Chef John's Beef Rouladen
+1 photo

Chef John's Beef Rouladen

2 servings
Chef John uses thin slices of beef round to make beef rouladen, classic German comfort food. Topped with mustard, onions, bacon, and pickles the beef is rolled up and braised until fork tender.

Ingredients

  • slices of beef round

    1/4 inch thick

    2
  • kosher salt
    2 tsp
  • ground black pepper
    1 tsp
  • Dijon mustard
    2 tbsp
  • strips bacon
    4
  • paprika

    or

  • onion
    ½
  • dill pickle spears
    6
  • vegetable oil
    1 tbsp
  • butter
    2 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour
    ¼ c
  • beef broth
    3 c
  • salt

Directions

  1. 1

    Place slices of beef on a work surface, Season both sides with kosher salt and pepper. Spread one side with mustard. Place bacon strips on the mustard and sprinkle with paprika. Arrange onion slices cross-wise on the beef. Then evenly space 3 pickle slices across each slice of beef. Keep about an inch of the narrowest end of the beef slice free of toppings to facilitate rolling it up.

  2. 2

    Roll each slice of meat, beginning from the wider of the two short ends, working to keep all ingredients inside the roll. Rolls should be nice and tight. Secure the rolls (seam side down) with 3 loops of butcher's twine, one in the middle and one at each end. Trim excess string.

  3. 3

    Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. Cook beef, turning and browning well on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove meat from pan. Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt butter in the pan; whisk in the flour, cooking for about 1 minute. Pour in cold beef broth and whisk vigorously to combine. Raise heat to medium-high and simmer until sauce begins to thicken, about 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Transfer beef rolls to pan along with accumulated juices. Reduce heat to very low. Simmer gently, covered, turning rolls every 20 minutes or so, until beef is tender, about 1 1/2 hours. When the tip of a sharp knife can easily be inserted into the beef roll, the meat is done.

  5. 5

    Transfer meat to dish to allow it to rest. Raise heat to high and bring cooking liquid to a simmer to thicken slightly to make a gravy, about 1 minute. Serve rouladen with gravy.

    Step 5
Chef John's Beef Rouladen
+1

Chef John's Beef Rouladen

110 min2 servings641 cal

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About this Recipe

Savor the Hearty Delight of Chef John's Beef Rouladen

There's nothing quite like a classic German comfort food to warm the soul, and Chef John's Beef Rouladen delivers on all fronts. This iconic dish transforms humble ingredients into a truly special meal, perfect for a cozy dinner. Imagine tender slices of beef round, lovingly spread with Dijon mustard, then layered with savory bacon, thinly sliced onions, and crisp dill pickles. These flavorful ingredients are then rolled up and slow-braised until the beef is incredibly fork-tender, creating a rich and deeply satisfying experience.

This beef rouladen recipe stands out for its masterful balance of flavors. The tangy mustard and pickles cut through the richness of the beef and bacon, while the slow braising process melds everything into a harmonious, melt-in-your-mouth delight. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy braised beef and a testament to traditional cooking that produces exceptional results with simple ingredients.

Tips for Perfect Rouladen

To achieve the best traditional rouladen, ensure your beef round slices are pounded thin; this helps them roll easily and become incredibly tender during braising. Don't skimp on securing your rolls, whether with toothpicks or butcher's twine, to keep all that delicious filling locked inside. While Chef John's recipe is perfection as is, feel free to experiment with different mustards – a grainy mustard can add a lovely texture and robust flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty beef dinner pairs wonderfully with traditional German sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy spaetzle, or sweet and sour braised red cabbage. A simple green bean side dish also complements the richness of the beef beautifully. Whether you're new to German cuisine or a seasoned fan, this Chef John recipe for beef rouladen is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions