Cheesy Ground Beef Tortilla Roll-Ups

A savory dish featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses wrapped in flour tortillas, brushed with butter, and baked until crispy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference)
• ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
• 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
• Optional Serving Dips: Sour cream, Guacamole or diced avocados, Additional salsa or hot sauce

Instructions

1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart using a wooden spoon and cook until completely browned and no pink remains (about 6 to 7 minutes). Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary.
4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef, pour in ¼ cup of water and ½ cup of salsa, and stir thoroughly.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed, leaving a rich, thick, and flavorful meat mixture. Remove from heat and stir in the black beans if using.
6. To make the tortillas pliable and easy to roll without cracking, stack them on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Lay the warm tortillas out on a clean, flat work surface.
7. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
8. Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly across the 6 tortillas, placing the meat in a horizontal line slightly off-center on each tortilla, leaving a small border at the edges.
9. Top the beef mixture generously with the mixed cheese blend, reserving about ½ cup of cheese for later.
10. Fold the left and right sides of each tortilla inward slightly over the filling, then roll them up tightly from the bottom into a secure cylinder.
11. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), or prepare a large skillet or air fryer if you prefer pan-frying or air-frying.
12. Arrange the rolled tortillas seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
13. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the top and sides of each tortilla roll-up with the melted butter to ensure a golden, crispy exterior.
14. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the tops.
15. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy at the edges, and the cheese on top is completely melted and bubbling.
16. Remove the pan from the oven and let the roll-ups rest for 3 to 5 minutes to help the melted cheese set slightly.
17. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice each large roll-up diagonally into halves or bite-sized pinwheels if serving as party appetizers.
18. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately alongside your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, fresh guacamole, and extra salsa.

Notes

Don’t Overfill: Keep the filling amounts balanced so you can roll the tortillas tightly without tearing them. Cheese Choice: Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-packaged shredded cheese because it lacks anti-caking agents. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the roll-ups a few hours in advance, cover them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to brush with butter and bake. Nutrition Information (per serving): Calories: 620 kcal, Total Fat: 34g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Cholesterol: 115mg, Sodium: 980mg.