Rinderroulade
German Beef Rolls
Classic German Rinderroulade, also known as Rouladen, features thin slices of beef rolled around a savory filling of bacon, onions, and pickles, then slow-braised to tender perfection in a rich gravy. This dish is a beloved Sunday tradition.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 Thin beef slices (roulade cut, about 1/8 inch thick)(Look for cuts like top round, bottom round, or flank steak, specifically labeled for roulade.)
- 4 tbsp German mustard (Senf)(A medium-hot mustard like Löwensenf or similar is traditional. Dijon can be used as a substitute.)
- 6 slices Smoked bacon(Regular smoked bacon is fine. Cut into smaller pieces if desired for easier distribution.)
- 1 large Yellow onion(Finely diced. Half can be used for the filling, the other half for the braising liquid.)
- 6 medium Dill pickles (cornichons or gherkins)(Whole pickles, cut lengthwise into quarters or halves depending on size. Ensure they are firm.)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour(For dredging the beef.)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or Lard(For searing the roulades.)
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 1 cup Red wine (optional)(A dry red wine like Spätburgunder or Merlot adds depth.)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 Bay leaf
- 3-4 Juniper berries (optional)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for securing Kitchen twine or toothpicks
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the beef: Lay the beef slices flat on a clean surface. If they are not already thin, gently pound them to about 1/8 inch thickness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Dredge one side of each beef slice in flour, shaking off any excess.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Assemble the roulades: Spread about 2/3 tablespoon of mustard evenly over the floured side of each beef slice, leaving a small border along the edges. Place one slice of bacon on top of the mustard. Lay one quartered pickle and a sprinkle of diced onion over the bacon. Be careful not to overfill.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Roll and secure: Tightly roll each beef slice from one of the shorter ends, tucking in the sides as you go to enclose the filling. Secure each roulade firmly with kitchen twine or several toothpicks to prevent it from unraveling during cooking. Ensure the seam side is down.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Sear the roulades: Heat the vegetable oil or lard in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the roulades, seam-side down first, and sear on all sides until deeply browned. This browning is crucial for flavor. Remove the roulades from the pot and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Build the braising liquid: Add the remaining diced onion to the same pot and sauté over medium heat until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pot by pouring in the red wine (if using) and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer and reduce slightly.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 6
Braise the roulades: Return the seared roulades to the pot. Add the beef broth, bay leaf, and juniper berries (if using). The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the roulades. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it braise gently.
⏱️ 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes - 7
Finish the sauce: Once the roulades are tender, carefully remove them from the pot. Strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan, pressing gently on the solids to extract maximum flavor. Discard the solids. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce it to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 8
Serve: Remove the twine or toothpicks from the roulades. Slice each roulade in half or serve whole. Ladle the rich gravy over the roulades. Traditionally served with mashed potatoes, potato dumplings (Klöße), or red cabbage.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Secure tightly: Ensure your roulades are rolled and secured very well to prevent the filling from escaping during the long braising process.
- ✓Rich gravy: Don't skip the searing step for the beef and onions; this builds the foundation for a deeply flavorful gravy. Using red wine adds another layer of complexity.
- ✓Sunday tradition: Rinderroulade is a classic dish often prepared for special family gatherings and Sunday dinners. It pairs wonderfully with hearty side dishes.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- With different filling: Experiment with adding sliced hard-boiled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, or strips of bell peppers to the filling.
- Different meat: While beef is traditional, thin slices of pork or veal can also be used, though cooking times may vary.
- Vegetarian Roulade: Use large portobello mushroom caps or thinly sliced eggplant as the base, filled with vegetables and herbs.