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Rouladen

Heavenly Rouladen: Savory Rolls Bursting with Flavor

Experience the delightful flavors of Rouladen, a classic German dish of tender beef rolls filled with savory bacon, pickles, and onions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 rolls
Course: Beef
Cuisine: German
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Rolls
  • 1 pound Top round beef steak Flank steak can be used as an alternative.
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons Prepared yellow German mustard Spicy brown mustard is a good alternative.
  • 4 slices Bacon Turkey bacon for a lighter option.
For the Filling
  • 4 whole Dill pickles Gherkins can be used instead.
  • 1 medium Yellow onion Sweet onion can provide a milder flavor.
For the Cooking Process
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter Salted butter can be used with adjusted salt.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 medium Carrot Other root vegetables can be mixed in.
  • 1 stalk Celery Leeks can be a sweeter alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Garlic powder can be used if fresh is unavailable.
For the Gravy
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce Low-sodium is preferable.
  • 2 cups Low-sodium beef broth Chicken stock can work as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste Optional for a lighter sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Chilled unsalted butter Adds a glossy finish.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch To be mixed with water for thickening.
  • 2 tablespoons Water To mix with cornstarch.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Beef: Pound the top round beef steak to about ¼-inch thickness and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. Assemble the Filling: Spread yellow mustard across the beef, layer with bacon, pickles, and onion, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
  3. Brown the Rouladen: In a Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil, brown the rouladen on all sides for about 3–4 minutes each.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until tender, adding garlic last for flavor.
  5. Create the Gravy: Add soy sauce, beef broth, and tomato paste, then simmer to combine.
  6. Simmer the Rouladen: Return rouladen to the pot, cover, and simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
  7. Strain and Thicken the Gravy: Remove rouladen, strain broth to eliminate chunks, then thicken with cornstarch slurry.
  8. Finish the Gravy: Stir in chilled butter until melted for a glossy finish and season to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 22gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure beef slices are uniformly thin and seal tightly to prevent spilling filling. Use a Dutch oven to retain moisture and flavor.

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