Stuffed Pork Rolls (Romanian Rulouri de Carne)

 

Stuffed Pork Rolls (Romanian Rulouri de Carne)

There’s something incredibly comforting about traditional Romanian dishes, and these Rulouri de Carne—Romanian Stuffed Pork Rolls—are no exception. Made from tender slices of pork loin wrapped around a colorful, savory filling of sweet carrots, red bell pepper, fresh parsley, and gooey mozzarella, these rolls are both rustic and celebratory.

Each roll is seasoned generously with paprika, salt, and pepper, then secured with toothpicks like little flavor-packed bundles. The real magic happens in the oven, where the ingredients melt together into juicy, golden perfection. Tied together with egg as a binding agent, and finished with a kiss of paprika warmth, this dish is perfect for Sunday dinners, festive gatherings, or simply bringing a bit of Romanian soul to your table.

Serve them warm, sliced into spirals that reveal a vibrant, cheesy center—simple, hearty, and full of love.

 What Makes This Recipe Special: 

• A Celebration of Tradition, Color, and Comfort: What sets this dish apart is the combination of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something unexpectedly elegant. 

• A Vibrant Filling: Inside each pork roll, you'll find a cheerful mix of carrots, red bell pepper, and fresh parsley, offering both a pop of color and natural sweetness. It's like a little surprise with every slice.

• Gooey, Melty Center: The addition of whole milk mozzarella adds a creamy richenss that ties the whole roll together. Once baked, the cheese melts into the vegetables, creating that irresistible, savory pull with every bite.

• Generously Seasoned: Don’t be fooled by the short ingredient list—paprika, salt, and black pepper bring out the flavor of the pork beautifully, creating that signature Romanian warmth and depth.

• A Taste of Romania: This dish is rooted in Romanian home cooking. Whether you grew up with it or are discovering it for the first time, Rulouri de Carne brings a little Eastern European soul to your kitchen with every tender, flavorful bite.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

(Estimate — adjust based on ingredients used)

• Calories: 690

• Protein: 60g

• Fat: 44g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Fiber: 9g

• Sugar: 5g

• Sodium: 650mg

Nutrition values may vary depending on portion size and substitutions.

How to Store & Serve: 

If you have leftovers (though it's rare!), these rolls store beautifully:

• Refrigerator: Place cooled pork rolls in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual rolls tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Reheat covered in foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes or until warmed through.

Tip: If you're serving these for a gathering or holiday meal, prep the rolls ahead of time and store them uncooked in the fridge—just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready, pop them in the oven fresh. It’s a time-saver that still delivers that made-from-scratch magic!

Watch my Step-by-Step Video:

The Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of pork loin
• 2 carrots
• 1 red bell pepper
• 5 teaspoons of salt
• 5 teaspoons of paprika
• 3 teaspoons of ground black pepper
• 1/2-pound block of mozzarella
• 3 eggs
• 10 parsley sprigs
• 40-50 toothpicks

Cookware:

• Baking dish (at least 9" x 13")
• Rack (to arrange over the baking dish)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pork.
2. Slice the pork loin into thin, even cutlets (about 1/4 inch thick). 
3. If needed, lightly pound them to flatten for easier rolling.
4. In a saucepan, combine the whole carrots and red bell peppers in boiling water. 
5. Boil the carrots and red bell peppers for 7 minutes.
6. Remove the carrots and red bell peppers to cool for 15 minutes.
7. Season the carrots and red bell peppers with half of the salt, ground black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly.
8. On a clean surface, lay out the pork slices.
9. Sprinkle each slice generously with the remaining salt, paprika, and ground black pepper.
10. Add 3 spoons of egg to each slice.
11. Assembe the rolls.
12. Place the red bell pepper slices, 1/4 of a carrot, and 1 long strip of mozzarella or cheese of your choice.
13. Add a sprig of parsley.
14. Carefully roll the pork slice tightly around the filling.
15. Secure each roll with 1-7 toothpicks to hold the shape.
16. Place on the rack, also placed in the baking dish.
17. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
18. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the cheese is melted inside. The rolls should be golden and juicy.
19. Remove toothpicks carefully before serving.
20. Slice the rolls into spirals to reveal the colorful filling and serve warm.
21. For a crispier finish, sear the rolls in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for 2-3 minutes per side before baking.

👉 Get the recipe in printable form on Payhip

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