Homemade Runza Sandwiches
A Husker Game Day Favorite—Warm, Filling, and Full of Midwest Flavor
Hi friends, Janet here! I’m excited to share a true taste of Nebraska with you today: homemade Runza sandwiches. If you’ve never had one before, picture a soft, golden roll filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and cabbage. It’s pure, cozy comfort in every bite—and a cherished favorite at football games, potlucks, and weeknight dinners alike.
Runzas are a Nebraska staple—served everywhere from local diners to stadium stands. But the real magic happens in the kitchen at home. On Husker game days, I turn into a one-woman Runza assembly line—because nothing feeds a crowd better than these warm, handheld pockets of goodness.
Bonus tip: they freeze incredibly well. So go ahead, make a double batch—you’ll thank yourself later.
🧂 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 mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Warm the milk, water, and butter together to 120°F and stir into the dry ingredients along with the eggs.
Add the rest of the flour gradually, mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
2. Cook the Filling
Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Add chopped cabbage, seasoned salt, and pepper. Cook until the cabbage is soft and the mixture is well blended.
3. Shape the Runzas
Divide the risen dough into 12 equal portions.
Roll each piece into a rectangle (around 6×8 inches).
Spoon roughly ½ cup of the beef mixture into the center of each.
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch all edges to seal tightly.
4. Bake
Arrange the filled Runzas on a greased baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
While still warm, brush the tops with melted butter for a soft, glossy finish.
🍽️ To Serve & Store
Serve hot and enjoy as-is, or with a side of ketchup or mustard for dipping.
These make fantastic leftovers and freeze perfectly—just pop them in a freezer-safe bag once cooled. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and hearty meal anytime.
