Classic German Rouladen

Rouladen is a comforting German dish featuring thinly sliced beef rolled around savory fillings of mustard, bacon, onions, and dill pickles, all simmered in a rich beef broth until tender. Traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes or pasta, this recipe produces a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth experience with a hearty homemade gravy. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, Rouladen is a dish with old-world charm that’s sure to please.

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Ingredients

• 6 slices beef round or thinly sliced flank steak, pounded to ¼-inch thickness
• 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 6 slices uncooked bacon
• 1 white or yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 6 dill pickles
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups reduced sodium beef broth
• ¼ cup dill pickle juice
• 1 can mushrooms with juices, optional
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Gravy

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (more as needed)
• Serve with prepared mashed potatoes or elbow macaroni

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Instructions

1. Prepare and Assemble the Rouladen

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place each beef slice on a cutting board and pound to an even ¼-inch thickness with a meat tenderizer.
• Spread a thin layer of mustard over each beef slice and season with salt and pepper.
• Layer each slice with a strip of bacon, a few slices of onion, and a dill pickle, then roll up tightly like a jelly roll. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

1. Brown the Rouladen

• Heat butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef rolls and sear on all sides until browned.
• Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any brown bits at the bottom. Add pickle juice and canned mushrooms with their juices (if using).

1. Roast the Rouladen

• Cover the Dutch oven and transfer to the preheated oven. Roast for 90-120 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender.

1. Prepare the Gravy

• Once cooked, remove the rouladen to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
• Bring the remaining cooking juices to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring up any browned bits. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Gradually add to the boiling broth while whisking until thickened to your liking. You may not need all of the cornstarch mixture.

1. Serve

• Serve the rouladen hot over mashed potatoes or pasta with plenty of gravy. Enjoy!

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Tips for Perfect Rouladen

• Choose Thin, Tender Cuts: Look for round or flank steak, as these thin cuts make for the best rouladen.
• Opt for Homemade Beef Broth: If possible, use homemade broth to deepen the dish’s flavor.
• Experiment with Fillings: Add a slice of smoked sausage or a pinch of paprika for extra flavor layers.

This classic German dish is well worth the time and effort, resulting in a meal full of savory flavors that only get better the longer they cook.