Alea's Bierocks

I make Bierocks every fall for Oktoberfest. Happily, this coincides with sales on cabbage. If you have not had a Bierock (or Runza ans Nebraskans call them) you are in for a delightful surprise! They are the German equivalent of a Hot Pocket, only much tastier.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 15 Bierocks

Ingredients

• 1  lb  loaf  frozen bread dough, thawed
• 1  lb hamburger
• 8  cups cabbage, shredded
• 1  medium onion, diced
• 2 -4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 2  tablespoons  melted butter (optional)

Directions

1. Brown the meat, onions and garlic in a large skillet. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add shredded cabbage and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until cabbage is completely wilted.
3. Divide each loaf into 5 pieces. Roll each piece out until it is less than 1/2 inch thick. (When I was just starting out on my own, I didn't have a rolling pin, so I just dampened my fingers and pressed th dough into the shape I wanted). Fill the dough circles or square with a 1/2 cup cabbage, onion and meat filling.
4. There are several ways that you can seal the dough. I will share my favorit two ways.
5. A. Bring opposite corners of dough together in center. Press open edges together until surface is sealed. This creates a square shaped Bierock.
6. B. Or bring two opposite sides together and press seams together. This results in a half circle shaped Bierock.
7. Turn Bierocks smooth side up. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Brush with melted butter if you wish.
8. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes or until brown. Serve hot. Makes 15 Bierocks. (This recipe makes enough for 3 meals for my family of 5).
9. I use the leftover cabbage to make Beef Stew with Cabbage ad serve it with the Bierocks for dinner. Bierocks also make a tasty lunch. Any leftover Bierocks can be frozen.