If you are craving a burst of bold, comforting flavors wrapped up in a golden, cheesy package, the Cheesy Beef Taco Roll Ups Recipe is a total winner. This dish combines juicy seasoned ground beef and melty cheddar cheese rolled inside soft flour tortillas, baked to perfection for a crowd-pleasing meal. It’s the kind of recipe that brings together simple ingredients in a fun, delicious way that feels special yet effortless enough for any weeknight dinner. Once you try these roll ups, they’ll become your go-to for taco night with a twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine, and luckily, everything is straightforward and familiar. Each component plays its own role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible cheesy goodness that makes the Cheesy Beef Taco Roll Ups Recipe so memorable.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides that hearty, savory base with plenty of protein.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Spices up the beef with a zesty Mexican flair, making every bite come alive.
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch): Perfectly soft and pliable, these are the vessel that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy, tangy richness throughout.
- 1/2 cup salsa: Adds moisture and a fresh, tangy kick that balances the savory beef and cheese.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional): Brings a pop of color and a subtle crunch for freshness.
- Sour cream and guacamole for serving (optional): Classic accompaniments that elevate every bite with cool creaminess and vibrant flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Taco Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure the roll ups won’t stick during baking and get that lovely golden crust on the edges. Setting this up early helps everything come together smoothly.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and cook until it’s browned and crumbly. This step builds the base flavor, so make sure to drain off any excess fat afterward to keep the roll ups from feeling greasy.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Add the taco seasoning to the skillet along with any water required by your packet instructions. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the spices can really meld into the beef, turning it into a fragrant, zesty filling that’s full of character.
Step 4: Fill the Tortillas
Lay out each flour tortilla and spread about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture evenly in the center. This ratio ensures every bite has just the right balance of meat without being overwhelming.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Roll
Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef before rolling up each tortilla tightly. This step is where the magic happens—the cheese melts inside and keeps the beef perfectly moist during baking.
Step 6: Arrange in Baking Dish
Place each roll up seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Lining them close together helps the roll ups support each other and keeps them from unrolling as they bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the roll ups for 15 to 20 minutes, or until you see the cheese melted and bubbling, and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is nothing short of irresistible!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a burst of freshness and inviting color. Serve the roll ups warm with dollops of sour cream and guacamole on the side for a complete, crave-worthy meal.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Taco Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped green onions or fresh cilantro brightens the dish visually and adds layers of texture and flavor that complement the cheesy beef filling beautifully. A squeeze of lime juice over the top also awakens the flavors for an extra zing.
Side Dishes
These roll ups pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp Mexican street corn salad, a fresh garden salad, or even a bowl of black beans and rice. Each side adds balance and rounds out the meal perfectly without overshadowing the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the roll ups into bite-size pinwheels for appetizer platters, or serve them open-faced topped with extra salsa and a sprinkle of cheese for a deconstructed take. You could also arrange them stacked on a platter with colorful sides to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Cheesy Beef Taco Roll Ups Recipe in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain delicious and ready to reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the roll ups on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making for a convenient homemade meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the roll ups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also use a microwave for a faster option, but baking helps maintain that crispness on the edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for these roll ups?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds a classic sharpness and meltability, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some spice, or even a Mexican blend for more complexity.
Are these roll ups suitable for freezing before or after baking?
They freeze best before baking. Once rolled and placed in the baking dish, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a storage bag. When ready, bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What if I want to make these vegetarian?
You can swap the beef for seasoned cooked lentils, black beans, or a vegetarian meat substitute. Using the same taco seasoning will keep those beloved bold flavors intact.
Can I make these roll ups gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free tortillas and double-check your taco seasoning packet ingredients. The rest of the recipe stays the same and just as delicious.
How spicy is the recipe and can I adjust it?
The spice level depends on your taco seasoning choice. You can use mild seasoning if you prefer gentle flavors or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. Customizing is easy to match your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Taco Roll Ups Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite around my kitchen table and I’m sure it will in yours too. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly satisfying, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy taco night in a new and exciting way. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser and a comforting classic to keep in your dinner rotation.
Print
Cheesy Beef Taco Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll ups
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Cheesy Beef Taco Roll Ups are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and flavorful tortillas baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or a tasty snack, these roll ups are served with optional sour cream and guacamole for added creaminess and zest.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Water as directed on taco seasoning packet
Roll Ups
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning along with the amount of water specified on the seasoning packet. Stir to combine, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Spread roughly 1/4 cup of the seasoned beef mixture evenly onto each flour tortilla. Then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Roll the Tortillas: Tightly roll up each tortilla to encase the filling completely. This helps keep the ingredients inside during baking.
- Arrange for Baking: Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. This prevents them from unrolling while baking.
- Bake the Roll Ups: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted thoroughly and the edges of the tortillas turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve the roll ups with sides of sour cream and guacamole to enhance their flavor.
Notes
- You can add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use whole wheat or corn tortillas as a healthier alternative or for dietary preferences.
- If you want extra gooey cheese, sprinkle some on top before baking.
- Make sure to tightly roll the tortillas to prevent filling from spilling out when baking.
- These can be prepared ahead and baked right before serving, making them perfect for gatherings.
