Cheesy Taco Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Pinwheels are a fun and flavorful appetizer that combine seasoned ground beef with creamy cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. They’re quick to make and perfect for parties or a tasty snack any time.

Ingredients

• ½ pound ground beef (see notes)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 3 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• Salt (to taste)
• 2 large flour tortillas
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the beef in a small skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat as it cooks.
2. Step 2: Once the beef is cooked through, drain the grease and add ¼ cup of water and the taco seasoning. Stir to combine and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the liquid has evaporated.
3. Step 3: Add the seasoned beef, cream cheese, and sour cream to a bowl and mash the mixture together with a fork until well combined. Taste and season with salt, if needed.
4. Step 4: Divide the mixture evenly between 2 tortillas and spread to the edges.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the cheese evenly over each tortilla and roll up tightly.
6. Step 6: Use a sharp knife to trim the edges of the tortilla off and then slice each tortilla into 5 pieces.
7. Step 7: Arrange the pinwheels in an air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook at 370 degrees for 5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, use mild taco seasoning or add less seasoning and adjust to taste.
• Try adding chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cilantro for extra zest.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
• Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas to add a twist and extra nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness, about 3-5 minutes at 350°F. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them unheated for a few hours before cooking. Just add an extra minute to the air fryer cooking time if chilled.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese as a substitute. These will give a slightly different texture but keep the creamy element in the filling.

Cheesy Taco Pinwheels Recipe

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These Cheesy Taco Pinwheels are a quick and delicious snack or appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese rolled in soft flour tortillas and air fried to golden perfection. Perfectly spicy and cheesy, they’re great for parties or a fun family treat.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10 pinwheels (5 per tortilla) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Beef Mixture

• ½ pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• ¼ cup water
• Salt, to taste

For the Creamy Spread

• 3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon sour cream

For Assembly

• 2 large flour tortillas
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Crumble the meat as it cooks until fully browned.
2. Season the Beef: Drain excess grease. Add ¼ cup water and the taco seasoning to the skillet with the beef. Stir and continue cooking for 5-10 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
3. Mix with Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Transfer the seasoned beef to a bowl. Add cream cheese and sour cream. Mash together with a fork until smooth and well combined. Taste and add salt if desired.
4. Prepare Tortillas: Divide the beef mixture evenly between the two large tortillas. Spread the mixture completely to the edges.
5. Add Cheese and Roll: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer on both tortillas. Roll each tortilla up tightly into a cylinder.
6. Slice into Pinwheels: Use a sharp knife to trim the edges of each roll to make an even shape. Then slice each roll into 5 equal pieces to form pinwheels.
7. Air Fry: Arrange the pinwheels in a single even layer inside an air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 5 minutes until the tortillas are golden and the cheese melted.
8. Serve: Remove the pinwheels from the air fryer and serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
• Customize with your favorite taco seasoning blend.
• For a crispier texture, extend air frying time by 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
• These can also be made in an oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.

Keywords: cheesy taco pinwheels, taco appetizers, easy party snacks, ground beef recipes, air fryer snacks