Jutta'S Rouladen
Jutta's Rouladen features tender beef rolled with bacon and onions, then browned and simmered into a savory dish perfect for hearty family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice the lean bacon and fry until almost crisp.
- Add finely chopped onion and continue frying until the onion is transparent.
- Drain the bacon and onion mixture thoroughly and set aside.
- Lay slices of top round beef on a flat surface.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the beef slices.
- Spread a little prepared mustard over each slice.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the bacon-onion mixture over each beef slice.
- Roll the beef slices up in a jelly roll fashion and fasten with toothpicks.
- Brown the rolled rouladen in hot fat on all sides.
- Add about 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour to the pan and cook briefly.
- Add approximately 2 to 3 cups of water to make gravy.
- Simmer the rouladen in the gravy for at least 1 hour.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, beef bouillon cube, and Knorr all-purpose seasoning.
- Serve with homemade spätzle, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the beef slices in a mixture of red wine and herbs for a few hours before assembling the rouladen. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked bacon or pancetta. You can substitute the beef bouillon cube with homemade stock for a richer gravy. Ensure the beef is sliced thinly for easier rolling and cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Jutta's Rouladen pairs beautifully with homemade spätzle or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy. For a complete meal, serve with a side of German Hot Red Slaw for a refreshing crunch. A glass of red wine complements this hearty dish perfectly, enhancing the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover rouladen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rouladen in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave them, but cover to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jutta'S Rouladen contains roughly 149 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 972mg per serving (42% 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 use a different cut of beef for rouladen?
Yes, while top round is traditional, you can also use flank steak or sirloin. Just ensure the meat is thinly sliced to make rolling easier. Each cut will give a slightly different texture and flavor, so choose based on your preference.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use turkey bacon or omit it entirely and add extra sautéed onions and mushrooms for flavor. You can also consider using prosciutto for a different taste if you enjoy a bit of saltiness and depth.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken the gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
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).