Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (2024)

When I was living in Germany, I met a woman named Irmgard Schröder. She was about my grandmother’s age when we met and we got along very well.

Eventually Irmgard became such a good friend, that I considered her my German Oma or German grandmother.

She cooked for my co-worker and I multiple times. She made wonderful German food!! It was divine. I never had anything she made that was not absolutely delicious.

When she served us traditional German meals, she would tell me about them.

One traditional dish she made us on a few occasions was this Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe. Rouladen is a German meat dish, usually consisting of bacon, onions, mustard and pickles wrapped in thinly sliced beef which is then cooked. It has a wonderful combination of flavors and is just so good!

Irmgard gave me her Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe.

Most German dinners are served with a side of Rotkohl (red cabbage), homemade sauerkraut, or cooked vegetables.

The combination of meat, starch, vegetable and gravy sauce is crave-worthy!

I love Rouladen served in a traditional style with cooked potatoes or Spätzel, vegetables and a thick gravy on top.

Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (1)

Supply List for Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe

Cutting mat

Large deep skillet

Measuring cups and spoons

Tongs

Knife

Small mixing bowl

Spoon

Kitchen string/twine or toothpicks

Optional—meat pounder or rolling pin

Ingredients for this Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe

1 1/2-2 pounds flank steak, butterflied/cut in half into about 1/4″ thick slices and pounded or rolled flat

1 (16 ounce or larger) jar of dill pickles, diced or small jar of dill relish

1/2 pound bacon slices

2 1/2 large white or yellow onions, diced (reserve 1/2 Cup for sauté)

2 Tablespoons butter

3 Cups water and 1 cube beef bouillon or 3 Cups beef broth

1 can 10.5 oz beefy mushroom soup (I use Campbells)

1 can 4 oz sliced mushrooms

4-6 Tablespoons all purpose flour

German or regular mustard spread on filets, to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe

    1. Butterfly the flank steak (cut it in half horizontally) into 2 thinner filets; about 1/4 inch thick. I like to pound mine flat with a meat pounder or roll it flat with a rolling pin.
      Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (2)
      Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (3)
    2. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the top side of each filet.
    3. Spread mustard on the top side of each filet (use as much as desired).
      Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (4)
    4. Spread diced dill pickles or dill relish on top side of each filet.
      Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (5)
    5. Spread diced onions on top side of each filet—reserving at least 1/2 C diced onion for the gravy.
    6. Place bacon on top side of each filet.
    7. Cut the filet into equal sizes against the grain of the filet.Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (6)
    8. Roll up the sections of the filet.Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (7)
    9. Tie each roll with kitchen string. If you do not have string, use a toothpick to secure the rolls closed.Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (8)
    10. Heat skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Add 1 can of sliced mushrooms (not drained) and remaining onions. Place the Rouladen in the skillet and sauté until browned.
    11. In a separate bowl, stir 3 Cups beef broth or 3 Cups water and 1 cube of beef bouillon with 1 can of beefy mushroom soup.Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (9)
    12. Pour water/soup mixture in the skillet with the beef rolls on medium heat. Simmer Rouladen rolls for about 45 minutes or until cooked medium.
    13. Remove meat and set it to the side. Keep Rouladen warm.
    14. Add 4T flour to simmering drippings while in pan; stir until desired consistency is reached—this makes an awesome gravy. If it is not thick enough, gradually add 1/2 Tablespoon of flour at a time until desired consistency is reached.
    15. Remove string or toothpicks. Serve Rouladen warm with warm gravy on top. For presentation, add a little cut up fresh parsley.

Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (10)

This Rouladen is delicious paired with starch and vegetable. For the most authentic experience, pair it with Spätzle or cooked potatoes and Rotkohl or cooked veggies.

For drink, serve Apfelshorle, which is equal parts Apple juice with club soda/carbonated water in a glass (at room temperature).

Another few tips for consuming this meal in an authentic German manner…

The overwhelming majority of Germans like to mix everything together on their dinner plates before eating. They like to taste all of the flavors at the same time.

I highly recommend eating in a similar manner if you make this Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe and choose to pair it with other traditional German sides.

To be even more authentic, eat this meal holding the knife in your right hand and the fork in the left—this is the German way to hold cutlery.

This is about as traditional a German experience you can have outside of Deutschland itself…

Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (11)

Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (12)

Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

An authentic German beef roll filled with delicious flavors and simmered in a skillet. Once cooked, the simmering drippings are easily turned into a delicious gravy to serve on top of the Rouladen.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2-2 pounds flank steak, butterflied/cut in half into about 1/4" thick slices and pounded or rolled flat
  • 1 (16 ounce or larger) jar of dill pickles, diced or small jar of dill relish
  • 1/2 pound bacon slices
  • 2 1/2 large white or yellow onions, diced (reserve 1/2 Cup for sauté)
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 3 Cups water and 1 cube beef bouillon or 3 Cups beef broth
  • 1 can 10.5 oz beefy mushroom soup (Campbells)
  • 1 can 4 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 4-6 Tablespoons all purpose flour, for desired consistency
  • German or regular mustard spread on filets, to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    1. Butterfly the flank steak (cut it in half horizontally) into 2 thinner filets; about 1/4 inch thick. I like to pound mine flat with a meat pounder or roll it flat with a rolling pin.
    2. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top side of each filet.
    3. Spread mustard on the top side of each filet (use as much as desired).
    4. Spread diced dill pickles or dill relish on top side of each filet.
    5. Spread diced onions on top side of each filet—reserving at least 1/2 C diced onion for the gravy.
    6. Place bacon on top side of each filet.
    7. Cut the filet into equal sizes against the grain of the filet.
    8. Roll up the filet sections.
    9. Tie each roll with kitchen string. If you do not have string, use a toothpick to secure the rolls closed.
    10. Heat skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Add can of sliced mushrooms and the remainder of onions. Place the Rouladen in the skillet and sauté until browned.
    11. In a separate bowl, stir 3 Cups beef broth or 3 Cups water and 1 cube of beef bouillon with 1 can of beefy mushroom soup.
    12. Pour water/soup mixture in the skillet with the beef rolls on medium heat. Simmer Rouladen rolls for about 45 minutes.
    13. Remove meat and set it to the side (best kept warm).
    14. Add 4T flour to simmering drippings while in pan; stir until desired consistency is reached—this makes an awesome gravy. If it is not thick enough, gradually add 1/2 Tablespoon of flour at a time until until desired consistency is reached.
    15. Remove string or toothpicks. Serve Rouladen warm with warm gravy on top.

Notes

This Rouladen is delicious paired with a starch and vegetable. For the most authentic experience, pair it with Spätzle or cooked potatoes and Rotkohl or cooked veggies.

For drink, serve Apfelshorle, which is equal parts Apple juice with club soda/carbonated water in a glass (at room temperature).

Another few tips for consuming this meal in an authentic German manner...

The overwhelming majority of Germans like to mix everything together on their dinner plates before eating. They like to taste all of the flavors at the same time.

I highly recommend eating in a similar manner if you make this Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe and choose to pair it with other traditional German sides.

To be even more authentic, eat this meal holding the knife in your right hand and the fork in the left—this is the German way to hold cutlery.

This is about as traditional a German experience you can have outside of Deutschland itself.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Guten Appetit!

Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (13)
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Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (14)

Authentic German Rouladen and Gravy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What cut of meat is best for Rouladen? ›

Beef for Rouladen: Use top round roast (sometimes called topside or beef round roast) beef for Rouladen, and more importantly, ask your butcher to cut it for you! You want long thin slices about ¼ inches thick and 6-10 inches long and 4-5 inches wide.

What's the difference between roulade and Rouladen? ›

The meat is usually a very thinly cut beef that has been rolled around a filling, seared, and simmered for a long time in a gravy. In French it is referred to as a Roulade which is also the German name for a singular roll. We call them Rouladen, like the German plural, as we never make just one.

Which is famous beef dish from German? ›

This traditionally German roast recipe is served with a brown gravy made with, of all things, gingersnap cookies. This classic dish is a must try.

Can you bake Rouladen in the oven? ›

Pour in the beef stock, season well with salt and pepper, and then add the beef rouladen back into the pan. Bake in the oven at 325 for about 90 minutes or until the beef is very tender. Remove the cooked beef set aside and strain the braising liquid into a medium-size saucepot.

Do you use top or bottom round for rouladen? ›

Top round is perfect for this. It's not the toughest piece of meat, but it has some collagen that will enrich our sauce and lend tenderness to the finished meat roll. You can often find top round thinly sliced and sometimes sold as “beef roulade meat,” but if not, ask your butcher to slice it for you, about 1/8″ thick.

What meat is the most popular in German cooking? ›

The average annual meat consumption is 59.7 kg (132 lb) per person. The most common varieties are pork, poultry, and beef. Other varieties of meat are widely available, but are considered to be insignificant. Meat is usually braised; fried dishes also exist, but these recipes usually originate from France and Austria.

What does the word roulade mean in German? ›

Rouladen is the German version of the French roulade, which is a roll made with thinly-sliced meat.

What does Rouladen mean in English? ›

A roulade (/ruːˈlɑːd/) is a dish of filled rolled meat or pastry. Roulade can be savory or sweet. Swiss roll is an example of a sweet roulade. Traditionally found in various European cuisines, the term roulade originates from the French word rouler, meaning "to roll".

What nationality is Rouladen? ›

(As you know since you searched for it) Beef Rouladen is a traditional German dish made for special occasions, like Christmas or a wedding. You'll begin with thin slices of beef, smothered in German (Dusseldorf) mustard, topped with bacon, onions, and pickle (!!!)

What are the top 3 German dishes? ›

Of all these regional and national dishes, Germany is most famous for Currywurst, sausages, pretzels and Black Forest Gateau, but as you can see, there is plenty more to German cuisine than just these.

What is German's national dish? ›

Sauerbraten (pronounced [ˈzaʊ̯ɐˌbʁaːtn̩]) is a traditional German roast of heavily marinated meat. It is regarded as a national dish of Germany, and is frequently served in German-style restaurants internationally.

Which meat is most consumed in Germany? ›

Pork is the most commonly consumed meat in Germany, with 27.5 kilograms consumed per person in 2023. This is followed by poultry, then beef and veal.

What wine to serve with Rouladen? ›

Pairing wines with Beef Rouladen involves balancing its rich, layered flavors. Recommended choices include German Pinot Noir, Margaux, Amarone, and Corbieres.

Can I freeze Rouladen? ›

Beef rouladen can be prepared and the rolls can be frozen either before or after cooking. Simply prepare as directed, place in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or air-tight container.

What is the word for rolled up meat? ›

Braciole is an Italian-style roulade, a rolled and stuffed meat. It's also called involtini, or bruciuluni in Sicilian. The etymology of the word translates to a slice of meat rolled over coals. The meat — typically beef, veal, or pork — is pounded thin and stuffed with prosciutto, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs.

What is the best cut of beef for roast beef rolls? ›

A top loin roast is ideal. It's got plenty of brawny flavor, and all of the fat is on the surface, which you can easily trim off after the meat is cooked. Here, the beef is roasted low and slow to ensure rare, juicy meat. This said, if you want a more economical cut, use bottom, top or eye round here instead.

What cut of meat is used for beef schnitzel? ›

The best beef cuts for making schnitzels are thin beef escalopes or thinly sliced boneless shoulder steak or topside. If you are slicing the meat yourself, you will need to use a meat tenderiser to ensure the meat is extra tender.

What cut of meat makes the most tender roast? ›

Tenderloin. The most tender roast of all—it's under the spine— with almost no fat or flavor. It's tapered in shape, the middle being the "center cut." The labor involved and waste produced in trimming and tying a tenderloin drives up the price. Top sirloin roast.

What is the tastiest cut of beef for roasting? ›

For roasts, the best cuts include rib (on the bone or boned and rolled), sirloin, top rump and fillet. For quick cooking, try fillet, entrecôte, rib eye, sirloin or rump steaks. Brisket, topside and silverside are good for pot roasts, and stewing and braising steak are good for stews and casseroles.

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