you can put them in labeled freezer bags. Thaw out in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
If freezing after baking, allow to cool to room temperature. Put in freezer safe containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight. You can reheat in microwave or in oven at 350 for about 10 minutes.
Notes, Tips and FAQs
- PLAN AHEAD – Be advised that you will need a couple hours for the frozen dough to thaw out. So plan accordingly. We placed our dough in a greased loaf pan, covered the top with Saran Wrap and let thaw for 24 hours.
- CAN YOU PUT CHEESE IN A RUNZA? – Absolutely! The traditional Runza doesn’t have cheese, but you can certainly add cheese if you’d like! Cheddar Cheese, American Cheese, Swiss Cheese.. anything could work.
- WHAT SHAPE IS A RUNZA? – We make our dough into rectangles before wrapping up the dough. But some people keep the dough in circles and then just wrap it.
- WHAT TO SERVE WITH RUNZAS? – They are traditionally served with crinkle fries. But any french fries or onion rings would be perfect.
- ADDITIONS: Feel free to add mushrooms, cooked and chopped bacon or bell peppers to this recipe.
We hope you enjoy this Runza Sandwich Recipe. Let us know how it turns out in the comment section below!
Runza Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough thawed
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Thaw bread dough according to package directions of your choosing.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large skillet, add onion and ground beef and cook over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is translucent. If necessary, drain grease.
- Add shredded cabbage.
- Add garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Mix well and continue to heat for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Divide the bread loaf into 6 equal parts. Spread each piece of dough into a 6" square, if possible.
- Place 3/4 cup of beef mixture into the center of the bread.
- Fold up the sides and pinch together. Place seam side down onto prepared baking sheet. Repeat until you have use all 6 pieces of dough.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and serve.
Comments & Reviews
Aj says
Love runzas weve been making them for years. And love going to runza hutz when ever we travel through the midwest