Nebraska-Style Runza Pockets
A beloved culinary treasure from Nebraska, Runza Pockets are savory pastries filled with a delightful blend of seasoned hamburger, sautéed cabbage, and onions, all encased in golden, homemade bread. This recipe, inspired by the popular Minnesotans for Nebraska website, is perfect for anyone looking to experience the comforting flavors of Midwestern cuisine. Ideal as a hearty one-dish meal, these portable pockets can be enjoyed at home or on-the-go. Whether you’re a Nebraskan or a newcomer to this dish, prepare to be delighted by each delicious bite and perhaps take a trip down memory lane with a taste of Nebraska.
8
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen bread dough
2 (Thawed)
Ground hamburger
1 lb (Cooked and drained)
Cabbage
1/2 head (Chopped)
Onion
1/2 medium (Chopped)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
1 tsp (recommended) (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Thaw two loaves of frozen bread dough at room temperature, or prepare the equivalent amount using your favorite homemade bread recipe. Allow time for full thawing.
2
While the dough is thawing, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground hamburger over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and return the meat to the pan.
3
Add the chopped cabbage and onions to the skillet. Sauté the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste, adding approximately 1 teaspoon of pepper for a bit of extra flavor. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
5
Once the dough has thawed and is ready, let it rise according to your recipe's instructions. When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
6
On a lightly floured surface, roll out a portion of the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into rectangles measuring approximately 4 inches by 8 inches.
7
Place roughly 1/2 cup of the meat and vegetable mixture in the center of each rectangle. Carefully fold the sides of the dough over the filling, making sure to completely cover it, and seal the edges tightly by pressing them together.
8
Arrange the sealed Runza pockets seam-side down on a greased cookie sheet, leaving space between each pocket.
9
Allow the pockets to rise for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until they puff up slightly.
10
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the Runza pockets for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
11
Once out of the oven, let the pockets cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Nebraska-style Runza! Optional: Call friends and family to share your culinary creation (gloating allowed).
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
18g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nebraska-Style Runza Pockets?
Nebraska-Style Runza Pockets are savory pastries filled with a seasoned blend of ground hamburger, sautéed cabbage, and onions, all wrapped in golden bread.
Where do Runza Pockets originate from?
Runza Pockets are a beloved culinary treasure from Nebraska and are a staple of Midwestern cuisine.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of dough is recommended for this recipe?
You can use two loaves of frozen bread dough (thawed) or an equivalent amount of homemade bread dough.
What are the primary ingredients in the filling?
The filling consists of ground hamburger, chopped cabbage, and chopped onions.
How much ground hamburger is required?
You will need 1 lb of ground hamburger.
How much cabbage should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 head of chopped cabbage.
What is the recommended amount of onion?
Use 1/2 of a medium onion, chopped.
How should I cook the meat?
Brown the ground hamburger in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain the excess grease.
How long should I sauté the cabbage and onions?
Sauté the cabbage and onions for about 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the onions are translucent.
What seasonings are used for the filling?
The filling is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
How much pepper is suggested for extra flavor?
Approximately 1 teaspoon of pepper is recommended for a bit of extra flavor.
What thickness should the dough be rolled to?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
What size should the dough rectangles be?
Cut the dough into rectangles measuring approximately 4 inches by 8 inches.
How much filling goes into each pocket?
Place roughly 1/2 cup of the meat and vegetable mixture in the center of each dough rectangle.
How do you seal the Runza pockets?
Fold the sides of the dough over the filling and seal the edges tightly by pressing them together.
Which way should the pockets be placed on the baking sheet?
Arrange the sealed pockets seam-side down on a greased cookie sheet.
Do the pockets need to rise before baking?
Yes, allow the pockets to rise for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until they puff up slightly.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long do Runza pockets need to bake?
Bake the pockets for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown.
What is the calorie count for one Runza pocket?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
How much protein is in a Runza pocket?
There are 16g of protein in each serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 18g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a Runza pocket?
Each serving contains 18g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, Runza Pockets are ideal as a hearty, portable one-dish meal.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe uses 6 main ingredients.
Should the filling be hot when added to the dough?
It is best to allow the filling to cool slightly before placing it on the dough.
Can these be eaten on the go?
Yes, these portable pockets are perfect for enjoying both at home or on-the-go.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
The cabbage should be chopped before being sautéed with the onions.
Can I use homemade bread dough?
Yes, you can substitute the frozen dough with your favorite homemade bread recipe.