Bierocks

Bierocks {pronounced beer-rocks} are German meat-turnover pastries that are typically filled with cooked beef and cabbage. My husband grew up in western Kansas, where in the 1870's, the Volga Germans arrived and settled. Chris often about raves about the amazing cinnamon rolls that the Mennonites made and these German bierocks. I think someone misses Kansas. :) Last night we had fun making dough from scratch and filling (and eating) these delicious meat pies.

Bierocks

I have made these once before but I used store-bought crescent dough. They really did not turn out right. The dough was just too thick and they were really "bready." So this time, we made our own dough. One reason I'm really excited about this post is that I can finally cross using yeast off of my bucket list! This has been a long time coming. Using homemade dough made this a time consuming process, but it was worth it. Plus it was fun! For the dough, I adjusted a basic Better Home's and Gardens recipe. Feel free to use your own.

Bierocks

     makes 12 large bierocks

Dough:

4 1/3 C all-purpose flour

1 package active dry yeast

1 C skim milk

1/3 C light butter

1/3 C sugar

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

Filling:

1 lb lean hamburger (I used 97/3)

4 C shredded cabbage (about 1/2 medium cabbage)

1 medium onion, sliced thin

2 carrots, grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Begin by preparing the dough as it will need time to rise. In a mixing bowl, add 2 cups of flour and yeast together. In a small sauce pot, mix milk, butter, sugar and salt together and heat until mixture is warm and butter has begun to melt. Pour milk mixture into mixing bowl and turn on low for 30 seconds. Add eggs. Crank it up to high for 3 minutes. Begin to add remaining flour and mix on low-medium until flour is incorporated.

On a floured surface, knead dough for about 6-7 minutes, then place in a greased bowl and cover. Leave covered for 1 hour, turning once. Punch dough down and leave for 10 more minutes.

While the dough is rising, preheat oven to 350 degrees and begin to prepare the filling mixture. In a large skillet, brown hamburger and add salt, pepper and cayenne. Pour in a large bowl and set aside. While the meat is browning, cut cabbage into thin strips:

In the same skillet, cook cabbage, onion, carrots and garlic.

Cover the cabbage mixture with lid to steam veggies if needed. When cooked, add cabbage mixture to meat. 

Let mixture cool while waiting for dough to finish rising. When dough is ready, roll out to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into 12 large squares (about 5' X 5').

Fill each square with 1/3-1/2 cup of the meat mixture.

 

Grab opposite corners of dough and bring together at the top. Secure and tear off extra dough.

Flip over and place on silpat/parchment paper lined baking sheet. I used 1 T of light butter and brushed the tops of the bierocks before placing in the oven.

Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the tops are golden.

These are the perfect comfort food. They are so hearty and filling, and the flavors are so simple.

Bierocks would be the perfect Oktoberfest food or game day dish.

 And oh yeah, guess who had one of these for breakfast today? I'll give you a hint....it wasn't me! :)