Tender beef rolls filled with a delicious mixture of garlic, onions, herbs, and melted cheese, slowly cooked in a rich, savory tomato gravy. This comforting, family-friendly meal is full of flavor and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 beef rolls
Ingredients
For the Beef Rolls
– 6 thin slices beef steak, approximately 2 lb (900 g) total
– 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup (50 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
– ½ cup (50 g) finely chopped mushrooms (optional)
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Kitchen twine or toothpicks, for securing the rolls
For the Slow Cooker Sauce
– 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
– 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
1. Prepare the beef. Lay the beef slices on a cutting board. If necessary, gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are approximately ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Prepare the filling. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and optional mushrooms, cooking for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Mix the filling. In a bowl, combine the cooked onion mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Stir until evenly mixed.
4. Fill the beef slices. Spread a thin layer of filling over each beef slice, leaving a small border around the edges. Avoid overfilling so the rolls stay closed during cooking.
5. Roll and secure. Starting at one short end, roll each beef slice tightly around the filling. Secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
6. Brown the rolls. Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the rolls for 1–2 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you are short on time.
7. Prepare the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and minced garlic.
8. Assemble the slow cooker. Scatter the sliced onion across the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the stuffed beef rolls on top in a single layer if possible. Pour the sauce evenly over the rolls.
9. Slow cook. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender. Thicker or tougher cuts may require additional cooking time.
10. Thicken the sauce (optional). Carefully transfer the rolls to a serving plate. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce, cover, and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Return the rolls to the sauce.
11. Serve. Remove all toothpicks or kitchen twine before serving. Spoon the savory sauce over the beef rolls and garnish with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan.
Tips for Perfect Beef Rolls
– Choose thinly sliced flank steak, top round, or another braising-friendly beef cut.
– Pound thicker slices evenly to make rolling easier.
– Let the filling cool slightly before adding it to the beef to reduce excess moisture.
– Secure the rolls firmly to prevent the cheese from escaping.
– Do not overcrowd the slow cooker; even spacing helps the rolls cook evenly.
– For extra flavor, add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce.
– For a richer gravy, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream just before serving.
Storage and Reheating
– Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container with the sauce for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container with the sauce for up to 3 months.
– Reheating: Warm gently in a covered saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated throughout. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
– Make-ahead option: Prepare and secure the rolls the night before, refrigerate promptly, and cook the following day.
Nutrition Information
Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings.
– Calories: 430
– Protein: 43 g
– Total Fat: 24 g
– Saturated Fat: 10 g
– Carbohydrates: 9 g
– Fiber: 2 g
– Total Sugars: 5 g
– Net Carbohydrates: 7 g
– Cholesterol: 125 mg
– Sodium: 850 mg
Nutrition values vary depending on the beef cut, cheese, broth, and sauce brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: What cut of beef works best?
Thinly sliced flank steak, top round, or sirloin can work. For tougher cuts, slow cooking helps soften the meat.
Q2: Can I make these beef rolls without cheese?
Yes. Replace the cheese with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, onions, or a seasoned breadcrumb filling.
Q3: Do I have to brown the beef rolls first?
No. Browning is optional, but it adds a deeper roasted flavor to the finished sauce.
Q4: Can I use a creamy sauce instead of tomato sauce?
Yes. A mushroom gravy made with beef broth, sautéed mushrooms, and a little cream is a delicious alternative.
Q5: How do I prevent the filling from falling out?
Avoid overfilling, roll the beef tightly, and secure the seam with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Q6: Can I cook this recipe overnight?
It is better to follow the slow cooker’s recommended operating time rather than leave the rolls cooking longer than necessary. Use a slow cooker designed for unattended cooking and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Q7: What should I serve with stuffed beef rolls?
Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, green beans, or roasted vegetables all complement the savory sauce.
Q8: How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef should be fork-tender. For whole beef steaks, use a food thermometer and follow safe minimum-temperature guidance for the specific cut; slow-braised beef may need substantially more cooking to become tender.
Recipe Notes
– Diet: High-protein; relatively low in carbohydrates without a starchy side dish.
– Allergens: Contains milk and may contain soy or wheat depending on the Worcestershire sauce, broth, and other packaged ingredients.
– Nuts: No nuts are required. Check ingredient labels for allergen warnings and potential cross-contact if serving someone with a nut allergy.
– Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and broth, and verify all other packaged ingredients.
– Slow-cooker safety: Thaw beef in the refrigerator before cooking, and do not place frozen beef rolls directly into the slow cooker.
Enjoy these savory, tender Stuffed Beef Rolls with their rich homemade sauce for a comforting dinner the whole family can enjoy!
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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