Authentic German Rouladen Recipe – Beef Rolls with Pickles & Gravy
Posted on May 13, 2025 | By monzoorskitchen
Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that screams German tradition? Try Rinderrouladen, a beloved German dish of tender beef rolls stuffed with mustard, onions, bacon, and pickles, slowly braised in rich brown gravy.
This recipe is perfect for cozy Sunday dinners, Oktoberfest menus, or holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic German flavor
- Perfect comfort food
- Great make-ahead dish
- Freezer-friendly
Ingredients
For the Rouladen:
- 4 slices of beef top round or flank steak (about ¼ inch thick)
- 4 tsp yellow or Dijon mustard
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 dill pickles, cut into strips
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Gravy:
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup red wine (optional, sub with more broth)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Assemble the Rouladen
- Lay out beef slices on a clean surface.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spread 1 tsp mustard on each.
- Top with a slice of bacon, some onion slices, and pickle strips.
- Roll up tightly and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
2. Sear the Rolls
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the rouladen on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Braising Liquid
- In the same pan, sauté tomato paste for 1 minute.
- Deglaze with red wine, scraping up browned bits.
- Add beef broth and stir well.
- Return rouladen to pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Slow Braise
- Cover and simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
5. Thicken the Gravy
- Remove rouladen and keep warm.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water, stir into the sauce.
- Simmer until gravy thickens. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- German red cabbage (Rotkohl)
- Mashed or boiled potatoes
- Spaetzle (German egg noodles)
Pro Tips & Variations
- Beef: Ask your butcher to slice for rouladen—thin and wide.
- Pickles: German-style pickles give the most authentic flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the day before and reheat for even deeper flavor.
- Slow Cooker: After searing, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
FAQs
Can I freeze rouladen?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with extra broth or water.
What cut of beef works best?
Top round or flank steak works well. Choose thin, long slices for easy rolling.
Is the wine necessary?
It adds depth, but you can skip it or replace with more broth for an alcohol-free version.
More German Favorites to Try:
- Authentic German Sauerbraten
- Easy Homemade Spaetzle
- German Red Cabbage Recipe
- Traditional Apple Strudel
Final Thoughts
German Rouladen is the kind of dish that warms the soul—rich, satisfying, and rooted in tradition. Whether you’re celebrating Oktoberfest or just craving something special, this dish will deliver.
Don’t forget to leav comment and rate the recipe!
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