Authentic German Beef Rouladen
German Beef Rouladen is a classic dish featuring thinly sliced beef rolled around a savory filling of bacon, mustard, pickles, and vegetables, then slowly braised in a rich gravy until tender. This hearty meal is perfect for special occasions or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Rouladen:
- 900–1135 g top round beef, sliced into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick pieces
- 225 g bacon, cut into 2–3 inch (5–7.5 cm) pieces
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced
- 3 medium carrots, finely diced
- Dill pickles, cut into strips
- German mustard (or any strong mustard)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for searing
For the Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) dry red wine (optional; substitute with additional beef stock if preferred)
- 4 cups (960 ml) beef stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- Slice the top round beef into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick pieces, approximately 3x4 inches (7.5x10 cm) in size.
- Place each piece between plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until thin.
Cook the Bacon and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until partially cooked but not crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pan. Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Rouladen:
- Lay out each beef slice and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of mustard over each piece.
- Place a strip of pickle, a piece of bacon, and a spoonful of the sautéed vegetables on one end of each slice.
- Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Sear the Rouladen:
- In the same pan, add a bit of olive oil if needed and heat over medium-high heat.
- Sear each roulade on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Gravy:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In the same pan, add tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.
- Gradually add red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the beef stock and bring to a simmer.
Braise the Rouladen:
- Return the seared rouladen to the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover with a lid or foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Braise for 60–90 minutes until the meat is tender.
Finish the Dish:
- Remove the rouladen from the pan and discard toothpicks or twine.
- If the gravy is too thin, place the pan over medium heat and reduce to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the rouladen to the pan to warm through before serving.
Serve:
- Plate the rouladen and spoon gravy over the top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot alongside traditional sides like potato dumplings, red cabbage, or spaetzle.
Notes
Authentic German Beef Rouladen Recipe 🇩🇪🥩
A Hearty & Traditional German Comfort Food
German Beef Rouladen is a classic, flavorful dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Made with thinly sliced beef wrapped around a savory filling of bacon, mustard, pickles, and vegetables, then slowly braised in a rich, deep brown gravy until fork-tender, this dish is perfect for special occasions, Oktoberfest celebrations, or whenever you're craving true comfort food. 🥘 As the summer fades and cooler months roll in, heartier dishes become more appealing. Beef Rouladen (also known as German beef rolls, beef birds, or steak rolls) is one of my favorite go-to meals for a cozy and satisfying dinner. While similar to Italian beef braciole in that they both involve rolling meat around a filling, Rouladen has its own unique German twist with its distinctive ingredients and preparation.🍽️ What to Serve with Rouladen
Traditionally, this dish is served with: ✅ Potato dumplings (Kartoffelklöße) 🥔 ✅ German red cabbage (Rotkohl) 🥬 ✅ Spaetzle (German egg noodles) 🍝 ✅ Creamy mashed potatoes 🥄 No matter how you serve it, this dish delivers a taste of Germany right to your kitchen! 🇩🇪🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
Below are the key ingredients, along with some tips to ensure the best results:- Beef 🥩 – Use top round (London Broil) sliced thin. If you can find beef pre-sliced for braciole at an Italian supermarket, it will save you time.
- Bacon 🥓 – Adds smoky richness. If preferred, substitute with Black Forest ham.
- Pickles 🥒 – Choose dill pickles for a tangy bite, or sweet gherkins if you like a milder taste.
- Mustard 🌭 – Traditional German mustard is best, but any strong mustard will work.
- Vegetables 🥕 – Finely diced onions, carrots, and celery for deep flavor.
- Beef stock 🥣 – Homemade or reduced-sodium boxed stock gives the best taste.
- Red wine 🍷 – Enhances the sauce depth (can substitute with extra stock if preferred).
- Tomato paste & flour 🍅 – Helps thicken the sauce and intensify the flavor.
- Seasoning 🧂 – Classic salt, pepper, and parsley for garnish.
💡 Tips for the Best Rouladen
✔️ Use quality beef for the best texture and flavor. ✔️ Marinate overnight for deeper flavor (optional but recommended). ✔️ Simmer low & slow for extra tenderness. ✔️ Make it ahead – Rouladen tastes even better the next day!🍷 Wine Pairing
Pair your rouladen with a bold red wine like Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) or a Cabernet Sauvignon for an authentic German dining experience. 🍷🇩🇪 Final Thoughts
German Beef Rouladen is a dish that’s rich in tradition and flavor. Whether you're celebrating Oktoberfest or just want to enjoy a hearty homemade meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Have you tried making Rouladen before? Let me know in the comments! 👇 👉 If you love German cuisine, don’t forget to check out more traditional recipes like Sauerbraten, Schweinshaxe, and Bratwurst with Sauerkraut! 📌 Pin this recipe for later and share with friends! 😊 Guten Appetit! 🇩🇪🍽️More German recipes
