Beef pinwheels are a fantastic way to elevate your dinner or impress guests with a dish that’s both flavorful and visually stunning. These rolled, stuffed beef slices are packed with delicious fillings like cheese, herbs, and sometimes veggies or cured meats, then cooked to juicy perfection. If you’ve been wondering how do you cook beef pinwheels, this friendly guide will walk you through everything from preparation to cooking methods so you can enjoy this savory treat at home.
What Are Beef Pinwheels?
Beef pinwheels are thin cuts of beef, often flank or skirt steak, that are butterflied or pounded thin, layered with fillings, rolled up tightly, and sliced into rounds to reveal a beautiful spiral pattern. The filling can include cheese, herbs, vegetables, and even cured meats like salami or ham. Once rolled and secured, they are cooked by grilling, pan-searing, baking, or frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While recipes vary, here’s a basic list of what you might use to make classic beef pinwheels:
– Thinly sliced beef (flank steak, skirt steak, or ground beef for some variations)
– Cheese (mozzarella, feta, parmesan, or shredded sharp cheese)
– Fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, basil)
– Vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, onions)
– Cured meats (salami, ham)
– Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
– Olive oil or cooking fat for searing
– Butcher’s twine or skewers to secure the rolls
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Beef Pinwheels
1. Prepare the Beef
Start by butterflying your steak or pounding it thin to about 1/4 inch thickness. This makes it easier to roll and ensures even cooking. For ground beef versions, mix the beef with seasonings and other ingredients before shaping.
2. Add the Filling
Spread your chosen filling evenly over the beef, leaving a small border to prevent spillage. Popular fillings include shredded cheese, chopped herbs, sautéed spinach, or slices of salami or ham. For example, a combination of mozzarella, salami, and parsley creates a tasty, hearty filling.
3. Roll and Secure
Roll the beef tightly from one end to the other, like a jelly roll. To keep the roll intact during cooking, tie it with butcher’s twine at intervals or secure with wooden skewers. This step is crucial to maintaining the pinwheel shape.
4. Slice Into Pinwheels
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into even rounds about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Each slice will reveal the beautiful spiral of beef and filling.
5. Cook the Pinwheels
There are several ways to cook beef pinwheels:
– Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet over high heat with a bit of oil or cooking fat. Sear the pinwheels for about 3 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Let them rest a few minutes before serving.
– Grilling: Preheat your grill to high heat (around 400°F). Sear the pinwheels for 1 minute per side to develop a crust, then move them to indirect heat to finish cooking for 10-15 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 125°F for medium-rare.
– Baking or Broiling: Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and broil or bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.
– Frying (for ground beef versions): After slicing, coat the pinwheels in a simple batter and fry in oil for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
6. Rest and Serve
Allow the cooked pinwheels to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the beef tender and juicy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, sides like mashed potatoes or salad, or topped with a flavorful butter or sauce.
Tips for Perfect Beef Pinwheels
– Use a sharp knife to slice the rolls cleanly without squashing the layers.
– Don’t overfill the beef to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
– Tie or skewer tightly to keep the pinwheel shape intact.
– Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
– Experiment with fillings like sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, or sautéed veggies for variety.
Delicious Variations to Try
– Steak Pinwheels with Cowboy Butter: Add shredded mozzarella, salami, and parsley, then top with a spicy garlic butter after grilling for an extra kick.
– Spinach and Cheese Pinwheels: Spread a mixture of spinach, cheese, and sour cream on the steak before rolling for a creamy, flavorful filling.
– Ground Beef Pinwheels: Mix ground beef with veggies and seasonings, roll in biscuit dough or a batter, slice, and bake or fry for a fun twist.
– Ham and Cheese Beef Pinwheels: Layer thinly sliced ham and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese inside the beef roll for a comforting, cheesy dish.
Beef pinwheels are a versatile and impressive dish that’s easier to make than you might think. Whether you prefer grilling, pan-searing, baking, or frying, the key is in the preparation and securing the roll tightly. With endless filling options, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste and occasion. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of your delicious beef pinwheels!
Try making beef pinwheels tonight – a simple yet elegant meal that’s sure to wow your family and friends!