Bierocks Recipe

There’s something magical about biting into a soft, golden bun and discovering a savory, steaming filling tucked inside. Bierocks, sometimes known as Runzas, are hearty stuffed rolls filled with seasoned ground beef, cabbage, and onions—all wrapped in tender, pillowy dough. Whether for dinner, meal prep, or game day, these cozy hand pies deliver serious comfort with every bite.

Behind the Recipe

Growing up, bierocks were a family favorite on cold evenings. I remember the smell of fresh-baked dough wafting through the kitchen as my mom pulled tray after tray from the oven. We’d gather around the table, each holding a warm, flaky roll, tearing it open to let the steam rise. The mix of savory beef, tender cabbage, and buttery bread was a memory baked into my childhood.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Bierocks trace their roots back to Eastern Europe, specifically German and Russian Mennonite communities who brought them to the American Midwest. Popular in Kansas and Nebraska, they’re known by different names—bierocks or Runzas—but the essence remains the same: a hearty, hand-held meal made for hard-working hands and hungry bellies. Traditionally filled with meat, onion, and cabbage, they’ve stood the test of time as the ultimate comfort food.

Why You’ll Love Bierocks Recipe

These golden pockets are the kind of food you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, snacks, or on-the-go meals.
Budget-Friendly: Uses humble pantry ingredients to create something filling and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: The dough is simple to make, and the filling cooks up fast.
Customizable: Add cheese, swap meats, or include extra veggies.
Crowd-Pleasing: Great for feeding a group or stashing away for leftovers.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze before or after baking for later enjoyment.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for quick meals throughout the week.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Bierocks are simple, but these tips make all the difference.

• Let your dough rise in a warm spot until doubled for soft, fluffy rolls.
• Cook the filling ahead of time and let it cool so it doesn’t steam the dough.
• Use a slightly damp towel to cover the dough while assembling to keep it soft.
• Seal the edges of each bun well to prevent the filling from leaking.
• Bake until golden brown and brush with butter for an irresistible finish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cozy recipe to life.

Mixing Bowls: One for dough, one for filling.
Rolling Pin: To flatten the dough circles evenly.
Skillet or Sauté Pan: To cook the filling.
Baking Sheet: For baking the bierocks evenly.
Pastry Brush: To brush butter on top before and after baking.

Ingredients in Bierocks Recipe

These ingredients come together to create something incredibly comforting and satisfying.

1. Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) Provides a hearty, savory base for the filling.
2. Onion: 1 medium, diced Adds flavor and sweetness when cooked down.
3. Green Cabbage: 2 cups, shredded Cooks down soft and blends perfectly with the meat.
4. Garlic: 2 cloves, minced Adds aromatic depth to the filling.
5. Salt: 1 1/2 tsp Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
6. Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp Adds just a hint of warmth and spice.
7. All-Purpose Flour: 3 1/2 cups The foundation for a soft, tender dough.
8. Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) Helps the dough rise light and fluffy.
9. Sugar: 2 tbsp Feeds the yeast and balances the savory flavors.
10. Milk: 3/4 cup, warm Helps form the soft dough texture.
11. Butter: 1/4 cup, melted Adds richness and softness to the dough.
12. Egg: 1 large Adds structure and a tender crumb.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to work with what you’ve got on hand.

Ground Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute.
Cabbage: Try chopped spinach or kale for a twist.
Milk: Substitute with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
Butter: Use margarine or vegan butter if needed.
All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour also works for a slightly chewier texture.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cabbage: This underrated vegetable cooks down beautifully, absorbing flavor and adding a tender texture to the filling.

Yeast: Active dry yeast ensures the dough rises properly, creating that signature fluffy bread shell we all love.

Instructions for Making Bierocks Recipe

Bierocks are made in two steps: the rich filling and the pillowy dough. Here’s how to do it.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion, garlic, cabbage, salt, and pepper. Cook until cabbage is soft. Set aside to cool.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, and flour. Stir to form dough, then knead until smooth. Let rise 1 hour until doubled.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Divide dough into equal balls. Roll each into a 5-inch circle. Place filling in the center, fold dough around it, and pinch to seal.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Place bierocks seam-side down on the baking sheet. Let rest 10 minutes. Bake 18–22 minutes or until golden.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Brush tops with melted butter right out of the oven for a soft, shiny finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Enjoy warm, or let cool and store for later. Serve with mustard or your favorite dip.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Bierocks strike the perfect balance between pillowy bread and juicy filling. The dough is soft yet holds its shape, while the meat and cabbage filling is rich, flavorful, and just a little sweet from the onions. The contrast is everything you want in a bite-sized package.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tricks to level up your bierocks:

• Let filling cool before wrapping to prevent soggy dough.
• Add shredded cheese for a melty surprise.
• Double the batch and freeze some before baking.

What to Avoid

Steer clear of these mistakes for perfect results every time.

• Rushing the dough: Let it rise fully for best texture.
• Overfilling: Too much filling makes it hard to seal.
• Skipping the butter brush: It adds softness and sheen.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 340

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (includes rising time)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble and freeze unbaked bierocks for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. Baked bierocks store well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.

How to Serve Bierocks Recipe

Serve them warm with mustard, horseradish sauce, or a side of soup. They’re also great packed into lunches or served as a hearty snack with pickles and chips.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover bierocks? No problem.

• Slice and pan-fry for a crispy snack.
• Cube and toss into scrambled eggs or a breakfast hash.
• Serve with gravy for an open-faced comfort meal.

Additional Tips

• Add sautéed mushrooms or shredded carrots to the filling for extra depth.
• Egg wash before baking for an extra golden crust.
• Let kids help shape and fill for a fun kitchen project.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve piled high in a wooden bowl or rustic basket with a linen napkin. Add dipping sauces on the side and a sprinkle of chopped herbs for color. It turns these humble hand pies into a centerpiece.

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Bierocks: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the filling.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
• Breakfast Style: Use scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese as filling.
• Vegan Version: Use lentils or plant-based meat and dairy-free dough.
• Mini Bierocks: Make smaller versions for party appetizers.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I freeze bierocks?

Yes! Freeze before or after baking. Reheat at 350°F until warm through.

Q2: What other meats can I use?

Try ground turkey, pork, or even sausage for a new flavor twist.

Q3: Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely. Frozen dinner roll dough or pizza dough works in a pinch.

Q4: How do I reheat them?

Oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10 minutes works best.

Q5: Are bierocks served with sauce?

They’re great plain but even better with mustard, ranch, or horseradish cream.

Q6: How long does the dough take to rise?

About 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Q7: Can I make them sweet?

Yes, fill with sweetened cream cheese and fruit for a dessert version.

Q8: What if my dough is too sticky?

Add flour a little at a time while kneading until it’s smooth.

Q9: How do I prevent filling from leaking?

Cool the filling completely and pinch edges tight before baking.

Q10: Can I bake them in advance?

Yes! Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Bierocks are everything you want in a homemade comfort food—warm, hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re baking for the week or feeding a crowd, these savory stuffed rolls are guaranteed to hit the spot. Let me tell you, they’re worth every bite.

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