Rouladen - German Beef Roll-Ups [Instant Pot and Slow Cooker]

6 servings
40 min

Craving comfort food but bored with the same old recipes? This mouthwatering traditional German beef rouladen (roll-ups) recipe with pickles and bacon is just like the one Oma used to make.

German Beef Rouladen

A filling of mustard, bacon, onion, and pickles is warmly hugged by thin-sliced top round steak. Smother these braised beef rolls with gravy, and serve alongside red cabbage and potato dumplings to complete this delectable dish.


The gravy is required to round off the dish and is usually poured over the meat. The ultimate comfort food that is pretty simple to make!

Good comfort food is hearty, and these authentic Deutsche Rindsrouladen (also Rinderrouladen) are sure to leave you satisfied.

WHERE DOES ROULADEN COME FROM?


It comes from the word "rouler," which is French for "to roll." Fun fact: a roulade can be sweet, too, such as this no-bake peanut butter potato candy.


Ways to make rouladen with beef:


My favorite German dish, these stuffed beef roll-ups, are easy to make on the stovetop but do take longer to cook. It's one of those dishes we traditionally make on weekends or holidays.


But, if you own an instant pot/pressure cooker, you can have this meal done in the nick of time any day of the week. Check the post and recipe box to learn how to make it on the stovetop and slow cooker.


You can also cook it in the oven instead. Just transfer your Dutch oven from the stovetop to the oven, but note it takes much longer to cook, though - about 1 ½ hours on 350F.

Also, make sure the handle on the lid is metal and not plastic, or it will break.


WHAT TO SERVE WITH ROULADEN?


The Germans traditionally serve beef rouladen with sweet and sour red cabbage (Rotkohl), and either homemade bread dumplings (Semmelknödel) or potato dumplings (Kartoffelknödel or Kartoffelklösse).


They are also commonly served with boiled or mashed potatoes and German Spätzle.


Tip: you can usually find German-style jarred red cabbage at almost any grocery store, or try this slightly different (but also delicious) version of braised red cabbage.


VIsit the original post on the blog for step-by-step- photos and more tips!

Rouladen - German Beef Roll-Ups [Instant Pot and Slow Cooker]
Recipe details
  • 6  servings
  • Prep time: 15 Minutes Cook time: 25 Minutes Total time: 40 min
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Ingredients
For roll-ups:
  • ▢ 6 thin-cut beef slices about 2 1/2 lbs
  • ▢ German or yellow mustard
  • ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
  • ▢ 6 slices of bacon
  • ▢ 1 small onion cut into wedges
  • ▢ 6 baby dill pickles
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the gravy:
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon butter
  • ▢ 1 onion chopped
  • ▢ 1 large carrot finely chopped
  • ▢ 1 celery stalk finely chopped
  • ▢ 2 cups beef broth
  • ▢ 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • ▢ 1-2 dry Bay leaves
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon sour cream optional
Instructions
Instant Pot
Gently pound the beef slices with a meat mallet until they're a little thinner, being careful not to beat holes into them.
Spread each beef slice with mustard (about 1 teaspoon) and season with salt and pepper. Top with bacon and place an onion wedge and one baby dill pickle in the broader end. Roll up beef tightly from the filled end holding in place with toothpicks.
Select the "Sauté" to pre-heat your Instant Pot. When the word "Hot" appears on display, add one tablespoon vegetable oil and brown the beef roll-ups on all sides for about 3 minutes (work in batches if necessary); remove roll-ups to a plate.
To the pot, add one tablespoon butter and 1 of each: chopped onion, carrot, and celery stick; sauté until soft. Press "Cancel" to turn the cooker off.
Place the beef rolls back on top of the vegetables, add 2 cups beef broth, ½ cup red wine, 1-2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon paprika.
Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Select "Meat/Stew," "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" and set the timer (+/- button) to 20 minutes.
When time is up, open the lid using Quick Release (press "Cancel" and then turn the steam release handle on the lid to the "Venting" position.)
Remove Rouladen from the pot, remove toothpicks or string and let rest. Puree sauce using an immersion blender or a food processor and thicken if necessary (see recipe notes).
Stir in a tablespoon of sour cream (if using), then return the roll-ups to the pot until serving.
Stovetop
Follow steps 1 and 2 above.
In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil and brown the beef roll-ups on all sides for about 3 minutes (work in batches if necessary); remove rollups to a plate.
To the pot, add one tablespoon butter and 1 of each: chopped onion, carrot, and celery stick; sauté until soft.
Follow step 5. Cover and simmer over low heat for 45-60 minutes, or until beef is tender.
Follow steps 8 and 9. Enjoy!
Tips
  • Line your ingredients for rouladen assembly-style. Rolling them up will be a breeze.
  • If your pickles are too thick, slice them in half lengthwise.
  • You can use twine instead of toothpicks to hold the roll-ups in place.
  • Chop all your vegetables for the gravy the same size.
  • If your gravy is too thin, add either cornstarch or flour slurry to the sauce and cook until thickened. The slurry is a mixture of equal parts of cornstarch and water or flour and water. You can add a tablespoon of tomato paste if you prefer darker gravy.
  • Read all my other tips in the post above.
  • Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used.
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