Oma's Authentic Beef Rouladen Recipe – German Beef Rolls

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1. 1Step 1: Gently pound the meat until it is about ⅛- to ¼-inch thick. Be careful not to put holes in the meat. The larger the slice, the easier it is to roll up.
2. 2Step 2: Season the thinned slices with salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of mustard on top of each slice.
3. 3Step 3: Place the bacon, pickles, and onions on one end of each slice.
4. 4Step 4: Roll up the slices, tucking the ends in. Secure each roll with a skewer, wooden cocktail pick, or string.
5. 5Step 5: Heat the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Brown the rouladen well on all sides. Do this in small batches, if necessary, so as not to crowd them in the pan. Add extra butter, if needed.
6. 6Step 6: Once the rouladen are well browned, remove them from the pan. Then add the hot water to the pan, gently stirring up the browned bits. Return all the rouladen and any accumulated juices to the pan, bring to a simmer, and cover.
7. 7Step 7: Simmer gently for about 1½ hours. Remove the rouladen.
8. 8Step 8: To thicken the gravy, combine the cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the simmering liquid until slightly thickened.
9. 9Step 9: Season the gravy to taste with salt and pepper.
10. 10Step 10: Remove the skewers, picks, or thread from the rouladen.
11. 11Step 11: Ladle the gravy over the tender beef rouladen to serve.