Humongus Rouladen De Woolfe: A Hearty, Comforting One-Dish Meal
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Servings: 6
Recipe Description
This savory dish, which I created one afternoon while sifting through recipes on a random inspiration spree, combines a range of flavors and textures that blend beautifully to make a satisfying one-dish meal. Based on classic rouladen recipes but with a twist, this dish features moist beef rouladen filled with cream cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy pickles, all cooked slowly in a crock pot over potatoes to create a tender and flavorful result. The potatoes act as a perfect bed for the rouladen, allowing the rich gravy to infuse both the meat and the vegetables. This is not just a meal; it’s an experience—perfect for a hearty dinner with leftovers that make an excellent future meal. The cream cheese inside the rouladen keeps the beef wonderfully moist, while the bacon adds a savory, smokey element that complements the tangy pickles and onions.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 2 slices |
| Cream Cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Yellow Onion | 3/4 of a medium onion, diced |
| Beef Broth | 1 cup |
| Bacon Fat | 2 tablespoons |
| Potatoes (small, halved) | 4 medium potatoes |
| Dill Pickles (diced) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 424.6 kcal |
| Fat | 17.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 107.3 mg |
| Sodium | 565.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 25.7 g |
| Fiber | 2.9 g |
| Sugars | 3.4 g |
| Protein | 40.4 g |
Instructions
-
Prep the Ingredients:
Start by frying the bacon in a skillet until it’s crispy and golden. Once done, set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Dice the pickles and onion, and set them aside for later use. -
Prepare the Rouladen:
Lay your beef cuts out flat, with the long side facing you. Take about 1/4 cup of cream cheese and spread it evenly over the surface of each beef slice. This cream cheese will add moisture to the beef, making it tender during the slow cooking process. -
Add Bacon and Vegetables:
Crumble 1/3 of the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the cream cheese. Then, add 1/3 of the diced pickles and onions on top of the bacon. The combination of flavors from the cream cheese, bacon, and pickles will create a savory, tangy filling inside the rouladen. -
Roll and Secure:
Gently roll the beef slices, making sure the filling stays tucked inside. Secure the rolls by tying them with kitchen twine. The rolls should be snug, but not too tight, and keep their width in proportion to the size of your crock pot. This ensures even cooking. -
Sear the Rouladen:
Heat the reserved bacon fat in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear each roulade on all sides until it’s brown and crispy. This step helps lock in flavor and creates a lovely crust. -
Prepare the Crock Pot:
Place the halved potatoes at the bottom of your crock pot. The potatoes will act as a barrier, lifting the rouladen above the pot’s bottom, allowing the gravy and broth to circulate around the meat and cook it evenly. -
Assemble the Dish:
Once the rouladen is seared, place it on top of the potatoes in the crock pot. If there are any leftover onions, bacon, or pickles from your earlier preparation, sprinkle them on top of the rouladen for extra flavor. -
Add the Gravy/Broth:
Pour the beef broth over the rouladen and potatoes. The broth will gradually infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks slowly, creating a rich and aromatic gravy. -
Cook the Rouladen:
Set your crock pot to high and cook for about 1 hour, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an additional 5 hours. The slow cooking process will tenderize the beef, while the potatoes absorb the savory broth. After about 4 hours, you may want to turn the rouladen to ensure even cooking. -
Finishing Touches:
Once the rouladen and potatoes are cooked to perfection, remove them carefully from the crock pot. You can now thicken the gravy to your desired consistency using a thickening agent like arrowroot powder or cornstarch. I prefer arrowroot as it keeps the flavor neutral, allowing the taste of the dish to shine through. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the rouladen alongside the tender, flavorful potatoes and drizzle the thickened gravy over the top. This dish is hearty and filling, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Tips for Best Results:
- Freezing: The rouladen itself freezes well when sealed in an airtight container with some of the broth. However, the potatoes do not freeze as well, so it’s best to prepare fresh potatoes when reheating leftovers.
- Adjusting for Flavor: Feel free to add extra herbs or spices to your gravy for more flavor. A dash of thyme or rosemary could enhance the overall taste.
- Cooking Time: Depending on your crock pot’s temperature, cooking times may vary. Check the rouladen for doneness by gently cutting one open to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Humongus Rouladen De Woolfe is the perfect meal for anyone craving a robust, flavorful dish that brings together the best of comfort food and European-inspired cuisine. The slow-cooked beef, creamy filling, and tender potatoes combine for a truly satisfying experience, while the leftovers will ensure you have a second helping of deliciousness waiting for you in the freezer. Perfect for a busy evening or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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