Name: Beef Rouladen Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef rouladen (thinly sliced beef, about 4×4 inches each); 3 ounces Keen’s hot mustard (or your preferred mustard); 2 medium onions, finely chopped or shredded; 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch sticks; 6 dill pickles, cut into ¼-inch sticks; 2 pounds thin-cut bacon, slices cut in half; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cups water (or more, as needed); ¾ cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec); 1 cup all-purpose flour

This Beef Rouladen recipe is a classic German dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy family meal. Tender beef rolls are filled with savory bacon, tangy mustard, and sweet carrots, then simmered in a rich gravy until melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s a bit more time-consuming to prepare, but the incredible flavor and satisfying texture are well worth the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Complex: The combination of tender beef, savory bacon, tangy mustard, and sweet carrots creates a delightful flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Impressive Presentation: These beautiful beef rolls make for an impressive presentation, whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Perfect for Fall and Winter: This hearty and warming dish is ideal for enjoying during the colder months.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Beef Rouladen:

For the Beef Rouladen:

Beef rouladen: Thinly sliced beef, typically top round or bottom round, that’s ideal for rolling and braising.
Keen’s hot mustard: Adds a tangy and spicy kick to the filling.
Onions: Shredded or finely chopped, for flavor and texture.
Carrots: Peeled and cut into sticks, adds sweetness and color.
Pickles: Cut into sticks, adds a tangy crunch.
Bacon: Thin-cut and halved, adds a smoky and salty flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Vegetable oil: For searing the rouladen.

For the Gravy:

Water: Or more as needed, forms the base of the gravy.
Red wine: Such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, adds depth and complexity to the gravy.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the gravy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Beef Rouladen

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

If your beef rouladen pieces are large (longer than about 8 inches), cut them in half to create smaller, more manageable rolls.

Step 2: Assemble the Rouladen

Lay the beef pieces flat on a cutting board. Spread each piece with a thin layer of mustard, then top with a spoonful of shredded onion, a piece of bacon, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a carrot stick, and a pickle stick. Roll up the beef tightly and secure it with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Step 3: Sear the Rouladen

Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a few rouladen to the skillet at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the rouladen on all sides until golden brown. Transfer the seared rouladen to a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Whisk together the flour and water in a bowl to create a slurry. Pour some of the slurry into the skillet with the beef drippings and whisk until it starts to thicken. Add the red wine and continue to cook and whisk for a couple more minutes. Pour this gravy over the seared rouladen in the Dutch oven. Repeat this process with the remaining rouladen and slurry until all the rouladen are seared and in the Dutch oven, covered with gravy.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 2½-3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let the rouladen cool slightly before serving. Remove the toothpicks. Serve the rouladen with the gravy and your choice of sides, such as spaetzle, German red cabbage, or mashed potatoes.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your beef, vegetables, and spices, the better the flavor of the rouladen.
Don’t overcook the beef: Overcooked beef will be tough and dry. Cook just until fork-tender.
Adjust the gravy: If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can reduce the amount of flour in the slurry or add more water.

How to Serve Beef Rouladen

Classic German Meal: Serve the Beef Rouladen with spaetzle (German egg noodles), braised red cabbage, and mashed potatoes for a traditional German meal.
Other Sides: You can also serve it with other sides, such as roasted vegetables, potato salad, or sauerkraut.
Special Occasion: This dish is impressive enough for a special occasion dinner, yet easy enough for a cozy weeknight meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store the rouladen with plenty of gravy to prevent them from drying out.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water, or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through. Again, make sure to reheat the rouladen with plenty of gravy to keep them moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of mustard?
Yes, you can use other types of mustard, such as Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard.

Can I use a different type of meat?
While beef is traditional for rouladen, you can experiment with other types of meat, such as pork or veal.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sear the rouladen and make the gravy separately, then transfer them to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the beef with thinly sliced portobello mushrooms or eggplant. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth in the gravy.

There you have it! A delicious and comforting recipe for Beef Rouladen that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Enjoy!