Name: Cheesy Beef Roll Ups: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 10 roll ups
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 (10 count) package large flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping); 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for topping)

Cheesy Beef Roll Ups: Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite! Imagine tender, seasoned ground beef embraced by a blanket of melted cheese, all snuggled inside a soft, warm tortilla. These aren't just any ordinary snacks; they're a comforting, crowd-pleasing delight that's surprisingly easy to make.

While the exact origins of Cheesy Beef Roll Ups are a bit of a mystery, their spirit is rooted in the Tex-Mex tradition of simple, satisfying flavors. Think of them as a delicious cousin to enchiladas or burritos, offering a more casual and customizable experience. They're perfect for game day, potlucks, or even a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

What makes these roll ups so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The savory beef, the gooey cheese, and the soft tortilla create a symphony of deliciousness that's hard to resist. Plus, they're incredibly convenient! You can easily prepare them ahead of time and bake them when you're ready to eat, making them a lifesaver for busy weeknights. So, gather your ingredients and let's get rolling – literally! You're about to discover your new favorite appetizer or quick meal.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (10 count) package large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for topping)

Preparing the Beef Filling

Alright, let's get started with the heart of our Cheesy Beef Roll Ups – the savory beef filling! This is where all the delicious flavors come together, so pay close attention to each step.

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. You want to cook it until it's completely browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy roll-ups!
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for adding depth of flavor to the filling. The onions should be translucent and the bell peppers slightly tender.
Add the Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Pour in the tomato sauce and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel). Don't drain the diced tomatoes – we want all that flavorful juice! Stir everything together well to combine.
Season the Filling: Now it's time to add the spices! Sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Simmer the Filling: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the filling simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The filling should thicken slightly during this time. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!
Taste and Adjust: After simmering, give the filling a taste. This is your chance to adjust the seasonings. Does it need more salt? A little more chili powder for a kick? Now's the time to make it perfect!

Assembling the Roll Ups

Now for the fun part – assembling the roll ups! This is where we transform the delicious beef filling into individual, cheesy bundles of joy.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the roll ups will be cooked evenly and the cheese will be perfectly melted.
Prepare the Tortillas: Lay out a clean, flat surface. You'll be working with one tortilla at a time.
Add Cheese to Tortilla: Sprinkle a thin layer of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This will help seal the roll up and prevent the filling from spilling out.
Add Beef Filling: Spoon about 1/2 cup of the beef filling onto the center of the tortilla, spreading it evenly over the cheese. Don't overfill the tortilla, or it will be difficult to roll up and may burst open during baking.
Roll Up the Tortilla: Tightly roll up the tortilla, starting from one edge and rolling towards the opposite edge. Try to keep the roll up as tight as possible to prevent it from unraveling.
Place in Baking Dish: Place the rolled-up tortilla seam-side down in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. This will help prevent the roll ups from opening up during baking.
Repeat: Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly in the baking dish.

Baking and Finishing Touches

Almost there! Now it's time to bake our Cheesy Beef Roll Ups to golden-brown perfection and add those final touches that will take them over the top.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the roll ups in the baking dish. This creates a beautiful, cheesy crust that everyone will love.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Let Cool Slightly: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot cheese and filling.
Garnish (Optional): If desired, top the roll ups with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. These additions add a touch of freshness and flavor that complements the richness of the roll ups.
Serve and Enjoy!: Serve the Cheesy Beef Roll Ups warm and enjoy! These are perfect as a main course, appetizer, or party snack. They're also great for meal prepping – you can easily make them ahead of time and reheat them when you're ready to eat.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Cheesy Beef Roll Ups? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef filling for an extra kick.
Add Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans to the beef filling for added protein and fiber.
Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a block of softened cream cheese to the beef filling for a richer, creamier texture.
Add Corn: Stir in a can of drained sweet corn to the beef filling for added sweetness and texture.
Make it a Casserole: Instead of rolling up the tortillas, layer them in a baking dish with the beef filling and cheese for a cheesy beef casserole.
Use Different Tortillas: Try using whole wheat tortillas or even spinach tortillas for a healthier twist.
Make Mini Roll Ups: Use smaller tortillas to make mini roll ups, perfect for appetizers or snacks.
Freezer Friendly: These roll ups freeze well! Assemble them, but don't bake them. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Beef Roll Ups are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

Main Course: Serve them with a side salad, rice, or beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Appetizer: Cut them into smaller pieces and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Party Snack: These are always a hit at parties! They're easy to eat and everyone loves them.
Lunchbox Treat: Pack them in your lunchbox for a delicious and filling midday meal.
Game Day Food: These are perfect for game day gatherings! They're easy to make and everyone will love them.

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Cheesy Beef Roll Ups as much as I do! They're a family favorite in my house, and I'm sure they'll become a favorite in yours too. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cheesy Beef Roll Ups are more than just a recipe; they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a weeknight dinner savior, and a delicious adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it perfectly balances ease of preparation with incredible flavor. The combination of savory seasoned beef, melty cheese, and the satisfying crunch of the tortilla is simply irresistible. It's the kind of dish that disappears quickly, leaving everyone wanting more. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. You could even add some finely diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra layer of heat. Serving Suggestions: These Cheesy Beef Roll Ups are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a dollop of sour cream, a scoop of guacamole, or a side of fresh salsa. A simple green salad or some Mexican rice would also complement them perfectly. For a heartier meal, you could even serve them with refried beans. Variations to Explore: Don't be afraid to get creative! If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you could easily substitute the beef with seasoned black beans or lentils. You could also add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or corn to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Another fun variation is to bake the roll ups in a casserole dish with enchilada sauce and extra cheese for a truly decadent meal. Think of this recipe as a blank canvas – feel free to customize it to your liking! I've made these Cheesy Beef Roll Ups countless times, and they're always a hit. They're perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, game day gatherings, or even a fun and interactive family dinner. The possibilities are endless! Why This Recipe Stands Out: What truly sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. You don't need to be a master chef to create these delicious roll ups. The ingredients are readily available, the instructions are easy to follow, and the results are consistently amazing. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover cooked beef or ground beef. It's a win-win situation! I'm confident that you'll love these Cheesy Beef Roll Ups as much as I do. They're a fun, flavorful, and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of these incredible roll ups. Your Turn to Try: I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you've made them, I'd love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can't wait to see your creations! Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this cheesy beef roll ups recipe as much as I do!