Cheesy Ground Beef Pinwheels

Cheesy ground beef pinwheels first landed in my kitchen when I was looking for a quick holiday appetizer that felt both comforting and festive so I grabbed some leftover taco meat a sheet of puff pastry and a handful of shredded cheese and hoped for the best. When I pulled them out of the oven golden and bubbly with melty cheese spiraled through each layer I knew I’d found something special because they disappeared from the table faster than anything else I served that day.

Now I whip up these cheesy ground beef pinwheels anytime I need an easy crowd-pleaser whether it’s game night or a cozy movie evening and they never disappoint—they’re flaky cheesy savory and the perfect two-bite snack that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – Provides hearty flavor and richness as the filling base
• Puff pastry – Light and flaky it wraps everything up into perfect golden spirals
• Cheddar cheese – Melts into gooey deliciousness with every bite
• Onion – Adds subtle sweetness and flavor depth to the beef
• Garlic – Gives the filling an extra punch of savory goodness
• Tomato paste – Helps bind the mixture and gives a slight tang
• Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the meat with a deep umami hit
• Egg – Used for brushing the pastry to get that shiny golden crust
• Salt and pepper – Balances and boosts all the other flavors
• Parsley – A bright garnish for a pop of color and freshness

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet – For cooking the beef and building the filling
• Baking sheet – To bake the pinwheels until puffed and golden
• Rolling pin – Helps flatten the puff pastry if needed
• Knife or pizza cutter – To slice the filled pastry into even pinwheels
• Pastry brush – For brushing the tops with beaten egg before baking
• Parchment paper – Keeps the pinwheels from sticking to the baking sheet

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup easy.

Step 2:

In a skillet I cook the ground beef with diced onion and garlic over medium heat until browned and fragrant then I stir in tomato paste Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper and let it simmer until thick and flavorful.

Step 3:

Once the beef mixture is cooled slightly I roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and spread the meat evenly across the surface leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4:

I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef then carefully roll up the pastry like a jelly roll sealing the edge with a little water.

Step 5:

Using a sharp knife I slice the roll into 1-inch rounds and place them cut-side up on the baking sheet then I brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny finish.

Step 6:

I bake them for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips

If you want extra flavor you can add taco seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. These also freeze beautifully—just assemble slice and freeze before baking and pop them in the oven straight from the freezer when you need a last-minute snack. And for a fun twist I sometimes mix in a spoonful of cream cheese with the meat to make the filling even creamier.

Ways to Serve

As a party appetizer with dipping sauces like ranch or salsa

For lunch with a side salad or coleslaw

With scrambled eggs for a fun brunch spread

As an after-school snack for kids

On a grazing board with fruits and cheeses

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cheesy ground beef pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes you can prep them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

What kind of cheese works best in cheesy ground beef pinwheels?

I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor but mozzarella pepper jack or Colby work great too.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry in cheesy ground beef pinwheels?

Absolutely just adjust the baking time slightly and keep an eye on them as they cook faster.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these cheesy ground beef pinwheels a try! They’re fun easy and always a hit whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself to something cozy and savory. Let me know how they turn out and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next party or snack craving.

Happy Cooking!

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