Name: Grandma Joyce’s Beef Rouladen: A Hearty Dish Full of Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 4 beef rouladen (flank steak or round steak); 4 slices of bacon; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup pickles (sour or dill), sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups beef broth; 1/4 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor); 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening the gravy); Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying a dish that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve probably experienced beef rouladen the way Grandma Joyce makes it. This classic German recipe involves tender beef wrapped around a flavorful stuffing of bacon, onions, and mustard, then braised to perfection. Every bite is a comforting explosion of savory goodness that’ll transport you straight to the heart of home-cooked bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Grandma Joyce’s Beef Rouladen is the kind of recipe that combines simple ingredients with a lot of heart. The beef is tender and juicy, while the stuffing adds a burst of flavor. Braised in a rich broth, the rouladen turns into a delicious dish that feels like a celebration at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy meal, this dish will always make you feel like you’re home.

Ingredients (Full list below)

4 beef rouladen (flank steak or round steak works best)
4 slices of bacon
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup pickles (sour or dill), sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups beef broth
1/4 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
1 tablespoon flour (for thickening the gravy)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Full list of ingredients below.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Lay the beef rouladen flat on a clean surface and season both sides with salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each piece of beef. Place a slice of bacon on top, followed by a few slices of onions and pickles. Roll up the beef tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

Step 2: Brown the Rouladen

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the rouladen to the pot and brown them on all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Browning the beef creates a delicious crust and helps seal in the juices. Once browned, remove the rouladen and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

In the same pot, add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Step 4: Braise the Rouladen

Once the onions are soft, return the rouladen to the pot. Add the beef broth, and pour in the red wine if you’re using it. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the rouladen braise for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

Once the rouladen is tender, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a little bit of cold water to form a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the pot while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the gravy simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the beef rouladen with the thickened gravy poured over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. You can serve this dish alongside mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables for a comforting, well-rounded meal.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Choosing the right beef: Flank steak or round steak works best for this recipe because it’s tender when cooked low and slow. You can also ask your butcher to slice it thinly for you, which makes the rolling easier.
Securing the rouladen: If you don’t have toothpicks or kitchen twine, you can also use a tight roll and secure it with a little extra mustard or a bit of the filling to hold everything in place.
Flavors: For a more authentic flavor, try adding a bit of caraway seed or marjoram to the stuffing. These spices are commonly used in traditional rouladen recipes.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Meat: If you prefer, you can make this with pork loin or chicken breasts instead of beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Stuffing: Some versions of rouladen use sliced ham instead of bacon or even add mushrooms or garlic to the stuffing for an extra depth of flavor.
Gravy: If you want a richer gravy, add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream to the broth before thickening. It will give the gravy a velvety texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, as they’ll soak up all that delicious gravy. For veggies, roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts are perfect sides. If you’re looking for a fresh contrast, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works great.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the rouladen in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to prevent the meat from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to keep the moisture in.

4 FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this dish tastes even better the next day. Simply follow the recipe and let it cool before refrigerating. Reheat it before serving.
Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or chuck, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted for tougher cuts. You’ll want to cook it longer for tender results.
What if I don’t have toothpicks?
If you don’t have toothpicks, you can use kitchen twine or simply roll the beef tightly and secure the ends with mustard or another sticky ingredient.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the rouladen and gravy for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and heat gently on the stove.

Conclusion

Grandma Joyce’s Beef Rouladen is the epitome of comfort food, rich in flavor and steeped in tradition. It’s perfect for a Sunday dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a homemade, hearty meal. The tender beef, crispy bacon, and savory gravy will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re enjoying it with mashed potatoes or your favorite side, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Grandma Joyce’s Beef Rouladen: A Hearty Dish Full of Love

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This classic German dish features tender beef wrapped around a flavorful stuffing of bacon, onions, and mustard, braised to perfection. Every bite offers savory goodness, perfect for a comforting meal that feels like home.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Braising
Cuisine: German
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Season beef with salt and pepper, spread Dijon mustard, add bacon, onions, and pickles, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks or twine.
Brown the Rouladen: Heat olive oil in a pot, brown rouladen on all sides (4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Onions: Sauté onions in the same pot for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Braise the Rouladen: Return rouladen to the pot, add beef broth and red wine. Simmer on low, covered, for 1.5-2 hours until beef is tender.
Thicken the Gravy: Mix flour with water to make a slurry, add it to the pot, and cook until gravy thickens (5-10 minutes).
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or roasted veggies.

Notes

Beef Choice: Flank or round steak is best for this dish. It can also be sliced thinly for easier rolling.
Gravy: For a creamier gravy, add heavy cream before thickening.
Flavor Boost: Add caraway seeds or marjoram for a more authentic taste.