Wowlers! (Runzas): A Taste of Homemade Comfort

The aroma alone transports me back to my grandmother’s bustling kitchen. It was a symphony of sizzling ground beef, sweet cabbage, and warm, yeasty dough. These weren’t just meals; they were edible hugs, wrapped in tradition and love. I can still picture her weathered hands, expertly folding each square of dough, sealing in the savory goodness, creating what she lovingly called “Wowlers!” The name always brought a smile to our faces, and the taste always delivered.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: Variable, depends on size of squares (approximately 12-24)
• Yield: 12-24 rolls
• Dietary Type: Not specified; can be modified

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 2 (1/4 ounce) packages dry yeast
• 1/4 cup salad oil
• 2 eggs (use 3 if doubling the recipe)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (use 3 tablespoons if doubling the recipe)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 – 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 head green cabbage
• 2-3 whole onions
• 1/2 cup margarine

Equipment Needed

• Large Bowl
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Mixing Spoons or Stand Mixer
• Large Skillet
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Rolling Pin
• Cookie Sheets
• Cooling Rack

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, pour the hot water. Add the evaporated milk, followed by the dry yeast. Stir gently until the yeast dissolves completely. This step is crucial, so be patient and ensure the yeast is fully incorporated.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the salad oil, sugar, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Beat the ingredients together until well combined. A stand mixer or a hand mixer will make this easier, but a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease will also do the trick.
3. Incorporate the Flour (First Stage): Begin adding the flour gradually. Start with 2 cups, incorporating it into the wet ingredients until a soft dough begins to form. Blend thoroughly at this stage, ensuring there are no large lumps.
4. Knead the Dough: Continue adding the remaining flour in 1/2 cup increments. After each addition, knead the dough well. The dough should be elastic and easy to work with. If it’s too sticky, add a touch more flour, a tablespoon at a time. This process is key to developing the gluten, which gives the Wowlers their structure.
5. Rest the Dough: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
6. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rests, start on the filling. In a large skillet, melt the margarine over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown it thoroughly. Be sure to break up the meat with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.
7. Add the Cabbage and Onions: Shred the green cabbage and add it to the skillet with the browned beef. Chop the onions and add them to the cabbage and meat mixture.
8. Season and Steam: Season the mixture with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Stir well to combine. Cover the skillet and steam the mixture for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cabbage and onions are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Cool the Filling: Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool down to a comfortable temperature to handle.
10. Assemble the Wowlers: Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into 4-inch squares. Place a couple of tablespoons of the cooled filling in the center of each square.
11. Seal the Wowlers: Fold the dough over the filling, forming a square or rectangular shape. Seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
12. Bake: Place the filled squares on greased cookie sheets. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are a nice golden brown.
13. Cool and Serve: Remove the Wowlers from the cookie sheets and place them on a cooling rack to cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and elastic, but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add flour gradually until it reaches the right consistency. Over-kneading can result in a tough dough, so be mindful.
• Filling Flavor: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings in the filling. Garlic powder, paprika, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add extra depth of flavor.
• Sealing: Ensure the edges of the Wowlers are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. A little water brushed along the edges can help with sealing.
• Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the Wowlers and adjust the baking time as needed to achieve a golden brown color.
• Make-Ahead: The filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the Wowlers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• Dough Alternative: While homemade dough is highly recommended, you can substitute with store-bought pizza dough or bread dough for a quicker option.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Wowlers are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They are fantastic on their own, or with a dollop of sour cream, spicy mustard, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled Wowlers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store cooled Wowlers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooled Wowlers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat Wowlers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat Wowlers in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Skillet: Reheat Wowlers in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until heated through.

Nutritional Information

(Estimates will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	12g	18%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	200mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	25g	8%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	4g	–
Protein	10g	20%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Wowlers: Substitute the ground beef with lentils, crumbled tofu, or a vegetarian ground meat alternative.
• Spicy Wowlers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Wowlers: Add shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone, to the filling.
• Different Dough: Experiment with different types of dough, such as whole wheat dough or sourdough dough.
• Cabbage Variety: Use savoy cabbage or napa cabbage for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Seasonings: Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices in the filling, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use store-bought dough for Wowlers?
A: Yes, you can substitute homemade dough with store-bought pizza dough or bread dough for convenience. Just be sure to seal the edges well to prevent filling leakage.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from being too watery?
A: Be sure to drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning. Also, don’t overcook the cabbage and onions, as they will release excess moisture.

Q: Can I freeze Wowlers after baking?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked Wowlers. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Q: How do I reheat frozen Wowlers?
A: You can reheat frozen Wowlers in the oven, microwave, or skillet. Reheating in the oven will give the best results, but the microwave is the quickest option.

Q: What can I serve with Wowlers?
A: Wowlers are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Final Thoughts

Wowlers are more than just a recipe; they’re a tradition, a memory, and a taste of home. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own Wowler memories. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and seasonings to make them your own. And most importantly, share them with your loved ones and enjoy the deliciousness together. I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations! Bon appétit!