Rouladen(Beef Rolls)
Rouladen features tender beef slices rolled around savory bacon, onions, and mustard, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty German dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a comforting family meal or special occasion. It pairs wonderfully with noodles or potatoes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound the meat slices until thin and nearly double in size. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Brown the bacon and chopped onions in a small skillet, then crumble them.
- Place a small amount of mustard on one side of each meat slice; top with a spoonful of bacon and onions.
- Roll up each meat slice and tie with string or secure with toothpicks.
- Lightly coat each roll with flour.
- Brown each roll in a skillet, turning until evenly browned.
- Drain excess oil from the skillet.
- Add water, beef bouillon cubes, and tomato sauce to the skillet.
- Add enough water to cover the meat rolls.
- Cook for 1 hour until the meat is tender.
- Serve the rouladen over noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For easier rolling, consider using thin round steak or flank steak. If you don’t have bacon, you can substitute with pancetta for a similar flavor. If you want to enhance the filling, try adding some chopped pickles or mustard. To prevent the rolls from unraveling during cooking, make sure to tie them securely with string or use toothpicks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rouladen over a bed of noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce. Steamed green beans or a side salad make excellent accompaniments. For a heartier meal, pair with Skillet German Potato Salad, which complements the rich flavors of the beef rolls beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rouladen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the rouladen in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Cover with a lid to ensure even heating, or microwave them gently in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rouladen(Beef Rolls) contains roughly 603 calories, with 14g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (105% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2560mg per serving (111% 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 make rouladen ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rouladen up to the point of cooking and refrigerate them for 24 hours. Just make sure to securely wrap them to prevent drying out. When ready to cook, simply proceed with the recipe as normal.
What can I serve with rouladen?
Rouladen pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like red cabbage or dumplings. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. For a lighter option, consider a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness of the beef.
Is there a vegetarian version of rouladen?
While traditional rouladen uses beef, you can create a vegetarian version by using thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini as the base. Fill them with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and herbs, and follow the same rolling and cooking method for a delicious alternative.
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).