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Hey food lovers! 🌮 Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for your next gathering or a cozy night in with the family: Taco Pinwheels. I can’t express enough gratitude for your constant support and enthusiasm for trying out these recipes. Your feedback and love are what keep me inspired to share more culinary delights with you!
These Taco Pinwheels are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun appetizer, or even craving a unique snack, these pinwheels are sure to impress. The best part? They’re super easy to make! Let’s dive right in and get started.
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 10 oz can Rotel (undrained)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Optional garnishes: lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions, cilantro, etc.
How to Make Taco Pinwheels
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Stir in the chili powder, salt, pepper, cumin, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the spices. Add the Rotel (including the liquid) and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases.
Step 4: Assemble the Pinwheels
Spread the cooled beef mixture evenly over the puff pastry. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese on top. Carefully roll the pastry sheet into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pinwheel slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re spaced out to avoid sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions, or cilantro. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Cooling the filling: Ensure the beef mixture is cool before spreading it on the puff pastry to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Cutting the pinwheels: Use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion to cut the pinwheels neatly.
- Even spacing: Leave enough space between the pinwheels on the baking sheet to allow them to expand while baking.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat alternatives: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese choices: Try different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Pastry options: If you don’t have puff pastry, crescent roll dough works as a great alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pinwheels up to the baking step, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Taco Pinwheels?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just place the cut pinwheels on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with Taco Pinwheels?
These pinwheels pair perfectly with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture.
More Relevant Recipes
If you loved these Taco Pinwheels, you might also enjoy:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta Recipe
- One-Pot Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage
- Smoked Garlic Butter Prime Rib
Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with me! I can’t wait to see how you make these Taco Pinwheels your own. 🌮❤️
PrintTaco Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
Description
These Taco Pinwheels are a delightful and versatile appetizer perfect for parties, gatherings, or a fun family snack. Made with seasoned ground beef, Rotel, shredded Mexican blend cheese, and puff pastry, these pinwheels are easy to prepare and incredibly tasty. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings for an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients
½ lb ground beef
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp paprika
10 oz can Rotel (undrained)
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Optional garnishes: lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions, cilantro, etc.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Add minced garlic to the beef and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in chili powder, salt, pepper, cumin, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika. Mix well.
Add the Rotel (with liquid) and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases.
Spread the cooled beef mixture evenly over the puff pastry. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Carefully roll the pastry sheet into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
Place the pinwheel slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re spaced out.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Ensure the beef mixture is cool before spreading it on the puff pastry to prevent sogginess.
Use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion to cut the pinwheels neatly.
Leave enough space between the pinwheels on the baking sheet to allow for expansion while baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg