Authentic Homemade German Bieroks Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about German Bieroks—pillowy, golden-brown rolls stuffed with a savory mix of beef, cabbage, and onions. These hand-held pockets of goodness have roots in Eastern European and German immigrant communities, making them a beloved staple in many family kitchens. Whether you call them Bierocks, Runza, or simply stuffed rolls, these irresistible, hearty pockets are perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even a fun weekend baking project.

If you love warm, homemade bread with a deliciously savory filling, these Bieroks are calling your name!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Total Comfort Food: The combination of soft bread and a rich, flavorful filling is downright irresistible.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These reheat beautifully, making them great for lunchboxes, easy dinners, or snacks.
• Customizable: You can tweak the filling to suit your taste—swap the beef for sausage, add cheese, or throw in extra veggies.
• No-Fuss Dough: The bread dough is simple to work with, and I’ll walk you through every step so it turns out fluffy and perfect.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 egg

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp butter for sautéing

Pro Tips:

• **Flour:** You can use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture, but all-purpose works just fine.
• **Yeast:** If using instant yeast, skip proofing and mix it directly into the flour.
• **Cabbage:** If you’re short on time, buy pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture.
3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling:

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Stir in shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling the Bieroks.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a disk, about 5 inches in diameter.
3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling into the center of each dough round.
4. Bring the edges of the dough together and pinch tightly to seal. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Let the assembled Bieroks rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Brush with melted butter for an extra glossy finish.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overstuff the Dough: Too much filling makes them hard to seal and can cause them to burst open while baking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These freeze well! Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer.
• Reheating Hack: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer for a crispy exterior.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Cheesy Twist: Add shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese to the filling.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute mushrooms and lentils for the ground beef.
• Sauce Pairings: Serve with mustard, sour cream, or even a spicy dipping sauce.

FAQs

Can I make Bieroks with store-bought dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, use thawed dinner roll dough or pizza dough.

How long do these stay fresh?
They keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes! Swap up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.

German Bieroks Recipe Card

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 egg

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small head cabbage, shredded
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Make the dough: Mix yeast with warm milk. Combine with flour, sugar, salt, butter, and egg. Knead and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the filling: Cook onions, beef, and cabbage with seasonings until tender.
3. Assemble: Divide dough, roll into circles, add filling, and seal.
4. Let rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

Enjoy these hearty, homemade Bieroks fresh from the oven! If you try this recipe, leave a comment or tag #TheKitchensAid on social media—I’d love to see your creations!