Have you ever heard of a Runza? by Pam Crooks

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If you’re not from the Midwest, I suspect you haven’t.  But here in Nebraska, this beloved sandwich was born and bred only 45 minutes from where I live.

Runzas are hugely popular as a hand-held meal with browned hamburger, shredded cabbage, and onion wrapped in soft dough, served warm, and often with ketchup. Thousands have been sold at Nebraska Cornhusker football games, for example. Drivers will make a pit stop off of Interstate 80 to grab a few for the drive to their destination.  Even my brother from Amarillo, Texas, ordered a dozen frozen Runzas to be shipped to my niece in Dallas who was pregnant and craving them.

They’re that good.

Their start in Nebraska actually had its roots planted when Germans started moving to Russia in the 1700s at the invitation of German princess Catherine the Great, who married into Russian royalty.  As incentive for her countrymen to move to Russia with her, she offered free land, religious freedom, and no requirement to serve in the Russian military.  It was inevitable that the Germans became influenced by Russian dishes, specifically the “pirozhki,” a baked-or-fried hand pie stuffed with savory or sweet fillings.

Also inevitable was the Germans tweaking the pie to suit their own tastes, and their version was called the “bierock.”  It’s said that farmers enjoyed them as a hot meal while they worked in the fields.

By the late 1800s, the promises made by Catherine the Great began to fade, and the Germans were being forced to assimilate into Russian cultures, including their military.  Rebelling, the German Russians fled the country and settled in the Great Plains of America. By 1940, nearly 1/2 million had settled in the United States, with roughly 20,000 of them in Lincoln, Nebraska, alone.

Two German Russian siblings, brother Alex Brening and sister Sally Everett, both of whom lived in Lincoln, began selling the homemade bierocks as lunch for factory workers. The bierocks were so popular that the siblings eventually opened their first restaurant location in Lincoln in 1949.

But trademarking their recipe proved a bit difficult since “bierock” was too general and too cultural, so they named the pies “Runza,” believed to have been poached from “krautrunz,” German for bierocks, or “runsa,” German for ‘belly’ from the rounded pouch shape of the pie.

In 1966, the siblings opened their second location. By 1979, franchises for Runza Restaurants became available.  Today, there are 85 Runza locations throughout Nebraska, with six more in Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, and South Dakota.

 

 

My daughters LOVED Runzas when I made them for dinner, and now they make them for their own children.  Here’s my recipe:

RUNZAS

1 1/2 lb of hamburger, browned and drained

1/2 head of small cabbage, grated

1/2 onion, chopped

Salt and Pepper

2 frozen bread dough loaves (or individual frozen dinner rolls)

Directions:

Add cabbage and onion to hot, drained hamburger.  Season well with salt and pepper.  Stir well and leave in kettle with lid on while preparing bread dough.

Roll out dough on floured surface. Cut dough into serving size squares, about 4 x 4 inches.  Fill centers with hamburger mixture.  Pull up sides of dough and seal.  Place sealed side down on greased cookie sheet.

Bake 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve with ketchup, if desired.

These make great leftovers, too.

 

 

Have you ever heard of a Runza?  Or had one?

What is your favorite fast food sandwich?

Let’s chat, and you could win a $10 gift card for your favorite fast food sandwich!

 

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120 thoughts on “Have you ever heard of a Runza? by Pam Crooks”

  1. Your report about the history of the Runza put me in mind of pasties, another meat/veg sealed hand pie that Cornish and Welsh miners took down below with them for their noon meal. We don’t eat out a lot but when I do at lunchtime, I often opt for grilled cheese. Our Denny’s uses generous amounts of 2 or 3 different cheeses on generously sliced sour dough bread. They’re yummy!

    • Good morning, Mary! I’ve heard of pasties – never had one – but I’ve always thought the name sounded a little funny. 🙂 But yes, they are similar to Runzas.

      My husband always adds a romano/parmesan mix of cheeses to his grilled cheese sandwiches, and the difference in taste is amazing. I don’t think we’ll have a grilled cheese any other way!

  2. Never heard of it before but sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Here in WV we have pepperoni rolls- created originally by Italian coal miners.
    I enjoy roast beef sandwiches from Arby’s or a Tuna sub from Subway.

  3. I had never heard of Runza. My favorite -homemade- fast food is hot pockets. I got the recipe from Suzanne McMinn’s Chickens in the Road web pages. Unfortunately, Chickens in the Road doesn’t seem to exist anymore.

    • Good morning, Minna. My first thought was Chickens in the Road was a restaurant, but a quick Google search led me to a Facebook page. You’re right – the page is still up, but they haven’t posted for awhile. Looks like something I’d enjoy, though.

  4. I have never heard of Runza. It sounds almost like a dish the Amish would have cooked. My favorite sandwich would be turkey from Bonos. A BBQ place here.

    • Yay, a Runza fan! But yes, their cheese burgers are amazing. I’ve always thought it was funny to go to a Runza restaurant and not get a runza, but lots of people do. My granddarlings love to go to Runza, get a kids meal, and then a free ice cream cone. 🙂

  7. I had never heard of a Runza before, but it sounds like something I would like. My favorite fast food is a roast chicken sub with chicken breast (not the thin-sliced kind).

  8. Hoosier native. Breaded tenderloin is our jam. Piece of pork tenderloin; pounded thin, well breaded with favorite mixture.(butter cracker crushed and seasoned) and deep fried. Served on a bun usually dressed with pickle, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Can be as big as a plate.
    Search Indiana Tourism Tenderloin Trail. (Also Wine, Ice Cream, Distilleries, Pie, Sweet Treats..)
    Besides auto racing & basketball, we’re an agricultural state!

    • Very cool, Kate! I love how your state promotes their beloved sandwich in fun, touristy ways.

      My husband would eat a pork tenderloin any chance he could. Yes, as big as a plate. I can never finish one, but he does!!

  9. Yes. We lived in burwell, so every time we traveled to grand island would stop in st
    Paul to eat them. On occasion Runzas would have broccoli cheese and rice ones. All good! I have also made them with sauerkraut.

    • Oh, Burwell!! I was there once, decades ago. One of my dear friends from North Platte married a rancher up there.

      Broccoli cheese and rice runzas?? That’s a new one for me. Making runzas with sauerkraut would be good – as long as the sauerkraut wasn’t too overpowering. 🙂

  10. Yes being of German heritage – but that is not what they were called that I remember = I have never made them either!

  11. I have never heard of a Runza before, but it sounds really good. We don’t eat out much especially fast food. I guess my favorite would be chicken teriyaki from Subway. Thanks for the recipe.

  12. My youngest watched a YouTube who went to one of those and we tried making it ourselves! The kids were not fans, but I thought they were great! Now I want one! I had no idea the history behind it!

    • Your boys are very enterprising for researching YouTube and learning how to make one, Sarah. Maybe it was the cabbage they didn’t like? Guess they just needed more ketchup. LOL.

  13. My Grandma taught me how to make cabbage burgers that are akin to Runza’s. Come late fall, at my boy’s request, I’ll make numerous batches and freeze them. They take them home for lunches or a quick snack – just heat up in the microwave and enjoy. I’ve been using frozen dinner roll dough for years – saves a lot of time not having to mix up and wait on the dough. Another shortcut for me is to buy shredded cabbage, makes prep much easier. Organizations, 4H in particular, have made and sold “cabbage burgers” for fund raisers for many years. My go to sandwich is the original Runza, if there is a restaurant where I am. Then too, a good Philly Cheesesteak can’t be beat!

    • Carol, yes, cabbage burgers do sound similar to Runzas. I love that you are familiar with them!

      The first time I saw a bag of shredded cabbage in the store, I said – “Well, look at that. Who knew?” LOL. Would have been so much easier to buy a bag than shred cabbage myself. And yes, frozen dough is the way to go. It’s as good as homemade, in my opinion!

      • I live in Southeast Wyoming and my go to for shopping is Scottsbluff (the two groceries in our county are “ify” at best). The big “box” store has what I use and the quantities needed as well. Another reason to use frozen dough is it’s basically fool proof. All this discussion of Runza’s/cabbage burgers is getting me in the mood to make some. Unfortunately that will wait until the weather cools down a bit!

  14. I’ve never heard of Runzas, but It sound delicious, thanks for sharing a recipe! One of my favorites is a breakfast sandwich from Dunkin’ Donuts.

  15. Good morning Pam! Sounds delicious! Thanks for the history of it! My favorite is a Reuben sandwich on rye bread! When I was in college I loved to go by Skip’s Deli and get a Camel Rider. My husband and I went by there and I ordered one. It wasn’t the same sadly. I guess Skip was the only one who made it delicious.

    I’m saving the recipe of Runza. My bunch would love it!

    Many blessings Pam!

    • Tracy! A Reuben sandwich on rye is amazing — and legend has it that it was “invented” right here in Omaha at a restaurant called the Dundee Dell. So good!

      A Camel Rider sounds intriguing just by the name. And yes, it is sad when someone tries to imitate something, and it falls short. Kudos to Skip for having the right touch!

  17. Yes, I believe I have had a Runza. It was delicious. My favorite is the Maid Rite sandwich which I first tasted in my home state of Iowa. Oh, wait a minute!! I plain forgot the Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich. It is so large it could cover 3 burger buns! That would have to be my first choice and then the Maid-rite. You would be delighted with both of these choices.

  18. I’ve heard of them–we learn so much from reading books–but I’ve never had one.

    While I love a Chick-fil-A sandwich, it’s hard to beat those Italian subs/hoagies and Philly cheesesteaks I had growing up. I eat those very sparingly now.

    • Our Chick-fil-A restaurant is always so busy. Lines of cars at all times of the day. But I was a bit disappointed in the sandwich I got there and never went back. (Although I know alot depends on the staff who makes the sandwiches.)

      I’ve never had a bad Italian sub, though! 🙂

  19. I’ve never heard of runzas before, but I’m all in. I’m going to try them! My favorite Fast Food sandwich is the brisket sandwich at Arby’s. It’s yum! At home, I love to make avocado toast and cheese. Spread garlic butter on a slice of Italian bread, then spread smashed avocado (that I’ve added garlic powder, a couple of drops of olive oil, and salt and pepper to) over it, add a tomato slice and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Then stick the whole thing under the broiler to melt the cheese. So tasty and the perfect lunch.

  20. I’ve never heard of Runzas, even though I’ve been out west a couple of times. I do love learning new things, so I read your interesting blog post. My favorite sandwich would be a good ‘ol thick hamburger. There’s a grill nearby that has a great one, but they’re also great at steak restaurants.

    • You can never go wrong with a well-grilled hamburger, can you? They’re classic – and I seriously don’t know of anyone who doesn’t like one, unless they’re vegetarian, of course.

  21. I have never heard of a Runza! I am going to try making them. I love Maid Rites! A local restaurant still has the old fashioned steamer to steam the ground beef. They are so moist and delicious. Served mainly with pickles, raw onions, and mustard.

  22. I haven’t heard of a runza. It looks so tasty. I enjoy avocado toast which I make at home. Delectable, and healthy.

    • Hi, L aine! You’ll have to write down Nan’s recipe for avocado toast, a few comments above yours.

      I think it’s interesting that mothers will give their toddlers avocado toast. It was unheard of when I was feeding babies, but I think it’s a great food for them. Bland for their little taste buds, but very healthy.

  24. I never heard of a runza but would like to try them. the recipe looks easy. I am sure I can make them gluten free as well. I like 5 guys burgers.

  25. A runza is perfect for winter. Soothing and filling. My favorite sandwich is a bagel with cream cheese and lox. Yummy.

  27. Yummy! I’ve never heard them called Runzas before, but my mom used to make bierocks for us. She would put sauerkraut in them instead of plain cabbage so they had that little bit of tang.

    • Interesting, Christy, that you’ve had bierocks!!! You’re the first one that I’ve known who has.

      Yes about the tang. Probably not for everyone, right? But sauerkraut is very German, so an authentic bierock would have some.

  28. No I’ve never had one.
    I don’t have a favorite fast food sandwich because it depends on what I’m tasting. We don’t eat out much anymore.

  29. I’ve never heard of Runzas before, but they sound good!! I really don’t eat fast food much. I’d have to say my favorite would be at Chick-Fil-A, though! Especially a chicken biscuit for breakfast!! A friend of mine’s oldest daughter works at Chick-Fil-A, and during VBS this year I teased her that she should bring me one for breakfast. Two days later, she did!! It was the BEST!!

  30. I have never heard of Runzas. They sound tasty. I don’t eat fast food much but I guess a Hamburger would be my favorite.

  31. I grew up in Wisconsin. I never heard of anyone serving a runza sandwich. We did have raw beef and onions and pasties.
    My favorite sandwich is Philly cheese steak sandwich with lots of peppers and onions.
    Thank you for the giveaway. Have a wonderful weekend!

  33. Good morning, I have never had Runza but it sounds Delicious!! Thank you for sharing your recipe. My favorite fast food sandwich is Subway. Thank you for the chance. Have a great day and a great weekend.

    • Hi, Alicia! Did you hear about the man who lost I don’t know how many pounds eating only Subway sandwiches? Evidently, they are that healthy, and he was able to get his carbs and proteins from eating their sandwiches every single day.

      A bit much for me, but they are good, aren’t they? 🙂

  35. I have never heard of this sandwich Thank you for sharing the recipe my favorite sandwich is the Teriyaki Grilled Children from Subway!

  36. Hi Pam! I have never heard of a Runza but it sounds delicious. But i think if I was making them i would add some shredded cheese in the mix! I’m a cheeseburger, Tuna sub from Subway or Arby’s Roast beef sandwich type of girl! Thank you for the info on the Runza! I like to try new to me recipes even at my age! Hope you are having a great day!

    • Howdy, Ruth! Cheese Runzas are definitely available on the menu, so great thinking. In fact, their menu has expanded in the last decade or so to include multiple variations.

  37. Hi Pam!
    I’ve never heard of a Runza before, and I’m originally from the Midwest (Minnesota), but it sounds delicious. My favorite fast food sandwich is a Turkey Tom with extra pickles on wheat bread at Jimmy John’s.

    • We love Jimmy John’s! In fact – sigh – during Covid when none of us were having traditional Christmas dinners, I ordered Jimmy John’s lunch boxes for our family’s Christmas dinner, and we sat very far apart to eat them.

      Never again, though. It just wasn’t the same.

  39. Yes, I have had them and I love them. My favorite is a sub from Subway, the chicken Bacon Ranch.

  41. Hi Pam! My dear college friend makes these all the time. Despite my years in Nebraska for college, I have never eaten them. But might have to try the recipe. Great history lesson, too.

    Love you!

    • Hi, Tanya! Glad you enjoyed learning more about runzas, but such a bummer you never had one while you were here in Nebraska! No doubt they have expanded quite a bit since those years.

      Love you back, dear friend!

  42. That sounds so yummy! Thanks for including a recipe, I might have to give it a try. 🙂
    I go to Panera’s every now and then to get their sandwiches. We also have a little local German butcher shop that has the absolute BEST Reuben sandwich! I don’t remember the type of meat they use, but they have it set up like a rotisserie and cut hunks off made to order. One of their slogans is “life changing sandwiches” 🙂

    • Subways are pretty easy to find, overall. The Subway shop we use is attached to our Walmart. You walk right by it as you walk in the main doors. Great way for Subway to pull in a few Walmart customers, right? 🙂

  46. I’ve never heard of a Runza, but I think it would be good. Often when I make my own hamburger, I will put coleslaw on it, that is sorta on the same order. When I go out for fast food, my favorite is a whooper jr. at burger king. I like the lettuce, tomato, onion, and sauce on it, but not the pickle.

    • So the coleslaw gives your burger some extra crunch, right, by putting it on top of your burger instead of mixing it in with the meat itself?

      Yes, whopper jrs are a good favorite to have. 🙂

  47. I have never had a Runza or even heard of it before. I don’t eat out much and we don’t have many place around us. One of my favorites I can’t get anymore because it was the chicken sandwich from Checker’s in Florida. Now I guess I just settle for McDonald’s chicken sandwich if I eat out. The other sandwich is the Italian sandwich. We would get them all the time close to where my grandparents lived, that is a couple hours away from where I live now. We just get the ingredients and make our own now, easier & probably cheaper. We are having them tonight. It’s ham, salami, American cheese, tomatoes, pickles, green peppers, & black olives in a hoagie roll with oil & salt & pepper on it. Of course you can omit something if you don’t like it.

  48. Here in Eastern Washington State we also have thousands of decendents of Germans from Russia (actually a lot of them are from Ukraine). Kraut runzas are very popular and often sold at festivals and fairs. They were new to me when I was first married but I soon learned to make them. Here the meat varies with many of us using sausage while others use ground beef or chopped ham. We also use a mix of sauerkraut and fresh cabbage. When I make them I make a big batch so there are enough to freeze. I don’t know of any restaurants in the area that feature them but I had heard about there popularity in Nebraska.

  49. I don’t believe I have heard of Runza’s ,but we make cheese burger buns, they are hamburger with tomato sauce, and American cheese, wrapped in bread dough,and we eat them with ketchup.

  50. I never heard and certainly never had one. Thank you for the Runza recipe, I going to try it. We have the famous Rachael from Reins deli, it’s absolutely delicious made with cornbeef, roastbeef , brisket, pastrami or turkey with colesaw ,cheese and Russian dressing on a bullied roll or ryebread

  51. My favorite fast food is either Chick-fil-a original chicken sandwich or a Burger King Whopper. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you.

  52. I’ve never heard of Runza. I’m not sure if I would like it. I’m a very picky eater. The cabbage is making me question eating one. I don’t like hot cabbage very much.
    I like Roast Beef sandwiches from Arby’s and Turkey Club sandwiches.

  53. Thank you for the recipe. I often “cook” in my stories and my present lead female is of German heritage – living in 1870 – and one of her go-to for the cowhands was the bierock. She also made maultaschen which is similar but used spinach. Isn’t cooking so much easier through a character in a book? I can make anything on an open fire and a spider pan.

  54. Never heard of or had a Runza. My favorite fast food sandwich is the Fuego Chicken Sandwich from Wendy’s used to be the Fuego Chicken Sandwich Combo until the sold out of everything but the Fuego Chicken Sandwich.
    Interesting reading about the Runza

    • Glad you enjoyed learning a little something about the Runza, Crystal. And why have I never heard of Fuego Chicken at Wendy’s? We used to go there fairly often!

  55. Pam that sounds fabulous! I’ve never heard of one or had one, but golly, you’d think they’d make their way to OKLAHOMA by now! LOL I really do love the way those sound!

  56. I missed your giveaway, but enjoyed the post. These sound delicious. Thank you for the recipe. I can’t wait to make them. We don’t stop very often, but I do like the McDonalds bacon cheese quarter pounder.

  57. Yes, we actually stopped yesterday in Greeley Colorado at a Schwartz to have his favorite krautburger. We also make them at home and call them cabbage pockets.

  58. I’m PA born & lived here my whole life, no, I’ve not had a Runza, but after reading about them, I’m now hungry for one… or two!

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