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Rouladen

Authentic German Beef Rouladen

German Rouladen is a soul-warming dish made from thin beef slices filled with mustard, bacon, onion, and pickle, then rolled, browned, and braised until fork-tender. Its appeal lies in the combination of bold, savory flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture created by slow cooking. This dish shines as a centerpiece for Sunday dinners or festive occasions, offering a comforting taste of old-world tradition.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 beef top round slices approx. 6 x 8 inches each
  • 4 teaspoons German mustard
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 2 dill pickles cut into long strips
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf

Equipment

  • Meat mallet or sharp knife (to flatten beef)
  • Cutting board
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid
  • Tongs or wooden spoon
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine (to secure rolls)

Method
 

  1. Prep the Beef
    Flatten the beef slices to ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  2. Assemble the Rolls
    Spread 1 teaspoon of mustard over each beef slice. Lay 1 slice of bacon, onion slices, and 1–2 pickle strips on top.
  3. Roll and Secure
    Roll the beef tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  4. Sear the Rouladen
    Heat oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Brown the rouladen on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  5. Build the Sauce Base
    Sprinkle flour into the pan and stir into the fat until lightly browned.
  6. Deglaze and Simmer
    Slowly stir in beef broth and tomato paste, scraping the browned bits. Add bay leaf.
  7. Return the Rouladen
    Return beef rolls to the pot. Cover and simmer gently for 90 minutes until tender.
  8. Finish and Serve
    Remove toothpicks or twine. Slice the rouladen at an angle for presentation and spoon sauce generously over top.

Video

Notes

  • Flavor Booster: Use homemade or low-sodium beef broth for deeper flavor.
  • Tender Texture: The key is low and slow cooking—don’t rush the simmering process.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day! Prepare ahead and gently reheat.
  • Variations: Add finely chopped carrots or mushrooms inside the rolls for extra depth.