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Traditional German Rouladen with beef, bacon, pickles, and rich gravy.

Rouladen

Traditional German Rouladen are beef roll-ups filled with mustard, bacon, onion, and pickles, simmered in gravy until tender. A comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, German
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Preparation
  • 4 slices Beef rouladen slices (top round is common)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons German or Dijon mustard Spread a thin layer on beef
Filling
  • 4 slices Bacon
  • 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 to 4 Dill pickles, cut into spears
Cooking Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons Flour (for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons Oil or beef drippings
  • 2 cups Beef broth (more if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato paste (optional) Adds depth of flavor
  • 1 splash Pickle juice (optional) For added brightness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Lay the beef slices out flat. If they are thick, cover with plastic wrap and gently pound them thinner.
  2. Season with salt and pepper, then spread a thin layer of mustard over each slice.
  3. Add filling: a strip of bacon, some onion, and a pickle spear or two. Roll it up snug and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Cooking
  1. Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the rolls on all sides.
  2. Once browned, remove the rolls and add the rest of the onions to the pot. Cook them until softened.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for about 30 seconds. Add tomato paste if using, then slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to keep it smooth.
  4. Put the beef rolls back into the pot. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides. Cover and simmer on low for about 75 to 90 minutes.
  5. Taste the gravy and adjust with a splash of pickle juice if desired. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.

Notes

Rouladen are even better the next day. Let them cool in the gravy and refrigerate. Reheat gently for best results. Serve with mashed potatoes, red cabbage, egg noodles, or cucumber salad.