German Rouladen(Braised Stuffed Beef Rolls)
German Rouladen features tender beef rolled around bacon, Swiss cheese, and savory seasonings, slow-cooked to create a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. top round beef, pounded to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 6 rectangles ⓘ
- 12 slices bacon ⓘ
- 6 slices Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove finely chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. flour
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
Instructions
- Arrange bacon slices on each piece of meat and top with Swiss cheese halves.
- Combine ground chuck, egg, chopped onion, chopped garlic, bread crumbs, paprika, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and oil; mix well.
- Divide the meat mixture equally among the beef pieces.
- Spread the meat mixture over the meat, then roll up each piece.
- Tie each roll with thin kite string to secure.
- Brown the rouladen in oil, then prepare a gravy with flour, water, beef bouillon cubes, and red wine.
- Simmer the rouladen in the gravy until beef is tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the beef in a mixture of red wine and herbs before rolling. If Swiss cheese isn't available, Gruyère or a mild cheddar can be great substitutes. Ensure the beef is pounded evenly to allow for uniform cooking. When tying the rolls, use butcher's twine instead of kite string for food safety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rouladen with traditional sides like red cabbage or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the rich flavors. Consider complementing the meal with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place rouladen in a saucepan with a splash of gravy over low heat, covering to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power, ensuring they don't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Rouladen(Braised Stuffed Beef Rolls) contains roughly 2671 calories, with 27g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 246g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and iron (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2185mg per serving (95% 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 make rouladen ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and roll the rouladen a day in advance and refrigerate them. On the day you plan to serve, simply brown and simmer them in the gravy. This method allows the flavors to deepen while saving you time on the day of serving.
What can I use instead of beef bouillon cubes?
If you prefer not to use bouillon cubes, you can substitute with homemade beef stock or broth for a richer flavor. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning accordingly since homemade stock can often be less salty than store-bought options.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the rouladen, transfer them to a slow cooker with the gravy ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender. This method allows for a hands-off approach while still achieving tender, flavorful results.
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).