Crock Pot Beef Rouladen

This Crock Pot Beef Rouladen is a tender and savory recipe, which uses thin-cut beef and baby dill pickles. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 8 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Beef Rouladen Ingredients

For roll-ups:

• 6 thin-cut beef slices, about 2 ½ 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
• ½ cup dry red wine
• 1-2 dry bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon sour cream, optional

How To Make Crock Pot Beef Rouladen

1. Pound and Season Beef:
   Gently pound the beef slices with a meat mallet until thinner, being careful not to tear. Spread each with about 1 teaspoon of mustard, then season with salt and pepper.
2. Assemble the Roll-Ups:
   Top each slice with a piece of bacon, an onion wedge, and one baby dill pickle at the wider end. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks or twine.
3. Brown the Roll-Ups:
   Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef rolls on all sides, working in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
4. Prepare Gravy Base in Crock Pot:
   Place the butter, chopped onion, carrot, and celery on the bottom of your slow cooker.
5. Add Beef and Liquids:
   Place browned roll-ups over the vegetables. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, then add bay leaves and paprika.
6. Slow Cook the Rouladen:
   Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
7. Finish the Gravy:
   Remove roll-ups and take out toothpicks or twine. Puree the sauce with an immersion blender (or food processor). If needed, thicken with a cornstarch or flour slurry.
8. Optional Final Touch:
   Stir in sour cream for a richer finish. Return roll-ups to the pot to keep warm until serving.

Recipe Tips

• How to keep roll-ups from falling apart:
  Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the beef tightly before browning and slow cooking.
• Can I skip browning the beef?
  Browning adds rich flavor but can be skipped for convenience. Expect slightly less depth in the gravy.
• How to thicken rouladen gravy:
  If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the gravy. Simmer until thickened.
• What if my pickles are too thick?
  Slice baby dill pickles in half lengthwise before rolling them inside the beef.
• Best wine for rouladen:
  Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for the richest flavor.

What To Serve With Beef Rouladen

This hearty German-style dish pairs well with simple, starchy sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• German red cabbage (Rotkohl)
• Spaetzle
• Roasted Brussels sprouts

How To Store Beef Rouladen

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with some gravy.

Freeze:
Wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers with sauce. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Beef Rouladen Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 474 kcal
• Protein: 57g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 153mg
• Sodium: 1189mg
• Potassium: 1083mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Vitamin A: 2077 IU
• Vitamin C: 4mg
• Calcium: 96mg
• Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make beef rouladen ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and brown the roll-ups a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge and cook the next day.

How do I prevent the beef from becoming dry?
Make sure to slow cook on low heat for the recommended time. Overcooking on high can make it tough.

Can I leave out the wine?
Yes, substitute with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

What’s the best beef cut for rouladen?
Thin-cut top round or flank steak works best. Ask your butcher to slice it thin if needed.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Use the pressure cook method outlined in the original recipe for a quicker version.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Beef Roast With Red Wine
• Crock Pot Beef Ribeye Roast
• Crock Pot Beef Rib Eye Steak