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The Ultimate Easy & Cheesy Taco Pinwheels (Make-Ahead Appetizer)

A white plate holding several baked taco pinwheels filled with seasoned ground meat and melted cheese.
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Make these easy taco pinwheels for a crowd-pleasing snack. They combine seasoned meat, cream cheese, and shredded cheese rolled tightly in tortillas, perfect for parties or game day spreads.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 10 large flour tortillas (about 10 inches each)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Stir the taco seasoning mix into the cooked beef according to the packet directions, usually adding a small amount of water. Set the meat mixture aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
  4. Fold the cooled taco meat mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. This is your creamy taco filling.
  5. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about 1/10th of the filling mixture evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
  6. Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla up tightly, creating a compact log. Repeat this process with the remaining filling and tortillas.
  7. Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the rolls for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow them to firm up for easy slicing. This step is key for clean pinwheels.
  8. When ready to serve, unwrap the chilled rolls. Use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
  9. Arrange the taco pinwheels on a serving platter. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter for added flavor, if desired. Serve immediately as a cold appetizer.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken for Chicken Taco Pinwheels.
  • For a spicier flavor, add 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture.
  • These are best served cold, making them an excellent make-ahead game day snack.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/taco-pinwheels-easy-cheesy-appetizer-recipe/