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Chopped Cheese Runza

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Pillsbury Contributor
Updated Oct 24, 2024
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If you're in the mood for a comforting and satisfying meal, these tasty beef and cheese pockets (also known as Chopped Cheese Runza) are sure to hit the spot! Originating from Nebraska, the runza is a delicious hand-held treat that combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauce all wrapped in a flaky pizza crust. They are perfect for busy weeknights or for when you're craving something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this incredible recipe stand out is how easily it comes together. You get a huge head start, thanks to refrigerated Pillsbury™ Classic Pizza Crust, so you can focus on preparing the flavorful filling. The combination of sautéed onions and seasoned ground beef creates a savory base, while the American cheese adds a gooey richness your hungry crew will love. With a drizzle of sauce made from tangy mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard, this runza recipe is sure to become a go-to meal.

These Chopped Cheese Runzas are not just delicious; they’re also versatile. You can easily customize the filling by adding your favorite ingredients—think sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of your favorite herbs and spices. Plus, they make great leftovers, so you can whip up a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.

Whether you're hosting a casual get-together, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving something yummy and comforting, these beef and cheese pockets will quickly become a new family favorite.

How to Make Homemade Runza

This savory and satisfying Chopped Cheese Runza comes together in no time at all, thanks to Pillsbury™ Classic Pizza Crust. The detailed recipe directions are below, but here are the basics:

Prepare the Filling

Preheat your oven to 425ºF and heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, onion, and seasoned salt, cooking until the beef is no longer pink, or about 8 minutes. Transfer the beef mixture to a plate and set it aside.

Prepare the Dough

Unroll 2 Pillsbury pizza crusts onto a baking sheet. Cut each crust in half lengthwise and then crosswise to create 8 rectangles. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until they’re all blended, and set this sauce aside.

Assemble the Runzas

Spread an even layer of the beef mixture onto 4 of the dough rectangles. Drizzle the sauce over the beef, then top each with two slices of American cheese. Place the remaining dough rectangles on top of the filled ones, pressing the edges together to create a seal.

Bake and Serve

Bake the assembled cheese runzas for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool for about five minutes, then slice in half and serve. For full details on this runza recipe, check the directions below!

How to Store Cheese Runza

Proper storage is key to keeping your leftover Chopped Cheese Runzas fresh and delicious. After they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy the savory flavors over multiple meals.

Use an air fryer or the oven to reheat your homemade runza so it keeps its crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and heat the runzas for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the crust is crispy again. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F, place the runzas on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it tends to make the crust soft and chewy, losing that satisfying crispy texture. Just follow these simple storage and reheating tips, and your Chopped Cheese Runzas will stay as fresh and delicious as when they first came out of the oven!

Frequently Asked Questions

Chopped Cheese Runza

  • Prep Time 20 min
  • Total 40 min
  • Ingredients 8
  • Servings 4
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    Heat oven to 425ºF. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and seasoned salt. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is no longer pink, 8 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a plate and set aside.
  • Step 
    2
    Unroll 2 Pillsbury pizza crusts onto a baking sheet. Cut each in half lengthwise, then in half crosswise to create 8 rectangles. In a small bowl mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Set aside.
  • Step 
    3
    Spread an even amount of the beef mixture onto 4 of the dough rectangles. Drizzle the sauce over the beef, and top each of the four rectangles with 2 slices of American cheese.
  • Step 
    4
    Place remaining dough rectangles over beef mixture and press the edges together to create a seal. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the runzas are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool, 5 minutes.
  • Step 
    5
    Slice the runza in half and serve.

Nutrition

No nutrition information available for this recipe

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