Round Sauerbraten
Hearty German‑style pot roast with tangy vinegar, sweet brown sugar, and savory gravy—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the round steak into 1‑inch squares.
- Brown the meat in a large frypan over medium‑high heat with the oil, turning to sear all sides.
- Remove the meat and pour in gravy mix and water; bring to a boil while stirring.
- Add instant onion, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, ginger, and Worcestershire sauce; stir to combine.
- Return the browned meat to the pan, cover, and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot over buttered noodles or a side of your choice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the round steak overnight in a mixture of red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. If you don't have instant onion, finely chopped fresh onion can be used instead, just sauté it with the meat until translucent. To thicken the gravy, a cornstarch slurry can be added at the end of cooking. For a lighter version, you can substitute the brown sugar with a natural sweetener.
Serving Suggestions
Sauerbraten is traditionally served with buttered noodles or mashed potatoes, which soak up the flavorful gravy. It also pairs beautifully with Easy Sweet Crispy Dill Pickles for a tangy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it with steamed green beans or a fresh salad for balance. A glass of red wine can enhance the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Sauerbraten can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Round Sauerbraten contains roughly 1606 calories, with 1g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 171g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1624mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat for Sauerbraten?
Yes, while round steak is a great choice, you can also use chuck roast or brisket for a more tender result. These cuts benefit from slow cooking and will become very tender and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the meat.
Is Sauerbraten difficult to make?
Sauerbraten is relatively easy to make, especially with this simplified recipe. The key steps are browning the meat and simmering it in the flavorful gravy. As long as you follow the instructions, you'll achieve a delicious dish without much fuss.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To create a vegan version of Sauerbraten, substitute the round steak with a hearty plant-based protein like seitan or jackfruit. Use vegetable broth instead of water and replace the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative. Adjust the seasoning to ensure it remains flavorful and satisfying.
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).