Beef Rolls(Rouladen)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: German

Beef Rouladen features thinly sliced steaks rolled with bacon, pickles, and onions, then braised to tender perfection, offering rich flavors perfect for hearty family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 4 breakfast steaks
  • salt
  • pepper
  • paprika
  • brown mustard
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 4 bread and butter pickles
  • 1 onion
  • 3 Tbsp. shortening

Instructions

  1. Beat steaks until thin, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and spread with mustard.
  2. Place a slice of bacon on top of the mustard on each steak.
  3. Add chopped pickles and onions on top of the bacon.
  4. Roll the steak lengthwise and secure the end with a toothpick or tie it with kitchen string.
  5. Melt the shortening in a heavy frying pan and brown the beef rolls on all sides.
  6. Add water and a bouillon cube to the pan, then cover and cook over medium heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender.
  7. Occasionally turn the beef rolls and add more water if needed during cooking.
  8. Remove the beef rolls from the pan and thicken the sauce with flour, seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For an enhanced flavor, consider marinating the beef in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and garlic for a few hours before preparing. If you don't have bacon, prosciutto can be a great substitute, adding a similar richness. To thicken the sauce more effectively, mix the flour with a bit of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beef rolls with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, allowing the flavorful sauce to be poured over them. A side of Irish Rose Salad would complement the meal beautifully, adding a fresh crunch. For a heartier option, consider pairing with Fiddleheads With Chardonnay And Bacon for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover beef rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, or microwave them in short intervals until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Beef Rolls(Rouladen) contains roughly 789 calories, with 19g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (87% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2090mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

789 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.9g 38% DV
Total Fat 17g 22% DV
Carbs 146.2g 53% DV
Fiber 13.4g 48% DV
Sugar 3.2g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2089.7mg 91% DV
Potassium 874.7mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 44.3mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 783.3mcg 87% DV
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Calcium 103.1mg 8% DV
Iron 11.9mg 66% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make beef rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef rolls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat them gently to maintain tenderness. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

What can I use instead of shortening?

If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or butter. Both options will work well for browning the beef rolls, though butter will add a richer flavor.

Can I freeze the beef rolls?

Absolutely! After cooking, let the beef rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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