This recipe creates savory and cheesy meat rolls (or pinwheels) using tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat and cheese, then rolled up and baked until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. They are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or a light meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 8-10 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, a blend, or your favorite)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup salsa or tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
- Sour cream or guacamole, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Cook the Meat Filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. If using, stir in the salsa or tomato sauce.
- Warm the Tortillas: Lightly warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread a thin, even layer of the cooked meat mixture over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the meat.
- Carefully roll up the tortilla tightly, starting from one edge.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. You can keep them whole as rolls or slice them into pinwheel shapes (about 1-1.5 inches thick) before baking, as shown in the bottom image.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are lightly golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked tortilla meat rolls (or pinwheels) from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve warm on their own or with sour cream or guacamole for dipping, if desired.
Tips and Notes:
- Meat Variations: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian meat substitute.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese based on your preference.
- Vegetable Additions: Sauté chopped bell peppers or other vegetables with the onion for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake the rolls when ready to serve.
- Freezing: The baked rolls can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually or in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
Enjoy these flavorful and easy Cheesy Tortilla Meat Rolls (or Pinwheels)!