Name: Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend); 1 can refrigerated pizza dough; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon mustard; ½ cup finely chopped onion; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: bacon bits (jalapeños)

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Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up have carved a niche for themselves in the hearts of comfort food enthusiasts. Originating as a creative twist on traditional meat and cheese dishes, these rolls combine the savory goodness of ground beef and the melt-in-your-mouth delight of cheese, all encased in a crispy, golden dough. Their popularity has soared due to their versatility and the ease with which they can be customized to suit any palate, making them a staple in family dinners, parties, and casual gatherings alike.

This dish stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying crunch outside and a juicy, cheesy filling inside. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up promise a delightful culinary adventure that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients Needed:

1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
½ cup finely chopped onion
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: bacon bits, jalapeños, or other preferred add-ins

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s ready for baking once your rolls are prepared.
Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Flavors: Once the beef is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the ketchup and mustard. Mix well until all the beef is evenly coated with the condiments. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a clean, flat surface into a rectangular shape. If using homemade dough, ensure it’s rolled thin enough to wrap easily around the filling.
Assemble the Rolls: Spread the beef mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheese (and any optional add-ins) over the beef.
Roll and Cut: Carefully roll the dough over the beef and cheese mixture, starting from the longer side, to form a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls.
Bake: Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
Serve: Allow the Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up to cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic butter for an extra flavor kick.

Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up are not just a treat to your taste buds but also a visual delight, making them a perfect addition to any meal that calls for a touch of comfort and joy.

Preparing the Beef Mixture

The heart of Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up lies in its flavorful beef mixture. Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion, cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. It’s crucial to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even distribution within the rolls. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat to prevent the rolls from becoming greasy. Stir in ketchup and mustard, mixing well to coat the beef evenly. This step infuses the beef with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, reminiscent of classic cheeseburger taste profiles. Let the mixture cool slightly before assembling the rolls, as handling hot filling can be difficult and may tear the dough.

Assembling the Rolls

Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Aim for a rectangular shape, which will make rolling easier. Spread the beef mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to ensure the filling stays inside when rolled.

Sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese over the beef. The cheese not only adds flavor but also acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the filling together. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like bacon bits or jalapeños, distribute them evenly over the cheese.

Starting at one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a log. Ensure the roll is tight enough to keep the filling secure while baking but not so tight that the dough tears. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces. This size is ideal for ensuring that each roll cooks evenly and has the perfect ratio of dough to filling.

Baking Tips and Tricks

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before assembling the rolls to ensure it’s up to temperature when you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Place the rolls on the baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for expansion as they bake. This ensures that the rolls cook evenly and become nicely browned all around.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. If you notice the rolls browning too quickly, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.

Let the rolls cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making the rolls easier to handle and eat.

Variations of the Recipe

The beauty of Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up lies in its versatility. Here are some variations to spice up the original recipe:

Meat Substitutes: Try ground turkey, pork, or a vegetarian alternative for a different flavor profile.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Add-ins: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add color and nutrition to your rolls.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up can be served in various ways to suit any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. Here are some serving ideas:

Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic butter for added flavor.
Arrange on a platter with other finger foods for a party-friendly option.

FAQs

Best Beef Cuts for the Recipe

For Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up, the best beef cuts are those that are lean yet flavorful. Ground chuck, with its 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio, strikes the perfect balance between taste and texture, making it an ideal choice. It cooks up juicy and flavorful, which is essential for keeping the rolls moist and delicious. If you prefer a leaner option, ground sirloin or ground round are also excellent options, though they may result in a slightly less moist filling.

Dough Alternatives

While refrigerated pizza dough is a convenient and popular choice for making Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up, there are several alternatives. Homemade pizza dough can add a personal touch to the recipe, or for a quicker option, crescent roll dough or puff pastry can be used for a flakier texture. For those looking for a lower-carb version, you can explore keto-friendly dough recipes made with almond flour or coconut flour.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to maintain the rolls’ crispiness. For a quicker option, microwaving them for 30 seconds to 1 minute can work, but be aware that the dough may soften. Avoid storing them at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Cheesy Beefy Rolls-Up are not just a meal; they’re an experience. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore variations, this dish is a delightful way to bring comfort and joy to your table. Don’t forget to check out Food Network for more kid-approved meal ideas that are perfect for family dinners.