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This melt-in-your-mouth beef roll is real comfort food. German families have been enjoying this dish for ages, and biting into its flavorful filling all wrapped up in juicy beef just feels cozy. No wonder it's everyone’s top choice for a chill Sunday meal.
My family’s always asking for this meal at celebrations. The first time I made it it was a gloomy fall day—and now it’s a must every time something special comes up.
Ingredients
- Dijon mustard: adds zingy flavor, just swipe it on the beef straight from the jar
- Bacon: thick slices from the butcher give a rich taste
- Salt: season to your liking—fine sea salt works well
- Pickles: sweet or dill, you pick—gives a crisp, tangy bite
- Pepper: freshly cracked black is best for some heat
- Bay leaves: toss a few in for subtle background aroma (fish out before serving)
- Smoked paprika: brings extra depth—Spanish variety’s great
- Yellow onions: sweet and classic for a filling that melts in your mouth
- Beef broth: homemade is best, but a good organic store-bought works
- Beef flank: ask your butcher to slice it thin for juicy results
When you’re out shopping, grab the best, freshest stuff you can—it really shows once you taste it.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Finish and Serve:
- Carefully remove toothpicks or kitchen twine from each roll, then slice at an angle. Spoon the remaining sauce over and dig in.
- Pressure Cook:
- Put the Instant Pot lid on, set to Manual for 35 minutes. You’ll end up with super tender beef.
- Season and Pour in Broth:
- Pour in the broth, add paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Scatter the seasonings evenly.
- Sear:
- Crank up Sauté on the Instant Pot. Sear the beef on all sides to get a nice crust and that rich flavor for your sauce.
- Secure:
- Wrap each roll tightly and fasten it with a toothpick or some kitchen string so they don’t fall apart while cooking.
- Roll and Fill:
- Start at one end. Stack bacon, onion, and pickle on each slice then roll them up firmly to keep everything inside.
- Spread Mustard:
- Coat each beef slice generously with Dijon—trust me, it makes the flavor pop.
- Prep the Beef:
- Lay the slices flat on a big board. Use your meat mallet to gently pound until even and thin. This helps them turn out super tender.
Get ready to be wowed—they turn out so fork-tender and packed with taste.
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Good to Know
Loads of protein, keeps you full, but won’t weigh you down
Hearty German comfort food that hits the spot any time of year
Easy to freeze and reheat—ideal for a stress-free weeknight meal
I absolutely love that smell of onions and bacon sizzling away. My granddad always rolled the filling up tight so nothing leaked out and now I do the same. Every bite brings back memories of growing up.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight box in the fridge and eat within three days—they’ll still be awesome
Want to keep ‘em longer? Freeze them—good as new for up to three months
Warm gently in the sauce after thawing—keeps everything nice and soft
Swap Ingredients
No flank steak? Go with brisket or top round—works just as well
Try prosciutto or another dry-cured ham if you want a more delicate flavor instead of bacon
For veggie rolls, sub in thin aubergine slices and toss in veggie broth
Mixing things up gives you new flavors without losing that classic rolled vibe
How to Serve
Mashed potatoes and red cabbage are the go-to sides for these beef rolls
Crusty baguette or buttery spätzle are also perfect with them
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Pour some extra sauce from the pot over your beef—makes the whole meal even cozier
Pair with a glass of red for a fancy dinner with friends
Cultural Background
These beef rolls are everywhere in German homes—especially in the south and west, they’re a must at family gatherings
People used to make them by rolling up cheap beef with goodies inside to turn it really tender
Now, they’re a staple for Sundays and bring back all the nostalgia
Recipe FAQs
- → What's the best beef cut for these?
Try using flank steak or thin slices from the top or bottom round for a soft texture and easy rolling.
- → Can I play around with different fillings?
Absolutely! Besides the usual bacon, mustard, onions, and pickles, you could also toss in things like smoked ham, carrots, or even bell pepper.
- → Any good sides to go with this?
Mashed potatoes, red cabbage, dumplings, or roasted veggies all taste great next to these beef rolls.
- → How do I make sure the beef stays extra soft?
Pound the beef thin before stuffing, then let it cook gently and slowly so it turns out super tender.
- → How long do leftover beef rolls last?
Sealed in the fridge, they'll keep for up to three days and won't dry out when you heat them up.