Taco Pinwheels Recipe – Easy Appetizer and Snack!

This Taco Pinwheels Recipe features sliced beef, shredded cheese, and a tasty Mexican spread all rolled up in a soft flour tortilla. Super easy to make, and these pinwheels are a crowd-pleaser! 

Taco Roll-ups (The Best, Easy, Mexican-Style Cold Pinwheel Appetizers!)

Ok, taco pinwheels (or taco roll ups, whatever you want to call them) just might be my favorite snack ever! (No-Bake Energy Fiber Balls are a close second, though.) My husband says I always make these whenever we’re asked to take snack to a family gathering or event, and he’s not wrong. And I’m ok with that; they’re so good! 

Also, pinwheels are a great make-ahead appetizer.

Here’s why you’ll love this easy taco pinwheels recipe:

It’s easy! Doesn’t take long at all to mix up the special cream cheese mixture and spread it on the tortillas, add beef and cheese, roll them up and – done!

Customizable. I love this part! You can add (or omit) whatever you wish to make the perfect pinwheels for your entire family.

Keep them in the fridge for a somewhat healthy and very easy snack throughout the day or next couple of days! Or, have them for a light lunch.

And, they’re amazing. Taco pinwheels are delicious! Another easy pinwheel recipe we like is Ham & Cheese Pinwheels.

Seven Simple Ingredients in this Taco Pinwheels Recipe

• Tortillas – six large flour tortillas (I use the 8-inch soft flour tortillas.) Corn tortillas aren’t my favorite, but they’ll work too!
  
• Beef – sliced roast beef deli meat 
  
• Cheese – shredded cheese, I like cheddar cheese, though they actually make a Mexican blend cheese (or something like that) which would go perfectly in these pinwheels!
  
• Cream cheese & sour cream – are the base for the creamy taco spread
  
• Taco seasoning – just the regular original taco seasoning mix adds great flavor
  
• Salsa – I usually go for a chunky salsa, but in this case a finer, smoother textured salsa works a little better when it comes to evenly spreading the mixture on the tortillas.

Find the full recipe on a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!⬇️

Supplies we used:

• Mixing bowl – I often reach for this Pyrex measuring cup for mixing small batches! I know it’s not really meant for this, but it’s glass and the perfect size!
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• A spatula or two
  
• Grater – I like to shred my own cheese with a grater rather than buy the pre-shredded cheese from the grocery store
  
• Handheld electric mixer – this thing works great for beating cream cheese
  
• Pan – to set the pinwheels in to chill, and it can also be used for storage then too!

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How to make this Taco Pinwheels Recipe

First, make the taco cream cheese spread. Beat the cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning together with an electric handheld mixer, add the salsa and mix thoroughly.

Spread about ¼ cup of the cream cheese mixture on each soft tortilla.

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the cream cheese mixture, followed by the shaved roast beef.

Roll each tortilla up as tightly as you can and place them seam side down on a pan or tray.

For best results, cover and chill in the refrigerator for an hour or more, then use a sharp knife to slice into 1-inch pinwheels. (You can do it right away, they just won’t hold their shape as well.)

Serve and enjoy! 

Storage

Store the taco pinwheels in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Tips, Tricks & Notes

• A fine substitute for the deli meat is cooked ground beef! Just cook about a half pound of it, cool it, then use it in this recipe in place of the shaved deli roast beef. Or if you happen to have leftover taco meat you could always make these pinwheels with it!
  
• Now for the fun part – customization. You can literally add any of your favorite taco toppings! Here are a few great options: black olives, diced bell pepper (or jalapeno), green onions, and more. Things like lettuce and avocado need to be eaten pretty soon, so that’s one thing to keep in mind!
  
• ​Adjust the spice level by adding mild or hot salsa! (I used mild this time.) Or hey, you could even serve these with hot sauce or a side of salsa for dipping.

More easy appetizers and snacks:

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’til next time,

We love you and we’ll be praying for you,

Julie