Beef Roulade – A Delicious German Classic with a French Twist
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that combines German tradition with a slight French influence, then Beef Roulade (Rouladen) is the perfect meal to try. This classic German dish features thinly pounded beef rolled up with bacon, onions, and pickles, then slowly simmered in a rich beef broth until it becomes tender and delicious.
While traditionally made with German mustard, I’ve given this recipe a French twist by using Dijon mustard and serving it with mashed potatoes and green beans. This variation enhances the dish's depth of flavor while keeping its authentic essence.
Ingredients:
To make this flavorful beef roulade, you’ll need:
4 thin slices of beef (top round or sirloin)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or German mustard for a traditional touch)
4 slices of bacon or smoked ham
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 small pickles, sliced lengthwise
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp butter or oil (for browning)
Kitchen twine or toothpicks (to secure the rolls)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef
Place the beef slices on a flat surface and gently pound them thin using a meat mallet. Season each slice with salt and black pepper. Spread ½ tbsp of Dijon mustard evenly over each piece of meat.
2. Fill and Roll the Rouladen
Lay a slice of bacon or smoked ham on top of each piece of beef. Sprinkle chopped onions and place a pickle slice on each. Carefully roll up the beef, tucking in the sides, and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
3. Brown the Rouladen
Heat butter or oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the roulades and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes, ensuring they develop a deep, flavorful crust.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the beef broth, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the roulades simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and makes the meat incredibly tender.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Traditionally, Rouladen is served with potatoes and gravy, but for a French twist, I love pairing it with mashed potatoes and green beans. The creamy potatoes complement the rich beef rolls perfectly, while the green beans add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Rich and Savory: The combination of beef, bacon, and mustard creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
Easy to Make: While it may look fancy, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Impress your guests with a dish that brings together German tradition and French elegance.
Give this Beef Roulade recipe a try, and let me know how you liked it! Whether you follow the classic German way or add a French-inspired twist, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Would you like more international recipes? Stay tuned for more delicious dishes!
