Garlic Butter Beef Cheeseburger Rollups are the kind of cozy, comforting recipe that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening. These rollups combine savory ground beef, melty cheddar, and rich garlic butter tucked inside soft crescent dough—everything you love about a cheeseburger, wrapped and baked to bubbly, golden perfection. They’re approachable for weeknight cooking, playful for a seasonal gathering, and comforting for anyone craving from-scratch flavors. If you’re short on time but want big flavor, pair this idea with a quick weeknight favorite like our speedy 30-minute beef stir-fry for a full menu that feels homemade without fuss.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter
- 1 package crescent roll dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
Notes:
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melt and flavor; pre-shredded cheese sometimes has anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- If you like extra garlic, increase the garlic butter to 5–6 tablespoons or mix in a teaspoon of roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow profile.
Helpful equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or cast-iron skillet (for browning beef)
- Baking tray (lined with parchment or a silicone mat)
- Pastry brush (for brushing extra garlic butter)
- Bench scraper or sharp knife (to cut rollups cleanly)
- Instant-read thermometer (optional — dough should be golden and internal filling near 160°F / 71°C for ground beef)
- Cooling rack
Kitchen tip: Chill your crescent dough for a few minutes if it becomes too soft while you spread fillings; slightly firmer dough is easier to roll tightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions (with tips)
H3: Prep and preheat
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
H3: Cook the beef
2. In a skillet, cook 1 pound ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper while cooking.
- Tip: Drain excess fat if desired, but leave a tablespoon in the pan for flavor. If using lean beef, you may not need to drain. For extra depth, briefly sauté a small diced onion with the beef, then remove any excess onion juices before assembling.
H3: Prepare the dough
3. Roll out the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface and pinch seams together to create a single rectangle. If your dough comes in triangles, press seams firmly with a rolling pin or your fingers to make one consistent sheet.
- Tip: Aim for an even thickness so the roll bakes uniformly.
H3: Add garlic butter and fillings
4. Spread garlic butter evenly over the dough using a spoon or offset spatula. Make sure to cover the edges lightly to help seal the roll.
- Tip: If your garlic butter is firm, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds until spreadable.
- Sprinkle the cooked beef evenly over the dough, followed by 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Leave a small margin at the far edge (about 1/2 inch) to help seal the roll.
- Variation: For a cheeseburger twist, add thinly sliced pickles on top of the beef before rolling, or mix a tablespoon of tomato paste with the beef for richer umami.
H3: Roll and slice
6. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side, and pinch the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the log into individual rollups (about 8 pieces works well).
- Tip: Chill the log in the refrigerator for 10 minutes if it feels too soft; this will help you cut neat slices without squashing the filling.
H3: Bake to golden
7. Place rollups on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down, leaving space between each. If you like glossy tops, brush a little additional garlic butter on each roll before baking.
8. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
- Tip: If you want extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch carefully to avoid burning.
H3: Serving
9. Serve warm. These rollups are excellent plain or with dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or a simple yogurt-based ranch.
Cooking variations and flavor suggestions
- Add Veggies: Finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms can be sautéed with the beef for extra texture and nutrition.
- Spiced Up: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika, ground cumin, or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a bolder flavor.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix for different melt and flavor profiles.
- Dough Alternatives: Use puff pastry sheets if you prefer a flakier crust; adjust bake time to 18–22 minutes based on your oven.
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
Short-term storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftover rollups in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer at 325°F for 4–6 minutes to regain crispness. Microwaving will heat them quickly but may make the dough soggy.
Freezing
- Freeze before baking: Assemble the roll log, slice into individual pieces, then flash-freeze the unbaked rollups on a tray for 1–2 hours. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 18–25 minutes, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
- Freeze after baking: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat from frozen by baking at 350°F for 12–18 minutes, until warmed through.
Make-ahead strategies
- Prepare filling in advance: Cook the ground beef and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This speeds assembly and is great for meal prep.
- Party platter: Assemble rollups, refrigerate, and bake just before guests arrive for hot, fresh bites.
Use leftover beef creatively
- If you end up with extra cooked ground beef or want to repurpose parts of this recipe into another dinner, try reinventing it with a simple casserole twist like a 4-ingredient ground beef casserole—it’s a quick, comforting second meal that keeps waste low and flavor high.
How to Use / Serve This Dish
Serving ideas
- Family dinner: Serve a stack of rollups with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and oven-roasted potatoes for a balanced meal.
- Game day or gathering: Arrange them on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces—garlic yogurt dip, ketchup-mustard mix, or spicy tomato sauce—to make them easy to grab.
- Kid-friendly: Offer cut-up rollups alongside carrot sticks and apple slices for a complete, approachable plate.
Side dish suggestions
- Fresh slaw: A simple cabbage slaw with a yogurt or light mayo dressing adds crunch and acidity that complements the buttery rollups.
- Roasted veggies: Seasonal roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes make the meal heartier and are easy to prepare on the same sheet pan you used for the rollups.
- Grains: Serve with a side of herbed rice, couscous, or a warm quinoa salad if you want something more filling.
Make it a balanced plate
- Add a protein-free salad or a legume side like a chickpea salad to add fiber and balance the richness of the rollups.
- For a sweet finish, keep it simple with homemade treats such as a light cookie or small bites—try pairing with a no-fuss dessert like the 4-ingredient chocolate peanut butter balls recipe for a quick, crowd-pleasing sweet that complements the savory main without overpowering it.
Creative variations
- Cheeseburger bowl: Deconstruct the rollups into a bowl—serve warm seasoned beef and melted cheddar over greens with a garlic butter drizzle and chopped roll pieces as croutons.
- Mini sliders: Make smaller rollups or cut thinner slices to create bite-sized sliders for appetizers or party trays.
FAQ
Q: Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
A: Yes. Ground chicken, turkey, or lamb can be used in place of beef—season appropriately (lamb benefits from fresher herbs, chicken/turkey may need a bit more seasoning). Ensure you cook alternative proteins to their safe internal temperature (165°F / 74°C for poultry). For vegetarian swaps, try a spiced lentil or seasoned mushroom mixture; be aware the texture and flavor will differ.
Q: How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
A: Store baked rollups in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crust’s texture. If you expect to keep leftovers longer, freeze them instead.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the roll log, slice into rollups, and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked slices as described earlier and bake from frozen when needed.
Q: My rollups looked golden but the inside was still very hot—how can I tell when they’re fully cooked?
A: For safety and the best texture, ensure the internal temperature of the filling reaches at least 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open: melted cheese and hot filling are good indicators. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil and allow a few extra minutes for the interior to finish cooking.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Beef Cheeseburger Rollups are a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe that takes classic flavors and transforms them into portable, bake-and-serve comfort food. They’re perfect for seasonal dinners when you crave warmth and familiarity, and flexible enough to adapt for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep. I hope you’ll give them a try—roll up the memories, share with family, and enjoy the buttery, cheesy comfort. If you make them, I’d love to hear how you served them or what variations you tried—share your photos and notes so we can all get inspired.
Garlic Butter Beef Cheeseburger Rollups
Ingredients
For the Rollups
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for less fat.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Freshly shredded cheese is recommended for better melt.
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter Increase to 5-6 tablespoons for extra garlic flavor.
- 1 package crescent roll dough Can substitute with puff pastry if desired.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season beef while cooking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roll out the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface and pinch seams together to create a single rectangle.
- Spread garlic butter evenly over the dough, ensuring to cover the edges lightly.
- Sprinkle the cooked beef evenly over the dough, followed by 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, leaving a margin at the edge.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side and pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into about 8 individual rollups.
Baking
- Place rollups on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Brush with additional garlic butter if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
