My German friend taught me this dish, and my hubby has been requesting it weekly since!
German Beef Rouladen is a classic and beloved dish in German cuisine. This savory delight features thin slices of beef wrapped around a filling of mustard, bacon, onions, and pickles, all simmered to perfection in a rich gravy. The dish’s unique combination of flavors and textures has made it a staple at family gatherings and festive occasions.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Top round beef, thinly sliced | 4 slices (about 1/4 inch thick) |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| German mustard | 4 teaspoons |
| Bacon | 4 slices |
| Onion, thinly sliced | 1 |
| Small dill pickles, sliced lengthwise | 4 |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
Instructions:
- Preparation of the Beef Slices: Begin by laying out the beef slices on a work surface. Tenderize them with a meat mallet if needed to ensure uniform thickness. Season each slice with salt and pepper.
- Adding the Fillings: Spread a teaspoon of mustard on each slice of beef. Top each with a slice of bacon, followed by an even distribution of onion slices and a pickle.
- Rolling the Rouladen: Carefully roll up the beef slices, tucking in the sides to enclose the fillings, and secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Browning the Rouladen: Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Brown the rouladen on all sides, then remove them from the pan.
- Deglazing the Pan: Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits that have adhered to the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Simmering the Rouladen: Return the rouladen to the pan and add the remaining beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Preparing the Gravy: Remove the beef rouladen from the pan. If desired, thicken the pan juices with a little flour or cornstarch slurry to create a rich gravy.
- Serving: Remove toothpicks or twine before serving the rouladen with the gravy. Enjoy with your chosen sides.
