Tender beef rolls filled with savory aromatics and simmered slowly in a rich gravy, this traditional-style German beef rouladen recipe delivers deep, comforting flavor while staying approachable for home cooks. Carefully rolled, gently braised, and finished with a silky sauce, this dish is perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings classic German comfort food to your table with straightforward steps and dependable results. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the filling adds layers of savory and tangy flavor, and the gravy ties everything together beautifully. It is ideal for make-ahead meals, tastes even better the next day, and pairs perfectly with potatoes or vegetables that soak up every bit of the sauce.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 slices beef top round, each about 15 x 10 cm and 1 cm thick
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons mild or Dijon mustard
90 grams smoked halal beef strips or smoked beef pastrami, cut into thin pieces
3 medium garlic dill pickles, sliced lengthwise
1 large onion (150 grams), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
360–480 milliliters hot water or halal beef stock
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water

Directions

1. Place the beef slices between sheets of parchment paper and gently pound them until they are about 3–6 mm thick, taking care not to tear the meat.
2. Season both sides of the beef with salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of mustard evenly over one side of each slice.
3. Arrange the smoked beef strips, pickle slices, and onion slices over one end of each beef slice.
4. Roll the beef tightly from the filled end, tucking in the sides as you roll. Secure each roll with kitchen string or metal skewers.
5. Heat the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Brown the rouladen on all sides in batches until deeply golden.
6. Pour the hot water or beef stock into the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Return all rouladen to the pan.
7. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 90 minutes, turning once or twice.
8. Remove the rouladen and keep warm.
9. Mix the cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering liquid. Cook until the gravy thickens slightly.
10. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, remove strings or skewers, and serve the rouladen with gravy spooned over the top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

You can customize the filling by adding thin carrot strips or celery for extra texture. For a stronger flavor, use spicy mustard instead of mild. The rouladen can also be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours or in a pressure cooker for about 30 minutes for a faster option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover rouladen fully covered in gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a covered oven at 180°C until heated through. Rouladen also freeze well for up to 2 months when stored with their gravy.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for rouladen?

Beef top round is ideal because it is lean, flavorful, and easy to roll when sliced thin.

Can I make rouladen ahead of time?

Yes, rouladen taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop in the gravy.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, rouladen freeze very well when stored fully submerged in gravy.

Can I make this recipe without mustard?

Mustard adds traditional flavor, but you can reduce the amount or omit it if preferred.

How do I keep rouladen from unrolling?

Securing them tightly with kitchen string or metal skewers ensures they hold their shape during cooking.

What can I use instead of smoked beef?

Thinly sliced roasted beef or seasoned beef strips work well if smoked beef is unavailable.

How thick should the gravy be?

The gravy should lightly coat the back of a spoon, not overly thick or gluey.

Can I use beef broth instead of water?

Yes, beef broth adds extra depth of flavor to the gravy.

Are rouladen spicy?

No, they are savory and mildly tangy, not spicy.

What side dishes go best with rouladen?

Boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables pair beautifully with the rich gravy.

Conclusion

This authentic-style German beef rouladen recipe delivers comforting flavors, tender meat, and a luxurious gravy that makes any meal feel special. With simple ingredients, flexible cooking options, and excellent make-ahead potential, it’s a timeless dish you’ll want to prepare again and again.

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