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 is the best cut of meat 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. Mustard: I've found really great German Mustard at Wold Market.

What is rouladen called 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 region of Germany is rouladen from? ›

In Southern and South-Eastern Germany, the beef roladen are typically served with dumplings (Knödel) and red cabbage. Another popular kind of rouladen are stuffed cabbage rolls (Kohlrouladen). They are made from green cabbage and filled with ground meat or wurst. Some regions also add bacon or rice to the filling.

What wine goes with rouladen? ›

A California Zinfandel would be a good match for Beef Rouladen. Zinfandel is known for its bold, fruit-forward character, often with notes of blackberry, plum, and cherry.

How do you slice meat for rouladen? ›

Cut the flank steak into thin filets; about 1/4 inch thick and 3 inches wide. Generously spread one side of each filet with mustard to taste. Place bacon, onions and pickle slices on each filet and form into a roll. Use string or toothpicks to hold the roll together.

What does Rouladen mean in German? ›

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Rouladen is classic German food, with thin slices of beef, rolled up with mustard, onion, bacon and pickle. (Rouladen is based on the word Roulade, meaning “rolled”.)

What is skirt steak called in German? ›

The Kronsfleisch ( skirt steak ) they serve here goes down a treat with a cool wheat beer .

Where did German beef rouladen come from? ›

Rouladen is the German version of the French roulade, which is a roll made with thinly-sliced meat. The German version is interesting in that it probably came from Germans using items they had on hand most of the time – mustard, pickles, onion, and pork – to make something that's unique in its own right.

What is the foodie capital of Germany? ›

Berlin is Germany's culinary capital | about.visitBerlin.de.

What is traditional German food? ›

Whilst there are regional variations in food culture, most German recipes focus heavily on bread, potatoes, and meat, especially pork, as well as plenty of greens such as types of cabbage and kale. Cake, coffee, and beer are all highly popular elements of German cuisine too - which will be good news to most!

Which of the top 5 German foods is considered to be the national dish of Germany? ›

Sauerbraten. Sauerbraten is a traditional German dish that literally translates to “sour roast”, and is often regarded as the national dish of the country. As the name suggests, this dish is made from heavily marinated meat, usually beef, lamb, pork, or venison.

What do Germans eat with wine? ›

Rhine wine goes nicely with soft cheeses, such as the Allgäu's Limburger. Mosel goes with butter cheeses, and Pfalz wine with Emmentaler. The last-named is better known to you as “Swiss cheese,” but it is also made in Germany. Much of the food we have described goes well with the famous German beer.

What accompaniments go with roulade? ›

Serve the sliced roulade with the mushroom sauce spooned over the top, and the Italian couscous on the side. You could also serve it along with a simple green salad or maybe some crusty Italian bread. Whatever you do, don't forget about the wine.

How do you reheat Rouladen? ›

You can prepare the rouladen the day before up to the point of making the gravy. Store everything in an airtight container in the fridge. The next day re-heat over medium low heat, either in the oven or stove top until the meat is warmed through. Then remove the rouladen and make the gravy as described above.

What kind of meat is Rouladen made from? ›

Rouladen is a popular, super flavorful German recipe made from beef steak stuffed with mustard, pickles, onion, and bacon! Using either your oven, crock pot, or cooktop, it's simmered in reduced wine and broth for roughly 90 minutes.

What cut of beef is best for velveting? ›

Because the velveting process is great for tenderizing tough cuts of meat, it works really well on beef cuts like sirloin and flank steak. The cornstarch (or baking soda) and oil mixture used to marinate the meat helps the meat retain moisture while cooking for a more tender, juicy steak.

What cut of meat makes the most tender roast? ›

Generally, fattier roasts come from the animal's forequarter, or front end, Gathy said. Or think of it this way: The most tender—and expensive—roasts come from the parts that move the least (think rib roast and tenderloin).

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.

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