This beef rouladen is an easy German recipe. Tender meat with a bull-bodied gravy. Delicious family meal that might just become the meal that everyone requests you to make. Tender beef rolls, filled with savory mustard, bacon, and pickles, simmered to perfection in a hearty gravy—this dish promises a delightful culinary journey through Germany’s culinary heritage.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting meal, Beef Rouladen offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
What is Rouladen?
It is a traditional German dish made with beef, bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles. The beef is either sliced or pounded thin and the other ingredients are rolled inside the beef. Once this is cooked there is a delicious full-bodied sauce left behind. So good.
Why We Love This Recipe
For us, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Authentic Flavor: Experience the rich, traditional flavors of German cuisine with every bite. The combination of tender beef, savory mustard, smoky bacon, and tangy pickles creates a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exotic.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Beef Rouladen is an impressive dish that’s perfect for special occasions or dinner parties. It’s a meal that shows you’ve put in the effort to create something special for your guests.
Versatile Serving Options: This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as creamy mashed potatoes, tangy red cabbage, or traditional Spätzle. You can customize the meal to suit your tastes and preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare Beef Rouladen in advance, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. Simply assemble the rouladen and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook, or cook them ahead of time and reheat before serving.
Rich, Hearty Gravy: The savory gravy, enriched with beef broth and optional red wine, adds depth and complexity to the dish. Whether you thicken it with flour or cornstarch, the gravy ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Comfort Food Appeal: This dish is the epitome of German comfort food, offering a hearty, satisfying meal that warms the soul. The tender beef and flavorful filling make it a favorite for family dinners and cozy nights in.
Cultural Experience: Making Beef Rouladen is not just about cooking; it’s about embracing a piece of German heritage and bringing a taste of Germany to your table. It’s a great way to explore new culinary traditions and share them with loved ones.
Beef Rouladen Easy German Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 3 Lbs. Flank Steak
- 18 Tbl. Stone Ground Mustard
- 2 Lbs. Bacon
- 2 Large Onions sliced
- 18 Large Dill Pickles
- 2 1/2 Cups Water
- 2 Tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Soup Base Beef Flavor
- 2 Tablespoons Flour
- 4 Tablespoons Water
text ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the flank steak into thin filets; about 1/4 inch thick and 3 inches wide. Place the meat between two ZipLock bags. Using a mallet, pound the mean thin about 1/8 inch thick.3 Lbs. Flank Steak
- Note: the 3 Lbs. of flank steak that I used, I was able to get 18 beef rolls. Therefore, I used the number of 18 for the pickles and stone ground mustard. Generously spread one side of each beef filet with a tablespoon of mustard. Place 1/2 to a slice of bacon, a few slices of onion and a pickle slice on each beef filet. Form into a roll. Use string or toothpicks to hold the roll together. I used a toothpick.18 Tbl. Stone Ground Mustard, 2 Lbs. Bacon, 2 Large Onions, 18 Large Dill Pickles
- Place beef rolls in baking dish. I used a 9 X 13 and 4 X 6 to hold the beef rolls.
- Heat the 2 1/2 cups of water so it is warm enough to dissolve the Bettern Than Buillion Roasted Beef Soup Base. Pour this over the beef rolls.2 1/2 Cups Water, 2 Tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Soup Base
- Bake the rolls for about an hour at 350 degrees F.
- If you would like to make a gravy. Drain the sauce from the pan and make a gravy from it.
- To make the gravy, bring the sauce to a boil in a pan. About 2 cups.
- Dissolve 2 Tbl. of flour and 4 Tbl. of water in a cup. When fully dissolved, slowly pour into the boiling sauce. Stir constantly until thickened.
Your Own Private Notes
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A few of my favorite things
The Power of Positivity
Flavor Packed Beef Rolls
This was the first time that I made this dish. My son-in-law’s dad had said that his family used to go to a special restaurant years ago and have this delicacy years ago. I had never heard of this recipe before, so I started to review recipes. I found a recipe that I wanted to try and it was on my phone for a few years.
These little steak rolls are so delicious that it is a shame that it took me a few years to finally try this recipe.
When I made the recipe, I made quite a bit because we wanted to make sure that everyone had enough to try. This is definitely a recipe that I will be making again and again.
These carefully selected ingredients come together to create a delicious and authentic Beef Rouladen. Each component adds a unique layer of flavor and texture, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying dish. The combination of savory mustard, smoky bacon, tangy pickles, slices of onion, and a rich, flavorful gravy makes this recipe a standout in German cuisine.
Homemade Refrigerator Dill Pickle Spears
For this recipe, I used homemade refrigerator dill pickles. The family loves these and it’s a great way to use them. The meat and the pickles are a perfect pairing.
When I made my beef rolls, there were a few bacon slices left over. No worries, my family loves bacon. They did not complain that a few of them had an extra slice of bacon.
Recipe Tips for Success
- Choosing the Beef: Opt for thin slices of beef such as top round steak or flank steak, ideally cut to about ¼ inch thick for easier rolling.
- Rolling Technique: Secure the filling tightly within each beef roll to ensure it holds together during cooking. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep them intact.
- Browning for Flavor: Sear the rouladen on all sides before simmering in the sauce. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the dish.
- Simmering Time: Allow sufficient time for the rouladen to simmer gently in the gravy. This ensures the meat becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Variations: Experiment with different fillings such as onions, mushrooms, or herbs to customize the flavors.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a vibrant finish.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the rouladen ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook for a convenient meal option.
How Large Should the Slices of Beef Be?
Cut the beef slices large enough to stuff and roll up, ideally at least 4×6 inches in size and about 1/4 inch thick. Plan for two rouladen per person. Alternatively, you can make larger rouladen and serve one per person.
Flour or Cornstarch to Thicken the Gravy?
You can use either flour or cornstarch. Cornstarch creates a more translucent gravy, while flour results in a slightly opaque gravy. Choose based on your personal preference or any dietary restrictions. No matter which thickener you choose, it will result in the richest gravy. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to get all the browned bits.
What to Serve with Rouladen
Make this for a Sunday dinner or dinner party. It pairs wonderfully with classic German side dishes.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich gravy of the rouladen.
- Red Cabbage: Sweet and tangy braised red cabbage adds a colorful and flavorful addition to the plate.
- Spätzle: Traditional German egg noodles that soak up the delicious gravy.
- Green beans make an excellent side dish to pair with Beef Rouladen. Their crisp texture and vibrant flavor provide a fresh contrast to the rich and savory rouladen, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
The beef slice is cooked to tender perfection and pairing it with other favorite German dishes make a delicious meal combination.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftover Beef Rouladen:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Rouladen can be frozen in an airtight container, freezer bag, or tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat:
- Stovetop: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
I hope that you liked this recipe. If you are looking for more ideas on what to make, here are a few other recipes that you may enjoy.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.
Donna F
Monday 13th of April 2020
My family loves this dish. Your recipe is almost identical to my family recipe. The difference is we use dill pickles and carrots. The easiest way I have found to include the carrots is to purchase matchstick cut carrots. Already cleaned and cut, they are always perfectly tender, adding another flavor profile to this delicious beef.
patternprincess1
Monday 13th of April 2020
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I think the next time I make this I will have to try with the dill pickles and carrots. So glad to her you enjoy this one as much as we do.
Joan
Saturday 11th of April 2020
Rouladen has been a family dish forever. My father was from Germany. He didn't like pickle, but prefer carrot, and my family likes just mustard onion and bacon . My favorite part is the gravy. It has a flavor all it's own
patternprincess1
Saturday 11th of April 2020
I agree. Just a delicious gravy, soft meat. Yum! thanks for sharing. I may have to make half with my recipe and half with your recipe next time. Thanks for the tips. Enjoy.