German Beef Rouladen with Savory Gravy
Indulge in the rich flavors of this traditional German Beef Rouladen recipe, where tender beef sirloin is lovingly rolled around a delightful filling of crispy bacon, dill pickles, and sweet onion. Braised to perfection in beef stock, these delicious rolls create a hearty meal that is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. The dish is finished with a creamy gravy that adds depth and complexity, ensuring that every bite is packed with savory goodness. Enjoy your Rouladen served alongside classic sides like Sauerkraut and fluffy dumplings for an authentic experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
4 slices (raw)
Beef Sirloin
1 lb (sliced into 4 thin slices)
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste
Paprika
to taste
German Mustard
4 teaspoons (prepared)
Dill Pickles
2 (cut into spears)
Sweet Onion
1 medium (cut into 4 pieces)
Toothpicks
as needed
Cooking Oil
1/3 cup
All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons
Beef Stock
3 cups
Instructions
1
1. Begin by seasoning the slices of beef sirloin with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides for enhanced flavor.
2
2. Spread a thin layer of German mustard over each slice of meat, ensuring even coverage.
3
3. Place a slice of bacon, several dill pickle spears, and a piece of onion towards one edge of the beef slice.
4
4. Carefully roll the beef tightly around the filling, starting from the edge with the filling, and secure the roll with toothpicks to hold it together.
5
5. Heat the cooking oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6
6. Add the meat rolls to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd, and brown them on all sides for about 8-10 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes.
7
7. Once browned, add 1 cup of beef stock to the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes, checking periodically to ensure the liquid does not reduce too much.
8
8. After 20 minutes, add another cup of beef stock and repeat the simmering process, this time for an additional 20 minutes, until the beef is tender. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
9
9. Once the meat is tender, remove the rolls from the skillet and place them on a plate. Discard toothpicks.
10
10. To prepare the gravy, mix the all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the hot liquid in the skillet and whisk well, cooking for 2 minutes over low heat until thickened.
11
11. If the gravy is too thick, add more beef stock or a splash of water to reach the desired consistency. Season with additional salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
12
12. Serve the Rouladen on plates with the gravy spooned over the top, and enjoy alongside Sauerkraut and dumplings for the complete experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is German Beef Rouladen?
German Beef Rouladen is a traditional dish consisting of thin slices of beef rolled around a savory filling of bacon, dill pickles, and onions, then braised in a rich gravy.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses beef sirloin sliced into thin pieces to make the rolling process easier and ensure tenderness after braising.
How do I keep the meat rolls from falling apart?
You should roll the beef tightly around the filling and secure each roll with toothpicks before browning them in the skillet.
What are the traditional ingredients for Rouladen filling?
The traditional filling includes German mustard, raw bacon slices, dill pickle spears, and pieces of sweet onion.
How long does it take to brown the Rouladen?
The meat rolls should be browned on all sides for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning them every 2 to 3 minutes.
How long do you simmer the beef?
The beef is simmered in two stages of 20 minutes each, totaling 40 minutes of braising time until the meat is tender.
What type of mustard should I use?
German mustard is recommended to provide an authentic flavor profile for the dish.
How do I make the savory gravy?
The gravy is made by mixing all-purpose flour with cold water and whisking it into the hot beef stock left in the skillet after cooking the meat.
What should I do if the gravy is too thick?
If the gravy is too thick, simply add more beef stock or a splash of water until you reach your desired consistency.
What are the classic side dishes for Rouladen?
Rouladen is traditionally served alongside Sauerkraut and fluffy dumplings for a complete German meal.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Should the bacon be cooked before rolling?
No, the bacon should be used raw as it will cook thoroughly during the braising process, adding flavor to the beef.
When do I remove the toothpicks?
Remove and discard the toothpicks after the meat is tender and has been removed from the skillet, just before serving.
How much beef stock is needed in total?
The recipe calls for a total of 3 cups of beef stock: 1 cup for the first simmer, 1 cup for the second simmer, and additional for adjusting the gravy.
What seasonings are used for the beef?
The beef slices are seasoned with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides.
What type of onion is best for the filling?
Sweet onion is recommended for this recipe to balance the acidity of the pickles and mustard.
How do I ensure the flour mixture is smooth for the gravy?
Mix the all-purpose flour with cold water thoroughly before adding it to the skillet to prevent lumps.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, German Beef Rouladen is widely considered a hearty comfort food, perfect for family gatherings.
What cooking method is used for this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of searing (browning) and braising (simmering in liquid).
Can I substitute the cooking oil?
You can use any neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, for browning the meat.
How do I prep the dill pickles?
The dill pickles should be cut into spears so they can be easily rolled inside the beef.
Can I add more seasoning to the gravy?
Yes, you can season the finished gravy with additional salt, pepper, and paprika to suit your taste.
What is the purpose of the paprika?
Paprika adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to both the meat and the resulting savory gravy.
How thin should the beef slices be?
The beef should be sliced thin enough to be pliable for rolling while remaining thick enough to hold the filling without tearing.
What is the total cooking time?
The total active cooking time is approximately 50 to 60 minutes, including browning and simmering.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While sirloin is used here, other lean cuts like top round can also be used as long as they are sliced very thin.
Do I need to cover the skillet while simmering?
Yes, covering the skillet is essential during the simmering process to trap moisture and ensure the beef becomes tender.
What heat setting is used for browning?
A medium-high heat setting is used to achieve a proper brown crust on the meat rolls.
How much mustard goes on each slice?
Approximately 1 teaspoon of German mustard should be spread over each slice of beef.
What category of cuisine is this?
This recipe falls under the category of Meat dishes within traditional German cuisine.