National Dish Austria: Beef Roulades (Recipe)
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Treat yourself to Beef Roulades, one of the great classics of the Austrian table! Thin slices of tender beef are wrapped around a savoury filling, then gently braised until meltingly soft in a deeply flavoured sauce. The result is a hearty, comforting dish that feels every bit at home at a festive gathering as it does at the family dinner table. With their rich aroma and satisfying bite, these roulades capture the warmth and tradition of home-style Austrian cooking.
About Beef Roulades
Beef Roulades are a true national dish in Austria, a speciality that sets the hearts of food lovers racing. The dish is built around thinly sliced beef, lovingly prepared with a variety of fillings before being rolled and tied. What makes roulades so special is their juicy texture and robust flavour, which develops during slow braising in an aromatic sauce. They are not only a feast for special occasions but also a much-loved family meal that embodies the tradition of Austrian cookery.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 300 g beef (such as roulade-cut topside)
- 50 g bacon (smoked, diced)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 gherkin, cut into fine strips
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 500 ml beef stock
- 2 tablespoons oil (for browning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
When buying the beef, look for good quality — ideally from a butcher you trust. Choose fresh, well-marbled meat for a better flavour. The onions and gherkins should likewise be fresh and of good quality to bring the dish together. If you enjoy hearty braised beef, you may also like the comforting Viennese Beef Goulash, which draws on similar cuts.
Preparing the dish
Set out all your ingredients before you begin. This saves time and keeps the cooking process running smoothly. You can also make the roulades a day in advance, as they taste even more aromatic the following day once the flavours have had time to settle. A tidy, well-organised work surface makes rolling and tying the meat far easier.
Step-by-step instructions
- Lay the beef out on a work surface and spread it evenly with mustard.
- Distribute the diced bacon, onion and gherkin evenly across the meat.
- Carefully roll up the beef and secure it with kitchen string or cocktail sticks.
- Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the roulades on all sides until golden.
- Add the beef stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat.
- Cover and let the roulades braise for at least 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Once braised, lift the roulades out and keep them warm. Thicken and season the sauce to taste.
- Slice the roulades and serve with the sauce.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Beef roulades are naturally easy to make gluten-free and lactose-free. The dish contains no dairy, so it is already suitable for a lactose-free diet. For a gluten-free version, take care when choosing your mustard and stock, as some contain wheat-based thickeners; use a certified gluten-free mustard and thicken the sauce with cornflour rather than wheat flour. That way everyone at the table can enjoy this hearty classic.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
As a beef dish, roulades are not vegetarian in their traditional form, but the idea translates beautifully to a meat-free table. Use large slices of seitan or thin aubergine and courgette strips in place of the meat, and swap the bacon for a smoky plant-based alternative. Fill, roll and braise them in the same aromatic sauce. For a fully vegan version, simply make sure your mustard and stock contain no animal products.
More tips and tricks
Use a high heat when browning to achieve a lovely deep colour on the roulades. You can also add a splash of red wine to the stock to intensify the flavour of the sauce. A bay leaf and a few peppercorns dropped into the braising liquid add extra depth, and a long, gentle simmer is the real secret to tender, succulent meat.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Experiment with the filling by adding, for example, peppers or mushrooms. The seasoning can vary too — try different herbs and spices to tailor the dish to your own taste. Some cooks like to add a strip of carrot for sweetness, while others slip in a little extra gherkin for a sharper, tangier note. These roulades pair wonderfully with the rustic flavours of Austrian cuisine.
Ingredient substitutions
If you would rather not use bacon, you can replace it with ham or a vegetarian option instead. For a lighter version, lean beef works well too. No gherkins to hand? A few capers or pickled peppers bring a similar tang. The dish sits comfortably alongside other braised favourites such as Saftgulasch, so feel free to borrow ideas from related recipes.
Drink pairing ideas
A full-bodied red wine, such as an Austrian Zweigelt or a Bordeaux, pairs beautifully with beef roulades. For an alcohol-free alternative, a fruity grape juice or a sparkling mineral water works nicely. A dark, malty beer is another good match for the rich, savoury sauce.
Serving and presentation ideas
Serve the roulades on a large plate, garnished with fresh parsley. They go particularly well with potatoes or a creamy mash, along with seasonal vegetables chosen to complement the colours on the plate. A spoonful of the glossy sauce poured over the sliced meat makes for an inviting, generous presentation. Soft Bread Dumplings are another classic side that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
A bit of history
Beef roulades most likely date back to the 19th century, quickly becoming a beloved family dish in the Austrian kitchen. Many regions developed their own variations and fillings, reflecting the diversity and heritage of this dish. Like the celebrated Tafelspitz, roulades belong to the canon of hearty, much-loved beef dishes that define traditional Austrian home cooking.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Beef Roulades
Juicy beef roulades are a delicious and traditional dish that represents Austria’s culinary heritage. With their hearty filling and aromatic sauce, they delight every palate and make a genuine treat for any occasion. Whether served at a festive dinner or a relaxed family meal, these roulades bring warmth and comfort to the table. Let this Austrian classic inspire you and give it a try — your guests will thank you.
