Cheesy Minced Meat Roll-Up 🧀🥩
Description
This Cheesy Minced Meat Roll-Up is a delicious, savory baked dish made with seasoned ground beef or sausage, colorful vegetables, fresh herbs, and plenty of melty cheese. Everything is rolled tightly inside thin flatbread or pastry, brushed with egg, topped with more cheese, and baked until golden, bubbling, and beautifully crisp.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Oven Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, finely grated or minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Assembly & Topping
- 2 large thin flatbreads, such as lavash or thin flour tortillas, or puff pastry rolled thin
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gouda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven 🔥
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture 🥩
Add the ground meat, onion, bell pepper, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Prepare the Flatbread
Place the flatbread or thinly rolled pastry on a clean work surface. If using two flatbreads, divide the meat mixture between them.
4. Add the Filling
Spread the raw meat mixture evenly over the surface, keeping about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and fresh parsley over the meat.
5. Add Cheese 🧀
Sprinkle approximately 1 cup of mozzarella or provolone evenly over the meat mixture.
6. Roll It Up
Starting from the edge closest to you, carefully roll the flatbread into a tight cylinder. Keep the roll snug so the filling stays inside. Place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Add the Topping
Brush the outside of the roll with beaten egg. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar or Gouda over the top.
8. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the meat is completely cooked through and the exterior is golden brown with melted, bubbling cheese.
9. Rest and Slice
Remove from the oven and let the roll rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Slice crosswise into thick pinwheels and serve warm.
Important Cooking Note
Because the meat is added raw, make sure the center reaches a safe internal temperature before serving. For ground beef, pork, or sausage, the USDA recommends 160°F (71°C).
Tips for the Best Roll-Up
- Don’t overfill: A thin, even meat layer makes the roll easier to roll and cook evenly.
- Keep it tight: Roll firmly but avoid squeezing the filling out.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Let it rest: Five minutes of resting helps the cheese set slightly and makes cleaner slices.
- For extra crispness: Place the roll on a preheated baking sheet before baking.
- For a milder flavor: Use ground beef instead of sausage and reduce the black pepper.
Serving Ideas
Serve these cheesy meat pinwheels with a simple green salad, cucumber-tomato salad, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a creamy yogurt-garlic dipping sauce. They’re also great as an appetizer, party snack, lunch, or easy family dinner.
Storage
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer until hot and crisp. You can also freeze baked, cooled slices for up to about 2 months and reheat them from thawed or frozen until thoroughly hot.
