Beef Rouladen(Contest Winner)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 70 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: German

Beef Rouladen features tender rolled beef slices filled with bacon and onion, simmered in a rich gravy, perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 10 slices round steak, 3 x 6 x 1/4 inch thick
  • 6 large slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 1/4 cup bacon drippings or oil
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Pound the meat very thin until almost double in size.
  2. Season the meat with salt and pepper.
  3. Saute the chopped bacon and onion until cooked.
  4. Spread 1 tablespoon of the bacon mixture evenly on each slice of meat.
  5. Roll up each meat slice and secure with butcher's string or toothpicks.
  6. Heat bacon drippings or oil in a large skillet.
  7. Fry the rolls until browned on all sides.
  8. Reduce heat to low, add water and beef bouillon cubes, and cover.
  9. Cook until the rolls are tender, approximately 1 hour.
  10. Remove the rolls from the pan and set aside.
  11. Skim off any excess fat from the gravy.
  12. Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water until smooth.
  13. Add the flour mixture to the skillet and cook until the gravy thickens.
  14. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
  15. Stir in sour cream and mix well.
  16. Return the rolls to the skillet until warmed through, without boiling.

Tips & Substitutions

For easier rolling, ensure the round steak is pounded evenly and thin. If you don't have bacon drippings, olive oil works well as a substitute. You can also add diced pickles or mustard to the filling for an extra flavor kick. If you prefer a lighter version, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.

Serving Suggestions

Serve beef rouladen with creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the rich gravy. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad complements the meal well. For a complete feast, consider pairing with a hearty dish like Pump House Stew for a satisfying dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover beef rouladen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep them moist, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Beef Rouladen(Contest Winner) contains roughly 283 calories, with 12g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and iron.

283 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.5g 23% DV
Total Fat 11.3g 15% DV
Carbs 33.9g 12% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 339mg 15% DV
Potassium 263.4mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 26mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 31.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 2.6mcg 13% DV
Calcium 90.5mg 7% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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 rouladen ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rouladen in advance. Assemble and roll them, then refrigerate before cooking. When ready to serve, simply brown them and follow the cooking instructions. This allows for easier meal prep, especially for gatherings.

What type of beef is best for rouladen?

Round steak is ideal for rouladen due to its lean texture and ability to absorb flavors. You can also use flank steak or sirloin, but ensure they are thinly sliced to maintain tenderness when rolling and cooking.

Can I freeze beef rouladen?

Absolutely! You can freeze cooked rouladen for up to three months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture.

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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