Garlic Butter Beef Rollups

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These rollups feature seasoned ground beef combined with sharp cheddar cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. The beef is carefully browned and simmered with onions and spices, then mixed with cheese before being rolled into dough triangles. Brushed with a rich garlic butter glaze, they bake to a golden finish, offering a perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and buttery flavors. Ideal as hearty snacks or comforting bites, these rollups are quick to assemble and satisfying when served warm with dipping sauces.

For best results, allow the beef filling to cool slightly before adding cheese to keep the texture intact. Baking until crisp gives a tender interior with a flaky crust. Variations with different cheeses or reheating tips create flexibility for any occasion.

A smiling chef holding a plate of food.
By Lina Lina
Last updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:51:57 GMT
Two garlic butter beef rollups on a table. Bookmark
Two garlic butter beef rollups on a table. | tinycakee.com

These garlic butter beef rollups combine seasoned ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough to create a cozy and indulgent bite. The beef is browned with onions and a blend of spices before being mixed with shredded cheddar cheese and rolled into the dough triangles. A rich garlic butter glaze brushed on top before baking gives each rollup a golden and aromatic finish. They make perfect party snacks or a comforting dinner that feels both simple and special.

I first made these rollups for a lastminute party needing finger foods, and now they are my goto when I want something quick and impressive that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: one pound for a hearty flavorful filling choose fresh lean meat for best results
  • Salt: half a teaspoon to balance and enhance the overall taste
  • Black pepper: half a teaspoon adds a mild gentle heat
  • Garlic powder: half a teaspoon provides a savory depth
  • Onion powder: half a teaspoon complements the garlic adding to the savoriness
  • Yellow onion: half a cup diced brings sweetness and texture pick firm onions without blemishes
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: one cup shredded offers creamy tangy richness sharp varieties deliver the most flavor punch
  • Refrigerated crescent roll dough: one can eight ounces for flaky buttery crust select a trusted brand and keep chilled until ready
  • Butter: two tablespoons melted forms the base for the garlic butter topping creating a golden finish and rich aroma
  • Garlic powder for the butter: one teaspoon intensifies garlic flavor in the topping
  • Fresh parsley: one tablespoon chopped optional for garnish adds freshness and a pop of color

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the rollups from sticking.
Cook the Beef and Onions:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook about eight to ten minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Sprinkle salt black pepper garlic powder and onion powder over the mixture as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
Mix in the Cheese:
When the beef mixture is warm but not hot stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly. This keeps the cheese from melting too soon and helps maintain a nice texture inside each rollup.
Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently separate it into eight triangles which are perfect pockets for the filling.
Fill and Roll:
Place a heaping tablespoon of the beef and cheese mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Roll from the wide end toward the pointed tip fully enclosing the filling. Position each rollup seamside down on the baking sheet to keep it closed while baking.
Brush with Garlic Butter:
Mix melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl. Brush the tops of all rollups generously with this mixture. It creates the golden color and rich garlic aroma.
Bake until Golden:
Bake in the oven for about twelve to fifteen minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with ketchup ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.
Garlic butter beef rollups.
Garlic butter beef rollups. | tinycakee.com

The sharp cheddar cheese melting into gooey pockets is my favorite part because it perfectly balances the savory beef. I recall making these on a rainy afternoon with my kids while the entire kitchen filled with the smell of garlic and comfort as they baked.

Storage Tips

Store leftover rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at three fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes to restore crispness. For longer storage wrap individual rollups tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken works as a lighter alternative to beef. You can swap sharp cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack if you prefer a milder or spicier cheese. Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder in the butter for a stronger garlic punch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rollups with classic condiments like ketchup or ranch dressing. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They also make crowdpleasing party appetizers when offered alongside a variety of dips.

Garlic butter beef rollups on a table.
Garlic butter beef rollups on a table. | tinycakee.com

These garlic butter beef rollups are easy to make and perfect for gatherings. Serve them warm with your favorite dip for best flavor.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cheese works best for these rollups?

Sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor and melts nicely inside, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or cream cheese are great alternatives for creaminess or spice.

→ Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the beef and cheese mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated. Add extra baking time if using cold filling to ensure thorough cooking.

→ How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?

Drain excess grease from the cooked beef and let the mixture cool slightly before filling to maintain a flaky, crisp crust after baking.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these rollups?

Ketchup, ranch dressing, or spicy sriracha mayo complement the savory flavors and add extra indulgence.

→ Can I freeze the rollups before baking?

Yes, assemble and freeze them unbaked. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for even baking.

Garlic Butter Beef Rollups

Savory ground beef and cheddar wrapped in flaky dough, brushed with garlic butter for a golden, aromatic finish.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
By Lina: Lina

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 8 Portion Count (8 rollups)

Dietary Options: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Meat and Aromatics

01 1 lb ground beef (lean)
02 ½ tsp salt
03 ½ tsp black pepper
04 ½ tsp garlic powder
05 ½ tsp onion powder
06 ½ cup diced yellow onion (about 75 g)

→ Cheese

07 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 113 g)

→ Dough

08 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz / 226 g)

→ Topping

09 2 tbsp melted butter
10 1 tsp garlic powder

→ Garnish

11 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef while sautéing diced onions until softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drain excess fat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 03

When the beef mixture is warm but not hot, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed to preserve texture.

Step 04

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles to form individual pockets for filling.

Step 05

Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the beef-cheese mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Roll from the wide base toward the pointed tip, sealing the edges and placing seam-side down on the baking tray.

Step 06

Combine melted butter with garlic powder and brush generously over each rollup to create a golden and flavorful crust.

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 08

Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with preferred dipping sauces such as ketchup or ranch.

Helpful Hints

  1. Cooling the beef mixture before adding cheese prevents premature melting and maintains filling texture.
  2. Baking until golden ensures a crisp exterior with a tender interior.
  3. These rollups freeze well before baking and can be baked directly from frozen with additional cooking time.
  4. Reheat leftovers in the oven to preserve crispness or use a microwave for convenience.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or greasing brush

Allergy Information

Review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy and gluten
  • May contain traces of wheat and milk allergens

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Use this nutritional summary as a guide – it's not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 14 g