INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Beef: Lay the slices of beef flat on a cutting board and season each slice with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Filling: Lay a slice of bacon on each piece of beef, then sprinkle with chopped onions. Spread 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard over the onions, and place half of a pickle at one end of each slice.
3. Roll the Rouladen: Starting from the end with the pickle, tightly roll up each slice of beef, securing it with toothpicks if necessary to hold its shape.
4. Sear the Rouladen: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the rouladen to the skillet and sear them on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Add Liquid: Once the rouladen are browned, pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate them into the liquid.
6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rouladen simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. You may need to add more broth or water if the liquid reduces too much.
7. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the flour and cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering liquid in the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve: Once the rouladen are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove them from the skillet and discard the toothpicks. Serve the rouladen hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and accompanied by mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or your favorite side dish.

TIPS:

• For added flavor, you can sauté the chopped onions before adding them to the rouladen filling.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can adjust the amount of flour used in the slurry accordingly.
• To make the rouladen ahead of time, you can prepare them up to the searing step and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
• Leftover rouladen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

With its tender beef, flavorful filling, and rich gravy, German Beef Rouladen is a dish that is sure to impress. Whether served for a special occasion or as a comforting weeknight meal, this culinary masterpiece is bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the process of preparing and savoring this timeless German classic