German Beef Rolls
German Beef Rolls feature tender beef filled with pickles, onion, and bacon, simmered in rich broth, offering savory flavors perfect for hearty, comforting meals.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces steak roll or sandwich steak (6 oz each)
- 1/2 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 tsp Dijon-style mustard
- 1 1/2 cups hot beef broth ⓘ
- 2 large pickles, cut into long thin strips ⓘ
- 4 peppercorns ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 2 oz salt pork or 2 slices bacon, cut into thin strips ⓘ
Instructions
- Lay steaks on a flat surface.
- Spread each steak with mustard. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Divide pickles, salt pork (or bacon), and onion among the steaks.
- Roll up the steaks jelly roll style.
- Secure each roll with toothpicks, thread, or beef roll clamps.
- Heat oil in a heavy saucepan.
- Add the steak rolls and brown well on all sides, about 15 minutes.
- Pour hot beef broth into the pan along with peppercorns and bay leaf.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Remove the beef rolls from the pan.
- Discard clamps and arrange the rolls on a preheated platter.
- In the saucepan, blend cornstarch with a small amount of cold water and stir into the gravy.
- Bring to a boil and cook until thick and bubbly.
- Serve the beef rolls with the gravy separately.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the steak rolls in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic for a few hours before assembling. If you don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard can work as a substitute, although it will alter the flavor slightly. For a touch of sweetness, add a bit of brown sugar to the gravy. This dish also pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef rolls on a warm platter with the thickened gravy drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping. This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy. For more beef recipes, explore our collection.
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 saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. The gravy can also be reheated in a similar manner.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Beef Rolls contains roughly 926 calories, with 5g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, while traditional German beef rolls use steak, you can experiment with pork or chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require less or more time to become tender.
What can I serve with German beef rolls?
German beef rolls are delightful alongside hearty sides like spaetzle, braised red cabbage, or a fresh cucumber salad. You can also serve them with rice or noodles to complement the rich gravy.
How do I know when the beef rolls are fully cooked?
The beef rolls are fully cooked when they are tender and the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C). You can also check by cutting one open; the meat should be cooked through and the juices should run clear.
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).