This recipe creates savory and satisfying cheesy tortilla meat roll-ups (or pinwheels), perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. A flavorful ground meat mixture is spread over tortillas, topped with cheese and herbs, rolled up, and then baked until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb, turkey)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Optional: Salsa or sour cream, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare Meat Filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or chosen meat) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Season Meat: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Lay one tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a portion of the meat filling evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border. Sprinkle about 1/4 of the shredded cheese and 1/4 of the chopped cilantro or parsley over the meat.
- Roll Up: Tightly roll up the tortilla. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Slice (Optional for Pinwheels): If making pinwheels, carefully slice each rolled-up tortilla into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Bake: Place the rolled-up tortillas (or pinwheels) seam-side down in a baking dish. You can lightly grease the dish to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve warm with salsa or sour cream on the side, if you like.
Tips and Notes:
- Meat Variations: Use any ground meat you prefer.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Herb Variations: Use your favorite fresh herbs.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the roll-ups just before baking.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled roll-ups before baking. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
- Serving Ideas: These roll-ups are great for parties, game days, or a quick snack.
Enjoy these cheesy and flavorful tortilla meat roll-ups!