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german-beef-rouladen-feature

German Beef Rouladen: Traditional Recipe with Rich Gravy

German Beef Rouladen is a traditional, slow-braised dish featuring thinly sliced beef rolled around mustard, bacon, onions, and pickles, then simmered in a rich, savory gravy until fork-tender. This comforting German classic is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or cozy family dinners, traditionally served with mashed potatoes, spätzle, or braised red cabbage.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rouladen:

  • 4 slices beef top round or flank steak (¼-inch thick)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon or German mustard
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 small dill pickles, sliced lengthwise
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp flour (for dusting)

For the Gravy:

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ½ cup red wine (or more beef broth)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

💡 Pro Tip: Ask your butcher to slice the beef thinly for easy rolling!

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Pound beef slices to ¼-inch thickness, season with salt and pepper.
  2. Assemble the Rouladen: Spread mustard on beef, add bacon, onions, and pickles, then roll tightly and secure with twine or toothpicks.
  3. Sear the Rolls: Brown rouladen in butter and oil, then set aside.
  4. Make the Gravy: In the same pan, add tomato paste, deglaze with red wine, then stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.
  5. Braise Until Tender: Return rouladen to the pan, cover, and simmer for 60–90 minutes.
  6. Thicken & Serve: Remove beef, thicken gravy with a cornstarch slurry (if needed), and serve with mashed potatoes, spätzle, or red cabbage
  • Author: [email protected]
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Main course
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: German