Roulade (Beef Birds)
Beef roulade filled with onions and bacon offers rich, savory flavors, perfect for hearty dinners and special occasions, appealing to fans of classic European comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the bottom round roast thinly.
- Sprinkle each beef slice with salt and pepper.
- Lay thinly sliced onion and uncooked bacon on the beef slices and roll them up.
- Secure the rolls with toothpicks.
- In a Dutch oven or heavy covered pan, brown the beef rolls in bacon drippings over high or medium heat.
- Add water to cover the meat and cook until tender but firm.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Pour flour into the broth and stir to thicken the gravy.
- Serve the beef roulades with noodles or spaetzle.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a sharp knife to slice the bottom round roast thinly, ensuring even rolls. If you don't have bacon, prosciutto or pancetta can be good substitutes. For added flavor, consider marinating the beef slices in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before rolling. You can also add grated cheese inside the rolls for a richer taste, similar to what you'd find in Roommate'S Rouladen.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef roulades over a bed of buttered noodles or spaetzle for a comforting meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad would pair beautifully to balance the richness of the dish. Consider accompanying it with a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors. For more hearty options, explore other pork recipes that complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover beef roulades in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, place them in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals until warmed through, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roulade (Beef Birds) contains roughly 12 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 518mg per serving (23% 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 freeze the beef roulades?
Yes, you can freeze cooked beef roulades. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently as described.
What can I use instead of bottom round roast?
If bottom round roast isn't available, you can use flank steak or top round as alternatives. Both cuts are lean and will work well when sliced thinly. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the meat.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken the gravy, you can add more flour to the broth while stirring continuously until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with cold water) can also be added to the hot gravy for a gluten-free 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).