Hearty Beef Rouladen Bacon Mustard (Printable Version)

Beef rolls filled with bacon, pickles, and mustard, gently braised for a comforting German main dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rouladen Filling

01 - 4 large slices beef top round (each approximately 5 ounces), pounded thin
02 - 4 teaspoons medium-hot German mustard
03 - 4 slices bacon
04 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 dill pickles, sliced lengthwise
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 - Butcher's twine or toothpicks

→ Braising Liquid

09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 - 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
11 - 1 celery stalk, chopped
12 - 1 large onion, chopped
13 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 - 2 cups beef broth
15 - 1/2 cup dry red wine
16 - 2 bay leaves
17 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Gravy

18 - 1 tablespoon flour
19 - 1 tablespoon butter

# Directions:

01 - Arrange the beef slices on a cutting board; season both sides with salt and pepper. Evenly spread 1 teaspoon mustard over each slice.
02 - On each prepared slice, lay one bacon strip, a portion of chopped onion, and a dill pickle spear.
03 - Carefully roll each beef slice, tucking in the sides as you go. Fasten the rouladen securely with butcher's twine or toothpicks.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the rouladen on all sides until well-browned, then set aside.
05 - In the same pot, add chopped carrot, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until lightly caramelized. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
06 - Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add beef broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Return the rouladen to the pot.
07 - Cover the pot and simmer gently for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
08 - Transfer rouladen to a plate and keep warm. Strain the braising liquid and return it to the Dutch oven. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add strained braising liquid, whisking constantly, and simmer until the gravy reaches desired thickness.
09 - Remove twine or toothpicks from the rouladen. Slice if desired and serve warm with the prepared gravy.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Classic German comfort food for hearty cravings
  • Braises to fork-tender perfection with flavorful gravy
02 -
  • Rouladen are traditionally served at festive gatherings in Germany.
  • If you prefer a lighter gravy, substitute chicken broth for beef broth.
03 -
  • Pound beef slices evenly for easier rolling and tender texture.
  • Add a splash of pickle juice to the gravy for extra tang.

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