Rouladen(A Beautiful Make Ahead For A Buffet; I Serve This At Christmas.)
Rouladen is a hearty German-inspired dish featuring thinly sliced beef rolled around vegetables and sausage, then slow-cooked to tender perfection. Rich flavors from Italian dressing, soy sauce, and herbs make it ideal for festive occasions or a satisfying family meal. Pairs well with noodles or potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 lb. eye of round roast ⓘ
- 2 large sliced onions ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. rosemary ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. carrots, julienne ⓘ
- 1 pkg. celery hearts, julienne
- 1/2 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup Italian dressing ⓘ
- 1 to 2 lb. mild sausage links ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomato puree ⓘ
- flour for coating ⓘ
- oil for sautéing ⓘ
Instructions
- Have a meat cutter cut the roast (across the grain) into wafer-thin slices.
- Put the meat and Italian dressing in a Ziploc bag and marinate overnight, turning several times.
- Remove the meat from the marinade and discard the marinade.
- Flatten each slice of beef and place several pieces of carrot and celery on each slice.
- Roll up the beef slices and secure with toothpicks.
- Place the rolled-up meat in a Ziploc bag containing about 1/3 cup flour and shake to coat evenly.
- Put the sausage links and meat roll-ups in a 300°F electric frypan or large Dutch oven.
- Brown all the meat, then add the remaining ingredients: tomato puree, water or beef broth, and vegetables.
- Simmer the dish for 2 to 3 hours until tender.
- Serve hot with noodles or potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding some minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the marinade. If you can't find eye of round, sirloin or flank steak can work as substitutes. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste. Ensure the meat is thinly sliced for easy rolling and tenderness during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rouladen hot, ideally alongside buttery noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad can complement the meal beautifully. This dish pairs well with crusty bread and is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting One Pot Meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rouladen(A Beautiful Make Ahead For A Buffet; I Serve This At Christmas.) contains roughly 1020 calories, with 21g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (219% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 778mg per serving (34% 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 prepare rouladen in advance?
Yes, you can prepare rouladen a day ahead. Follow the rolling and coating steps, then refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply brown the meat and simmer as directed. This can enhance the flavors, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy days.
What can I use instead of sausage links?
If you prefer a different meat, ground beef or turkey can be used instead of sausage links. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly before adding to the dish. You can also opt for vegetarian sausage for a plant-based version without sacrificing flavor.
How do I know when the rouladen is done cooking?
The rouladen is done when the meat is fork-tender, which typically takes 2 to 3 hours of simmering. You can check for tenderness by inserting a fork into the meat; it should easily fall apart. Be sure to check periodically to avoid overcooking.
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).