Roladen

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: German

Roladen features tender beef slices rolled with bacon and onions, slow-cooked in a flavorful broth. Perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 8 slices thinly cut top round of beef
  • 3 beef bouillon cubes
  • 1 lb. bacon
  • 2 c. sliced onion
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the beef slices on a flat surface and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Lay slices of bacon and sliced onions on each beef slice.
  3. Roll up the beef slices tightly and secure with toothpicks.
  4. Place the rolled beef in a pot, add water to cover, and add beef bouillon cubes.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours until meat is tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider marinating the beef in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and red wine for a few hours before rolling. If you don't have beef bouillon cubes, you can substitute with beef broth or stock for a richer taste. Ensure to roll the beef tightly to prevent any filling from escaping during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Roladen with a side of German Sweet Sour Cabbage for a classic pairing, or try it with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy. A simple green salad can balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving with crusty bread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Roladen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the Roladen in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. Cover with a lid to steam them lightly until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Roladen contains roughly 419 calories, with 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 560mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

419 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.6g 9% DV
Total Fat 36.7g 47% DV
Carbs 19.2g 7% DV
Fiber 1.3g 4% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 560mg 24% DV
Potassium 98.7mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 8.1mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Calcium 24.8mg 2% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb

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 Roladen?

Yes, while top round is traditional, you can use flank steak or sirloin for a different texture. Just ensure the meat is thinly sliced to allow for easy rolling and even cooking.

How can I make Roladen ahead of time?

You can prepare the Roladen up to the point of cooking and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bring them to room temperature before cooking, or cook them in advance and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What can I do with leftover filling?

Any leftover filling can be used in a variety of ways! Consider adding it to a stir-fry, mixing it into scrambled eggs, or using it as a filling for omelets. It also pairs well with pasta for a quick meal.

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).

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