Description
Zesty Mexican-inspired taco pinwheels deliver a flavor-packed punch of southwestern delight. Creamy cream cheese, seasoned ground beef, and crisp vegetables roll together for an irresistible party appetizer you can’t wait to devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Main Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Additional Ingredients:
- 10 ounces (283 grams) can Rotel (undrained)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Optional Garnishes:
- lettuce
- tomatoes
- sour cream
- salsa
- guacamole
- green onions
- cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal environment for golden, crispy pinwheels.
- Transform ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it down until thoroughly browned and completely cooked, then carefully eliminate excess grease.
- Infuse the meat with minced garlic, sautéing briefly to amplify aromatic qualities and develop deeper flavor profiles.
- Introduce a vibrant spice blend including chili powder, salt, pepper, cumin, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika, thoroughly incorporating each element to create a robust seasoning.
- Incorporate Rotel tomatoes with their liquid, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and reduce, concentrating flavors and creating a harmonious consistency.
- Prepare the puff pastry by gently rolling it on a lightly floured surface, smoothing out any existing creases to ensure an even base.
- Distribute the cooled meat mixture uniformly across the pastry, creating a consistent layer, then generously sprinkle shredded cheese to enhance texture and taste.
- Carefully construct a tight cylindrical log by rolling the pastry, then slice precisely into even 1-inch segments using a sharp knife.
- Arrange pinwheel slices strategically on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing to promote even cooking and crisp edges.
- Bake until the pastry transforms into a beautiful golden hue and the cheese melts into a luxurious, bubbling finish, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Allow pinwheels to rest momentarily after removing from the oven, then embellish with preferred garnishes for a personalized touch.
Notes
- Ensure the ground beef is thoroughly cooked and drained to prevent excess grease in the pinwheels.
- Let the beef mixture cool completely before spreading on puff pastry to maintain pastry’s flakiness.
- Use a serrated knife for clean, precise cuts when slicing the pinwheel log to keep the shape intact.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free phyllo or make a low-carb version using large tortillas instead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg