Rouladen - Beef Rolls
Beef rouladen offers tender, flavorful rolls filled with bacon, onions, and pickles, baked to perfection with a creamy sour cream sauce—perfect for hearty family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound meat slices with a steak mallet to 3 x 4 inches.
- Spread mustard thinly over the meat slices.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, chopped pickles, chopped bacon, and chopped onions.
- Roll up the meat slices and secure with skewers or kitchen string.
- Brown the rolls in butter in a skillet.
- Place the browned rolls seam side down in a roaster with a small amount of water.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours or until tender.
- Add sour cream before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the beef in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before assembling. If you don't have dill pickles, chopped green olives can be a great substitute. For a richer taste, you can add a splash of red wine to the baking dish. This dish pairs well with hearty sides like Czech Country Soup or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve rouladen with a generous dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or noodles. A side of sautéed green beans or a fresh salad will complement the rich flavors perfectly. For a complete meal, consider pairing with Curried Pineapple Rice for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover rouladen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a baking dish with a bit of water or broth, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through. This keeps the rolls moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rouladen - Beef Rolls contains roughly 262 calories, with 13g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2182mg 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 use a different cut of beef for rouladen?
Yes, while round or flank steak is traditional, you can also use sirloin or even brisket, though these may require longer cooking times. The key is to ensure the meat is thinly sliced so it rolls easily and cooks through during baking.
What can I do if I don't have skewers or kitchen string?
If you don't have skewers or kitchen string, you can use toothpicks to secure the rolls. Just be sure to remove them before serving. Alternatively, you can place the rolls seam side down in the baking dish to keep them from unraveling during cooking.
How do I know when the rouladen is done cooking?
The rouladen is done when the meat is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking them for about 1 1/2 hours at 350°F (175°C) usually ensures it is well-cooked. If you prefer a more precise method, you can use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
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).