I think the dough is key to a delicious Runza and it's worth the time to make it fresh. The filling is a combination of onion, cabbage, ground beef and lots of seasoning. We like the "original" but you could add cheese to mix it up.
This recipe makes 12-15 Runza sandwiches and they freeze perfectly. I've included easy reheat instructions in the recipe.
And the best way to eat them? Dipped in ranch, of course!
Runza Sandwiches
Dough
1 package yeast
2 cups warm water
1/2 cup sugar
7 cups flour (regular all-purpose, unbleached)
2 eggs
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
Filling
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
2 cups finely chopped onion (1 1/2 onions)
5 cups finely shredded cabbage (1/2 a head of cabbage)
1 teaspoon oil
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Laweries
2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Dough
Add yeast packet to warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes. Stir to dissolve.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the bread hook attachment, blend together the yeast, sugar and 2 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Add eggs, oil and salt. Gradually add remaining flour and beat for about 5 minutes, until all is combined. Dough will be soft.
Pour dough into greased bowl. Cover with towel and let double in size. This will take about 2 hours.
Filling
Brown hamburger in a large pan. Drain grease and place cooked ground beef in a medium bowl.
Next, steam the cabbage and onion by adding chopped cabbage and onion to large pan, Add oil and water and steam for 10 minutes, or until cabbage and onion are soft. Turn off heat. Add cooked ground beef and seasonings. Mix well. Let cool.
Assembling Sandwiches
Turn dough onto lightly greased surface. Knead for a few seconds. Cut into 12-15 pieces and place on lined cookie sheet. Work with one piece at a time.
Roll each piece into a rectangle shape. Add 1/2 cup filling and fold edges over and pinch to seal. Place on lined cookie sheet. (I'm able to fit 8 on a large cookie sheet.)
Let sandwiches set for 15-20 minutes before baking - they will rise a little bit.
Preheat over to 400 degrees and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow sandwiches to cool for 5 minutes or so before serving.
Serve with ketchup or ranch!
Makes 12-15 sandwiches.
The best part: You can freeze the cooked sandwiches to enjoy later! Set frozen sandwiches on a greased or lined cookie sheet and place in the oven while the oven preheats to 325 degrees. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until heated through.
Adapted from this buzzfeed article.
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