Nebraska Meat Pies

🥟 Nebraska Meat Pies: A Comforting Midwest Classic Worth Every Bite

In the heart of the Midwest, comfort food is more than just a meal — it’s tradition. And nothing says “home-cooked heartiness” quite like a warm, flaky Nebraska Meat Pie.

Sometimes called Runzas (thanks to the German-Russian immigrants who brought them to the region), these savory stuffed pastries are a beloved staple in Nebraska households — and once you try one, you’ll understand why.

Picture a golden-brown dough pocket, stuffed with seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and onions. Simple? Yes. But the flavor? Pure, nostalgic perfection.

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🥩 What Are Nebraska Meat Pies?

At their core, Nebraska Meat Pies are handheld, yeast-dough pockets filled with savory ground beef, cabbage, and onions. They’re baked until golden and often served hot from the oven — perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, football games, or cozy weeknight dinners.

What makes them truly special is the balance of textures: soft, slightly chewy bread on the outside and a rich, savory filling on the inside.

They're hearty, humble, and deeply comforting — the kind of food that brings families to the table and generations together.

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🛒 Basic Ingredients

While variations exist, the classic recipe usually includes:

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour

• Active dry yeast

• Milk

• Butter or oil

• Sugar & salt

• Eggs

For the Filling:

• Ground beef

• Chopped cabbage

• Onion

• Salt, pepper, and sometimes garlic or other seasonings

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👩‍🍳 How They’re Made

1. Make the Dough

Prepare a soft yeast dough and let it rise until doubled. This forms the delicious, bread-like outer shell.

2. Cook the Filling

Sauté ground beef with onions and cabbage until fully cooked and well-seasoned. Some people like to add a pinch of garlic powder, caraway seeds, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

3. Assemble the Pies

Roll out the dough into small rounds or rectangles. Spoon filling into the center, fold over, and seal the edges tightly. Let them rise briefly again.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown — about 20–25 minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Add cheese for a melty twist — cheddar works great.

• Substitute ground pork or sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Serve with mustard, ketchup, or horseradish sauce for dipping.

• Freeze extras! They reheat beautifully for quick meals.

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🧡 Why Nebraska Meat Pies Are So Loved

Beyond their satisfying taste and portability, Nebraska Meat Pies are tied to the region’s heritage. They represent the kind of cooking passed down through generations — practical, filling, and made with love.

In Nebraska, these meat pies are more than just a recipe — they’re a tradition. Whether served at family gatherings, church suppers, or tailgates, they never fail to bring people together.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Nebraska Meat Pies may seem simple on the surface, but they’re layered with history, comfort, and unforgettable flavor. One bite and you’ll understand why they’ve stood the test of time in Midwest kitchens.

So roll up your sleeves, dust off that rolling pin, and bake up a batch of this beloved comfort food. Because sometimes, the best meals are the ones wrapped in dough and seasoned with tradition.

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🥟 Old-fashioned. Flavor-packed. Unmistakably Nebraska.