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German Beef Rouladen with Rich Gravy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 63 reviews

This classic German Rouladen recipe features tender beef rolls stuffed with bacon, pickles, and onion, slow-simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy. Perfect for a comforting dinner, these rouladen are browned to perfection, then braised until meltingly tender, served with a luscious, glossy sauce made from the cooking broth.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Rolls

  • 5 slices top round beef steak (sliced horizontally about ¼” thick)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 5 tablespoons prepared yellow German mustard
  • 10 slices bacon
  • 5 medium dill pickles (sliced lengthwise into 2 to 4 slices depending on size)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)

For Browning

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Gravy Vegetables and Liquid

  • 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
  • 1 large carrot (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 large celery stalk (chopped)
  • 2 large cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (plus extra if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Finishing the Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season Beef: Lay out beef slices on a flat surface and gently pound them with a meat mallet until slightly thinner than ¼”. Be careful not to tear the meat. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Assemble Rouladen: Spread one tablespoon of yellow mustard over each beef slice. Layer two slices of bacon on top, then place the sliced pickle horizontally at one end, and sprinkle chopped yellow onion evenly over the surface.
  3. Roll and Secure: Starting from the end with the pickle, roll each beef slice tightly into a cylinder and secure with a toothpick to hold the filling inside during cooking.
  4. Brown the Rouladen: Heat butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add rouladen and brown on all sides until well seared. Remove browned rouladen and set aside.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  6. Add Liquids and Simmer: Stir in soy sauce, beef broth, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Braise the Rouladen: Return the browned rouladen to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in liquid. Add extra beef broth if needed to cover. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours until beef is very tender.
  8. Remove Rouladen and Strain Broth: Take out rouladen and remove toothpicks. Pour the cooking liquid and vegetables through a strainer into a bowl to separate broth from solids. Return strained broth to the pot and bring to a simmer.
  9. Thicken the Gravy: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering broth until the gravy thickens to your preference. Repeat if a thicker consistency is desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Finish the Sauce: Remove pot from heat and stir in chilled butter until melted and glossy.
  11. Serve: Arrange rouladen on a serving platter or dish, spoon the warm gravy over them, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a meat mallet gently to avoid tearing the beef slices.
  • If yellow German mustard is not available, Dijon mustard can be a substitute.
  • Adjust soy sauce amount to control saltiness of the gravy.
  • For thicker gravy, prepare extra cornstarch slurry and add gradually.
  • Serving rouladen with traditional sides like red cabbage, mashed potatoes, or spaetzle is customary.
  • Make sure rouladen are fully submerged during simmering to braise evenly.

Keywords: Rouladen, German beef rolls, beef rouladen recipe, braised beef rolls, German cuisine, comfort food

Find it online: https://jedentaglecker.com/german-beef-rouladen-with-rich-gravy-recipe/