Enjoy a taste of German cuisine with this traditional sauerbraten beef in gingersnap gravy recipe. Tender beef is marinated in a flavorsome blend of red wine, vinegar, and spices for several days, resulting in a perfectly seasoned and fork-tender dish. The tangy and slightly sweet gingersnap gravy adds a unique twist to the dish, making it a standout crowd-pleaser. Serve the sauerbraten beef with classic sides like mashed potatoes and braised red cabbage for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds beef roast (such as bottom round or rump)
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon juniper berries
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup gingersnap cookies, crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine red wine, red wine vinegar, beef broth, sliced onions, minced garlic, cloves, bay leaves, juniper berries, black peppercorns, and salt.
- Place the beef roast in the marinade, making sure it is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 days, turning the beef occasionally.
- After marinating, remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Strain and reserve the marinade.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the beef roast and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the reserved marinade to the Dutch oven. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Return the beef roast to the Dutch oven and add the crushed gingersnap cookies. Cover the pot and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily falls apart.
- Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the Dutch oven and set it aside to rest.
- In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the cooking liquid from the Dutch oven to create a thick gingersnap gravy. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slice the sauerbraten beef and serve with the gingersnap gravy. Enjoy with mashed potatoes and braised red cabbage for a traditional German meal.