Homemade Runza Sandwiches
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A Husker game day classic—warm, hearty, and straight from the heartland.
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Hey friends, Janet here! Today I’m sharing a slice of my Nebraska roots with a beloved local tradition: homemade Runza sandwiches. If you’ve never had one, imagine a soft, golden bread pocket stuffed with savory ground beef, onions, and cabbage. It’s pure comfort food—and a staple at football games, family gatherings, and cozy weeknight dinners.
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Runzas are iconic in Nebraska, sold at stadiums and restaurants across the state. But every true Nebraskan knows the magic of making them from scratch. On Husker game days, my kitchen turns into a Runza factory—because nothing feeds a hungry crowd like these handheld beauties.
Bonus: they freeze like a dream. Make a big batch and you’ve got quick meals ready to go anytime.
🧂 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Active dry yeast | 2 packets |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | ¾ cup |
| Water | ½ cup |
| Butter | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Ground beef | 2 lbs |
| Onion, diced | 1 small |
| Cabbage, chopped | 4 cups |
| Seasoned salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Melted butter (for brushing) | As needed |
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Heat milk, water, and butter to 120°F, then add to dry ingredients along with eggs.
- Mix in remaining flour until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped cabbage, seasoned salt, and pepper. Cook until cabbage is tender and mixture is well combined.
3. Assemble the Runzas
- Divide dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 6×8-inch rectangle.
- Place about ½ cup of filling in the center.
- Fold dough over filling and pinch edges to seal.
4. Bake
- Place runzas on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Brush tops with melted butter while warm.
🍽️ Serve & Store
Serve hot with a side of mustard or ketchup—or just enjoy them as they are. These freeze beautifully, so stash a few away for busy nights or unexpected guests.
