German Beef Rouladen is a traditional dish that’s often served during festive occasions or Sunday dinners in Germany. This dish features thin slices of beef, which are stuffed with mustard, bacon, onions, and pickles, rolled up, and then braised in a savory beef broth. The result is tender, flavorful beef with a rich and tangy filling. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices top round beef (thinly sliced, about 1/4 inch thick): These thin cuts make it easier to roll and cook the rouladen quickly.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the beef before assembling the rouladen.
- 4 teaspoons German mustard (Dijon or a spicy mustard can be used as a substitute): Adds tanginess and depth of flavor to the filling.
- 4 slices bacon: Provides a rich, smoky flavor that complements the mustard and pickles.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
- 4 small dill pickles, sliced lengthwise: The pickles add a tangy crunch and balance out the richness of the beef and bacon.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used for searing the rouladen to create a nice crust.
- 1 cup beef broth: This is the base for braising the rouladen and creating the sauce.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Lay the slices of beef flat on a cutting board. If they’re not already thin enough, you can pound them slightly with a meat mallet to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Season both sides of the beef slices with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Assemble the Rouladen:
- Spread a teaspoon of mustard evenly over one side of each slice of beef.
- Place a slice of bacon, a few thin slices of onion, and a pickle slice lengthwise on top of each beef slice.
- Carefully roll up the beef, starting from the short end, and secure each roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks to hold them together during cooking.
3. Sear the Rouladen:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef rouladen and sear on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the flavors and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
4. Braise the Rouladen:
- Once the rouladen are browned, pour in 1 cup of beef broth. Bring the broth to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and let the rouladen braise for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well developed.
5. Make the Sauce:
- After the rouladen are done cooking, remove them from the skillet and set them aside, keeping them warm.
- If desired, you can thicken the braising liquid by simmering it on medium heat for a few more minutes to reduce it. Alternatively, add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce to your preferred consistency.
6. Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine from the rouladen before serving.
- Spoon the sauce over the rouladen and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
German Beef Rouladen is typically served with hearty side dishes that complement the rich flavors of the beef. Here are some traditional serving ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with the savory sauce from the rouladen.
- Braised Red Cabbage: The slightly sweet and tangy flavor of braised red cabbage adds a nice contrast to the rich beef.
- Spaetzle: This soft German egg noodle is another traditional side that works beautifully with the rouladen’s sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are excellent vegetable sides that provide balance to the meal.
Tips for Perfect Rouladen:
- Choose the right cut of beef: The top round is ideal because it’s lean and easy to roll. If you can’t find top round, you can also use flank steak or another thin cut of beef.
- Be patient while braising: The long, slow braise ensures that the beef becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors from the bacon, mustard, onions, and pickles.
- Adjust the seasoning: Depending on your taste preferences, you can add more mustard or experiment with different types of pickles to vary the flavor.
Variations:
- Add carrots and celery to the braising liquid: To enhance the sauce and add more vegetables to the dish, you can throw in some diced carrots and celery while the rouladen are braising.
- Try different mustard: While German mustard gives the most authentic flavor, Dijon or spicy mustard can also work well. For a sweeter twist, you could even use honey mustard.
- Use different fillings: While the traditional filling includes bacon, pickles, and onions, you can also experiment by adding other ingredients like ham or different vegetables for variety.
German Beef Rouladen is a classic dish that’s full of hearty, comforting flavors. The combination of beef, mustard, bacon, onions, and pickles creates a unique and delicious taste that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This dish is easy to prepare, but the slow braising process allows all the flavors to meld together, resulting in an incredibly flavorful and tender meal. Paired with your favorite sides, this dish is sure to become a regular feature in your recipe rotation!
