german beef rouladen recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
german beef rouladen recipe
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The Best german beef rouladen recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich culinary heritage of Germany, and one dish that never fails to impress is the Beef Rouladen. This classic recipe has been a staple in German cuisine for centuries, and its popularity can be attributed to the tender beef, the flavorful broth, and the ease of preparation. As a home cook, I love that this recipe can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

My family and I have enjoyed it on numerous occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings with friends and family. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

Simply place the thinly sliced beef in a pot with some onions, carrots, celery, and a few spices, and let the slow-cooking process work its magic. The result is a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. I must admit that I was initially intimidated by the idea of rolling up thinly sliced beef into neat little packages.

But with a bit of patience and some helpful tips from my German mother-in-law, I’ve mastered this technique. It’s now a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you today. The Beef Rouladen recipe I’ll be sharing with you today is a variation of the traditional recipe.

I’ve made a few tweaks to suit our family’s taste preferences, but rest assured that this dish remains true to its roots. One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or using it as an ingredient in other dishes (like my famous Beef Rouladen Stroganoff), it’s sure to impress.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to get your daily dose of protein and fiber while enjoying a delicious meal.

German Beef Rouladen

German Beef Rouladen

4.6 from 1323 votes

German beef rouladen are thin slices of beef rolled around a savory filling of mustard, onions, bacon, and pickles. Braised in a rich gravy, they become tender and flavorful.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rouladen

4 slices top round beef, pounded thin (about 1/4 inch thick)
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
4 slices bacon, halved
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 dill pickle spears
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Gravy

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
4 whole black peppercorns
Salt to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Lay each beef slice flat on a cutting board and spread 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard evenly over one side.
2Season with salt and pepper, then place a half slice of bacon, a few onion slices, and one pickle spear at one end of each slice.
3Roll the beef tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go.
4Secure each roll with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine.
5Ensure the rolls are snug so the filling stays inside during cooking.
6Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
7Sear the rouladen for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
8Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pan.
9Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and golden.
10Sprinkle the flour over the onion and stir for 1 minute to form a roux.
11Slowly pour in the beef broth and water while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
12Add the bay leaf and peppercorns, then bring the liquid to a simmer.
13Return the rouladen to the pan, nestling them into the gravy.
14Cover the pan and reduce heat to low.
15Simmer gently for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, turning the rouladen once halfway through, until the beef is fork-tender.
16The gravy should be thickened and rich.
17Remove the rouladen from the pan and discard toothpicks or twine.
18Taste the gravy and adjust salt if needed.
19Serve the rouladen with the gravy spooned over the top, accompanied by mashed potatoes or spaetzle.

🔧Equipment

Meat mallet or rolling pin
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra tenderness, marinate the beef in a mixture of vinegar and water for 1 hour before assembling. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the gravy for deeper color and flavor.

Watch Video Of How German Beef Rouladen Works

This Beef Rouladen recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a hearty meal on a weeknight or want something impressive for special gatherings with friends and family.

And don’t worry about leftovers; they reheat beautifully in just 20 minutes on low heat.

To take your Beef Rouladen experience to the next level, try serving it with some crusty bread on the side – your guests will thank you!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About German Beef Rouladen

Q: What is Beef Rouladen?

Beef Rouladen is a traditional German dish made with thinly sliced beef rolled up around fillings such as onions, carrots, celery, and spices.

Q: What type of meat should I use for this recipe?

You can use either beef or pork for this recipe. For a leaner option, choose sirloin or round cuts.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the fillings ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Q: How do I roll up the beef without it falling apart?

To prevent the beef from falling apart while rolling it up, make sure to keep it cold by refrigerating it until you’re ready to assemble the rouladen.

Q: Can I substitute different spices or herbs for those called for in this recipe?

Feel free to experiment with different spice blends or herbs like thyme or rosemary if you prefer.

Q: How do I reheat leftover Beef Rouladen?

To reheat leftover Beef Rouladen, place it in a saucepan over low heat and add some broth or water if needed.

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