Dad'S Favorite Beef Rolls(Rinderrouladen)
Juicy beef rolls filled with pickles, bacon, and onion, simmered in savory broth—classic comfort food perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces steak or sandwich steaks (about 6 oz. each) ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Dijon-style mustard
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 2 large pickles, cut into long, thin strips ⓘ
- 2 strips bacon, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups hot beef broth ⓘ
- 4 peppercorns ⓘ
- 1/2 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Lay steaks on a flat surface.
- Spread each steak with Dijon-style mustard; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Divide pickles, bacon, and onion among the steaks.
- Roll up the steaks jelly roll fashion; secure with toothpicks or kitchen thread.
- Brown the beef rolls in a saucepan.
- Pour in hot beef broth, add peppercorns and bay leaf.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Remove the beef rolls and put aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the steaks in the broth for a few hours before cooking. If you can't find Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works as a substitute, though it will alter the taste slightly. You can also use sliced ham instead of bacon for a different twist. For added depth, try incorporating some Worcestershire sauce into the broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dad's Favorite Beef Rolls with creamy mashed potatoes or German Sweet Sour Cabbage for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can add brightness to the plate. For an extra touch, drizzle some of the cooking broth over the rolls before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover beef rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan with a splash of broth over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Favorite Beef Rolls(Rinderrouladen) contains roughly 379 calories, with 11g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (72% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2678mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
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 prepare the beef rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef rolls a day in advance. After browning and simmering, allow them to cool, then store in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, reheat gently in the broth to maintain moisture and flavor.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives. However, the flavor will vary slightly. For a richer taste, consider enhancing the broth with soy sauce or a splash of red wine.
Can I freeze the beef rolls?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the beef rolls 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 overnight before reheating in the broth.
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).