German Beef Roll-Ups (Rouladen)
German Beef Roll-Ups, known as Rouladen, are a traditional and hearty dish that brings together the savory flavors of beef, crispy bacon, and aromatic onions, all enveloped in a rich and flavorful sauce. Typically served as a comforting Sunday meal, these beef roll-ups can be customized with variations such as adding a dill pickle spear for a tangy twist or enhancing the sauce with paprika, tomato puree, or a touch of sour cream for a creamy finish. Ideal for slow cooking, this dish can easily be adapted for a crock pot after browning, making it perfect for busy days when you still want to enjoy a home-cooked, comforting meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef
1 lb (sliced into four thin pieces)
prepared mustard
as needed (spread lightly)
salt
to taste (seasoned on beef)
pepper
to taste (seasoned on beef)
bacon
2 slices (chopped)
onion
1 small (peeled and chopped)
cooking oil
2 tablespoons (for browning)
water
2 cups (1 cup boiling, rest as needed)
cornstarch
1-2 teaspoons (mixed with water for thickening)
cold water
1 tablespoon (for mixing with cornstarch)
Instructions
1
Lay out the beef slices on a flat surface and evenly spread a thin layer of prepared mustard on each slice. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
2
In a small bowl, combine the chopped onion and chopped bacon. Divide this mixture equally among the beef slices, spreading it over one side of each slice.
3
Starting at the short end of each beef slice, roll it up tightly. Secure each roll with a skewer or tie it with kitchen thread to ensure it holds its shape during cooking.
4
Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef rolls and brown them on all sides, taking care not to burn them.
5
Once the rolls are browned, carefully pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rolls simmer slowly for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add additional water as necessary to prevent drying out.
6
Towards the end of the cooking time, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce to thicken it. Adjust the amount of cornstarch to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
7
Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper if needed. Once the sauce is thickened and the rolls are tender, remove from heat.
8
Serve the beef roll-ups hot, ideally with a side of mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are German Beef Roll-Ups?
German Beef Roll-Ups, or Rouladen, are a traditional dish consisting of beef slices rolled around bacon and onions, served in a rich sauce.
What is the traditional name for this dish?
The traditional name for this dish is Rouladen.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
Beef is the primary meat used, specifically sliced into thin pieces.
How should the beef be prepared?
The beef should be sliced into four thin pieces, laid flat, and spread with mustard.
What seasoning is used for the beef?
The beef is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
What is the first step in the assembly of the rolls?
Spread a thin layer of prepared mustard on each beef slice.
What goes inside the beef roll-up filling?
The filling consists of chopped onion and chopped bacon.
How do I secure the beef rolls?
You can secure each roll with a skewer or tie it with kitchen thread.
What is the best way to cook the outside of the rolls?
Brown the rolls on all sides in a large pan with cooking oil over medium-high heat.
How much water is added for simmering?
Start by adding 1 cup of boiling water, and add more later as needed to prevent drying.
How long do the beef rolls need to simmer?
The rolls should simmer slowly for 2 to 2.5 hours.
How do I thicken the Rouladen sauce?
Thicken the sauce by stirring in a slurry made of cornstarch and cold water.
Can I make Rouladen in a slow cooker?
Yes, the dish can be adapted for a crock pot after the initial browning process.
What is a common tangy variation for the filling?
Adding a dill pickle spear inside the roll is a common variation for a tangy twist.
What can be added to the sauce for extra flavor?
You can enhance the sauce with paprika, tomato puree, or sour cream.
What temperature should the water be when added to the pan?
The initial cup of water added to the pan should be boiling.
What are traditional side dishes for German Beef Roll-Ups?
They are ideally served with mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite vegetables.
Is this a traditional Sunday meal?
Yes, Rouladen is typically served as a comforting Sunday meal in Germany.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be small, peeled, and chopped.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The bacon should be chopped before being mixed with the onions.
What heat level is used for simmering?
The rolls should be simmered on low heat while covered.
How much cornstarch is needed for the sauce?
Use 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
What category of recipe is this?
This recipe is categorized as a Meat dish.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and comforting meal.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients listed for this specific recipe.
What do I do if the sauce is too thin?
Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I use kitchen thread to hold the rolls?
Yes, kitchen thread is an effective alternative to skewers for holding the shape.
Should the pan be covered during simmering?
Yes, cover the pan while the rolls simmer on low heat.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe calls for prepared mustard spread lightly over the beef.