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Authentic German Rouladen

A heartwarming dish of tender beef rolled with bacon and pickles, served in a rich gravy, perfect for chilly evenings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs beef flank or round steak Choose a cut that will become tender with cooking.
  • 4 slices bacon Provides a smokey flavor that complements the beef.
  • 1 large onion Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
  • 4-6 spears pickles Choose strong, tangy pickles for a contrasting flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons mustard Adds a tangy kick to the filling.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
  • 2 cups beef broth For moisture and to create a rich gravy.
  • 2 tablespoons oil For searing the beef.
  • 3-4 carrots Cut into chunks, these add flavor to the broth.
  • 2-3 celery stalks Cut into chunks to enhance the broth flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start with your beef flank or round steak. Cut it into long, thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Gently pound the slices to tenderize them further.
  2. Lay each slice flat and spread a thin layer of mustard across the surface. Season with salt and pepper. Place a slice of bacon, a few pieces of onion, and one or two pickles at one end of the beef slice. Roll it up tightly and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
Cooking
  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the rouladen on all sides until they take on a beautiful brown color, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  2. Transfer the rouladen to a Dutch oven or deep pot. In the same skillet, add some additional onions and any leftover bacon. Sauté until golden, then pour in the beef broth.
  3. Pour the broth mixture over the rouladen in the pot. Add carrots and celery for added flavor. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
Serving
  1. Once the rouladen is fully cooked, remove from the pot and let rest. Strain the cooking liquid, and return it to the pot. Reduce over medium heat until the gravy thickens, adding salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Serve each roulade sliced, drizzled with the rich gravy, and accompanied by your favorite sides.

Notes

Let the beef sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Consider marinating the meat overnight. Keep the heat moderate while searing.