Dinner

Classic German Beef Rouladen Recipe

Name: Classic German Beef Rouladen Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2-3 lbs round roast, thinly sliced lengthwise at 1/8 inch thick; 8-12 slices bacon (optional); 1 onion, very thinly sliced; 2 carrots, very thinly sliced, julienned; 2 whole dill pickles, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup German mustard (or Dijon or stone-ground mustard); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Toothpicks, for securing rouladen; 2 tablespoons butter or oil (or a combination); 1 cup beef broth or water; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening gravy)

ByClara Bennett July 10, 2026July 10, 2026

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Introduction

Beef Rouladen is a classic German comfort dish featuring thinly sliced beef rolled around savory fillings and slow-cooked to tender perfection. This hearty meal combines smoky bacon, tangy mustard, and pickles for a burst of flavor in every bite.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate with two slices of beef roulade covered in a thick brown gravy. The roulade has visible layers of rolled meat with bits of orange carrot and green herbs inside. To the side of the roulade, there is a large serving of light-colored spaetzle pasta with a slightly glossy texture, and a portion of cooked purple cabbage with a shiny, moist appearance. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2-3 lbs round roast (thinly sliced lengthwise, about 1/8 inch thick)
8-12 slices bacon (optional)
1 onion (very thinly sliced)
2 carrots (very thinly sliced, julienne)
2 whole dill pickles (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup German mustard (or Dijon or stone-ground mustard)
Salt and pepper
Toothpicks
2 tablespoons butter or oil (or a combination)
1 cup water or beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the vegetables by cutting the onion, carrot, and pickles into matchstick-style pieces.
Step 2: Lay out the thin slices of meat and spread each generously with mustard. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Place a slice of bacon on top of the meat (if using), then add the pickle, carrot, and onion. Roll up the meat tightly and secure with toothpicks.
Step 4: Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add butter or oil, then sear the rolled meat bundles on all sides until browned.
Step 5: Add 1 cup of beef broth or water to the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until the meat is tender.
Step 6: Remove the rouladen to a plate. Bring the cooking juices to a boil and thicken with cornstarch dissolved in water, if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or beef bouillon granules.
Step 7: Remove toothpicks from the rouladen and serve with the gravy spooned over the top.

Tips & Variations

For authentic flavor, use German mustard, but Dijon or stone-ground mustard work well as substitutes.
If you prefer, substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a milder taste.
Serve rouladen with classic sides like mashed potatoes, red cabbage, or spaetzle.
To add depth, include a splash of red wine in the braising liquid.

Storage

Store leftover rouladen and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a neatly arranged meal with three main parts. On the left, there are two pieces of rolled meat covered in a thick, brown gravy with visible bits of herbs and small orange carrot pieces inside. The front piece is cut to show the inside, revealing a mix of ground meat and finely chopped vegetables. In the back, to the right, there is a pile of light beige, soft-looking spaetzle pasta with some green herbs mixed in. Further to the right, there is a portion of cooked purple cabbage with some texture and shine, adding contrast to the dish. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Beef Rouladen in advance?

Yes, rouladen can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to cook. Braising can be done the day before, which often improves the flavors.