If you’ve ever been lucky enough to taste a meal that feels like a warm hug from the past, then you know exactly what Grandma Joyce’s Beef Rouladen tastes like. This traditional German dish, passed down through generations, is a celebration of simple ingredients wrapped up in a beautiful bundle of flavors. Beef rouladen is a dish that brings people together, evoking memories of family dinners, laughter, and stories shared over hearty plates.
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you—one that’s close to my heart and guaranteed to fill your home with the most inviting aroma. If you love rich, tender beef wrapped around a savory filling and simmered in a flavorful gravy, then this dish will be your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grandma Joyce’s Beef Rouladen isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Each roulade is a perfectly rolled-up package of thinly sliced beef, filled with a savory combination of onions, mustard, pickles, and bacon. Once cooked, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the gravy is rich and flavorful, perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s sure to please a crowd and warm you from the inside out. Plus, it’s a dish that tells a story—Grandma’s recipe has been lovingly handed down through the years, and now you get to make it in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Beef Rouladen. The full list and measurements are available below:
- Thinly sliced beef (such as top round or flank steak)
- Onions (for the filling and the gravy)
- Mustard (a good quality Dijon or yellow mustard)
- Dill pickles (a key ingredient for that perfect tang)
- Bacon (adds a smoky depth of flavor)
- Beef broth
- Flour (to thicken the gravy)
- Olive oil or butter (for browning)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the full ingredient list and measurements, be sure to scroll down below!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Rouladen Filling
Start by laying out your beef slices on a clean surface. Season each piece with a little salt and pepper, then spread a thin layer of mustard over each slice. Place a slice of bacon, a few pieces of pickle, and a bit of onion in the center of each beef slice. Roll each one up tightly and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine. This is where the magic happens—each roulade is packed with flavor!
Step 2: Brown the Beef Rouladen
Next, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the rouladen to the skillet and brown them on all sides. You want to get a nice, golden crust on each roulade to lock in those savory flavors. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the rouladen from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Gravy Base
In the same skillet, add a little more oil or butter and sauté the remaining onions until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour and stir to create a roux. Let it cook for another minute or two until the flour has absorbed the fat and starts to turn golden. This will help thicken the gravy later.
Step 4: Simmer the Rouladen
Now, return the browned rouladen to the skillet and pour in your beef broth. Bring it to a simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, turning the rouladen occasionally. The beef will become incredibly tender, and the flavors of the filling will infuse the gravy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once the rouladen are tender and the gravy has thickened to your liking, remove the toothpicks or twine from the beef. Spoon the gravy over the rouladen and serve with mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or buttered noodles for a classic touch. Don’t forget to drizzle extra gravy over everything—it’s that good!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t skip the mustard: The mustard is key to balancing the rich, savory flavors in the rouladen. It adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the beef and bacon.
- Seal the roulades tightly: To keep the filling from spilling out while cooking, make sure the beef is tightly rolled and secured with toothpicks or twine.
- Use a good broth: Since the gravy is made from the beef broth, using a high-quality broth (or homemade if you have it) will make all the difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Simmer low and slow: Allowing the rouladen to simmer on low heat for a couple of hours ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and the gravy has time to develop depth and richness.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add some mushrooms: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté some mushrooms with the onions before adding the flour. Mushrooms add an earthy richness that complements the beef perfectly.
- Swap the bacon: If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can omit it and use finely chopped ham or even prosciutto for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian version: While the classic Beef Rouladen is made with beef, you can try a vegetarian twist by using thin slices of portobello mushrooms or even eggplant instead of beef. Keep the mustard, pickles, and onions for that tangy, savory filling.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Grandma Joyce’s Beef Rouladen pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Mashed potatoes: A classic and comforting choice to soak up all that delicious gravy.
- Spaetzle: These soft, egg noodles are a traditional pairing with rouladen and make for a perfect base for the gravy.
- Buttered noodles: Simple, buttery egg noodles are a perfect canvas to highlight the tender beef and flavorful sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Add some roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a balanced, well-rounded meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish keeps beautifully! If you have leftovers, store the rouladen and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy, as it thickens when stored.
4 FAQs
- Can I make Beef Rouladen ahead of time? Absolutely! Beef Rouladen is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the rouladen and the gravy in advance, then simply reheat them when you’re ready to serve.
- What kind of beef is best for Rouladen? Thinly sliced top round or flank steak is ideal for rouladen. These cuts are tender and hold up well when simmered in a flavorful gravy.
- Can I freeze Beef Rouladen? Yes, you can freeze Beef Rouladen! Let them cool completely, then wrap the rouladen and gravy in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet.
- Do I have to use pickles? While pickles are traditional and add a nice tang, you can leave them out if you prefer a more subtle flavor. You could even substitute with sweet gherkins for a different twist.
Conclusion
Grandma Joyce’s Beef Rouladen is the kind of dish that feels like home. Tender beef, savory filling, and rich gravy all come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for your family or making it for a special occasion, this dish will always be a winner. With its deep flavors and comforting textures, it’s no wonder that this recipe has been passed down for generations. Try it today, and make your own memories with this timeless classic!
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Grandma Joyce’s Beef Rouladen: A Timeless Comfort Dish Passed Down Through Generations
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
Description
Grandma Joyce’s Beef Rouladen is a traditional German dish that combines tender beef with a savory filling of mustard, pickles, bacon, and onions. Simmered in a rich beef gravy, this comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions, offering a warm, nostalgic taste of home.
Ingredients
- Thinly sliced beef (such as top round or flank steak)
- 1 large onion (for the filling and gravy)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- 4 dill pickles, thinly sliced
- 4 strips of bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening the gravy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for browning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rouladen Filling:
Lay out the beef slices on a clean surface. Season each piece with salt and pepper, then spread a thin layer of mustard over each slice. Add a slice of bacon, a few pieces of pickle, and a bit of onion to the center of each beef slice. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine. - Brown the Beef Rouladen:
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the rouladen on all sides for 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Gravy Base:
In the same skillet, add more oil or butter and sauté the remaining onion for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Add beef broth, stirring to combine. - Simmer the Rouladen:
Return the browned rouladen to the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, turning occasionally until the beef is tender. - Serve & Enjoy:
Remove toothpicks or twine. Spoon the gravy over the rouladen and serve with mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or buttered noodles.
Notes
- Don’t skip the mustard, as it adds essential tanginess to balance the rich flavors.
- For a deeper flavor, simmer the rouladen on low heat for an extra hour if time permits.
- If you don’t have beef broth, use a high-quality beef stock for a richer gravy.
- You can prepare the rouladen ahead of time and reheat them, which will make the flavors even better.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Roulade with gravy
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 105mg