Meatballs (Rouladen)
Juicy meatballs made from thin sliced steak filled with bacon and pickles, cooked in a savory gravy, perfect for hearty family dinners or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the steak with a mallet or pounder to tenderize.
- Lay the steak flat and fill with diced bacon and pickle slices.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Roll each steak tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
- Add chopped tomato and diced onion to the pan and sauté briefly.
- Place the meat rolls on top of the tomato and onion in the pan and brown on both sides.
- Pour water into the pan until the rolls are covered, then add salt to taste.
- Simmer and cook until the meat is tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove the meat rolls from the pan and stir in the flour to make a gravy.
- Return the meat rolls to the pan and warm through before serving.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes and red cabbage.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the steak is thinly sliced; this helps with tenderness. If you don't have steak, pork recipes can work well as substitutes. You can also experiment with different pickles for a unique flavor twist. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness if you're unsure about cooking times.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs pair beautifully with mashed potatoes and red cabbage for a classic combination. You can also serve them with crusty bread to soak up the gravy. For a lighter option, consider a side salad. They make a hearty meal that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep them moist. Cover the pan to steam them gently, ensuring they are heated through without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs (Rouladen) contains roughly 153 calories, with 4g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1797mg per serving (78% 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 type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the steak with pork or chicken for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is sliced thinly and adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure tenderness.
What can I do if I don't have toothpicks to secure the rolls?
If you don't have toothpicks, you can use kitchen twine to tie the rolls securely. Alternatively, you can place the rolls seam-side down in the pan to help keep them closed during cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat rolls and cook them a day in advance. Simply reheat gently in the gravy before serving for a convenient meal option.
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).