Savory Oktoberfest Beef Rouladen
Indulge in a traditional German feast with these delectable Oktoberfest Beef Rouladen, where succulent beef is lovingly rolled around layers of smokey bacon, zesty dill pickles, and fragrant onions. Braised to perfection in a rich red wine and beef broth, this dish embodies the heartiness characteristic of Bavarian cuisine. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, serve it alongside creamy nutmeg-infused mashed potatoes to create a comforting and festive meal that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.
4
Servings
375
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef steaks
4 (6 ounce) (very thin, flank steak or top butt)
German or Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (for brushing)
dill pickles
2 large (cut in half lengthwise)
onion
1 (sliced very thinly into rings)
bacon
4 slices (for layering)
red wine
1/2 cup (for braising)
beef broth
1 1/2 cups (for braising)
bay leaf
1 (for flavoring)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (for thickening sauce)
water
2 tablespoons (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
1
Begin by laying out the beef steaks on a clean, flat surface. Brush each steak with a generous layer of German or Dijon mustard, then lightly season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2
On each steak, place a slice of bacon, followed by an even distribution of the thinly sliced onions. Finally, top each one with a half of a dill pickle.
3
To shape the rouladen, fold two opposing sides of each steak inward about one inch, creating a rectangular shape. Roll the steak tightly from one end to the other, and secure it with toothpicks or butcher's twine to hold the filling inside. Repeat this process with the remaining steaks.
4
In a thick-bottomed sauce pot or Dutch oven, heat a thin layer of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the rouladen to the pot and brown them evenly on all sides. This step should take around 5-7 minutes. When browned, remove excess oil from the pot.
5
Pour in the red wine and beef broth, and add the bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce the heat to low and braise for approximately 1½ hours, or until the rouladen are fork-tender.
6
Once tender, carefully remove the rouladen from the broth and set aside. For the sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then whisk this into the broth in the pot until it thickens. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as desired.
7
Serve the beef rouladen hot, drizzled with the rich sauce. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes accented with a hint of nutmeg for a complete dining experience.
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
4
Carbs
37.5
Protein
0.25
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Oktoberfest Beef Rouladen?
Savory Oktoberfest Beef Rouladen is a traditional German dish consisting of thin beef steaks rolled around bacon, onions, and dill pickles, then braised in a red wine and beef broth.
What type of beef is best for making Rouladen?
The best cuts for this recipe are very thin slices of flank steak or top butt.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What ingredients are used in the filling?
The filling includes German or Dijon mustard, bacon slices, thinly sliced onion rings, and dill pickles.
How long should the beef be braised?
The beef should be braised on low heat for approximately 1.5 hours, or until the rouladen are fork-tender.
What kind of mustard is recommended?
German or Dijon mustard is recommended for brushing the steaks.
How do you secure the beef rolls?
The beef rolls are secured using toothpicks or butcher's twine to hold the filling inside during cooking.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 375 calories.
How do you thicken the Rouladen sauce?
The sauce is thickened by whisking a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water into the braising liquid.
What side dish is suggested for this meal?
It is ideally served alongside creamy nutmeg-infused mashed potatoes.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 37.5 grams of protein per serving.
Does the recipe use wine?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of red wine for the braising liquid.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 17.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This dish contains 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do you prepare the onions for the filling?
The onion should be sliced very thinly into rings.
What is the first step in assembling the rouladen?
The first step is laying the beef steaks flat and brushing them with a layer of mustard.
How do you brown the beef?
Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the rolls on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
What aromatics are used in the braising liquid?
The liquid is flavored with a bay leaf during the simmering process.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there is a small amount of fiber, approximately 0.25 grams per serving.
How are the pickles prepared?
Two large dill pickles are cut in half lengthwise before being placed in the rolls.
What is the purpose of browning the meat before braising?
Browning the meat enhances the flavor and provides a rich color to the final dish.
What kind of pot should be used?
A thick-bottomed sauce pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for even heating.
Can I use any type of oil for frying?
Vegetable oil is specified for browning the rouladen.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its hearty and festive nature makes it ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or Oktoberfest celebrations.
How much beef broth is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of beef broth.
What do I do if the sauce isn't thick enough?
You can adjust the thickness by adding more cornstarch slurry or simmering the sauce for a few extra minutes.
How should the beef be rolled?
Fold two opposing sides inward about an inch to create a rectangle, then roll tightly from one end to the other.
Should I season the beef?
Yes, lightly season each mustard-brushed steak with salt and pepper before adding the fillings.
Can this recipe be considered low carb?
With only 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it is a relatively low-carb main dish.
What is the primary flavor profile of German Rouladen?
The dish features a savory and zesty flavor profile due to the combination of mustard, smoky bacon, and dill pickles.