Taco Pinwheels

Name: Taco Pinwheels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (1 packet); 10 oz Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained); ½ cup cilantro (chopped finely.); 2 sheets refrigerated puff pastry (thawed); 8 ounces whipped cream cheese; 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese; 1 egg (beaten)

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Taco pinwheels are one of those recipes that feel special but are secretly easy. They’re everything you love about tacos – seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a little kick – all wrapped up in buttery pastry. These are perfect for sharing and totally customizable.

Grab more bite sized appetizers! You’ll love my Crescent Roll Pigs in a Blanket, mini taco bites, Sheet Pan Nachos or my baked chicken taquitos.

Step-by-step photos and instructions are below. Jump to the recipe card if you wish!

Close up of taco pinwheels on an oval plate garnished with parsley.

Taco pinwheels mix fun Mexican-American flavors with classic party snack vibes. It’s a tasty little mashup that’s super popular because it’s easy and seriously good.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun snack for movie night, these deliver big-time flavor in every bite. Plus, they can be prepped ahead, so all you have to do is pop them in the oven.

Try these Sausage Pinwheels for a different flavor!

Kids love them, grownups devour them, and they disappear fast. You might want to make a double batch!

Some folks make them with crescent rolls or flour tortillas, but puff pastry makes them extra flaky and crispy. Rotel adds that spicy tomato kick, and the whipped cream cheese helps hold everything together.

Why you’ll love this

Flavorful and Fun. The taco flavors combined with flaky puff pastry create a super yummy snack.
Easy to Make. Simple ingredients and steps make these pinwheels a breeze to prepare.
Perfect for Parties. Ideal for gatherings, game days, or casual get-togethers.
Crowd-Pleaser. Sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
If you want another quick recipe that uses ground beef, Unstuffed Peppers should be next on your list.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze these pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have whipped cream cheese?

Regular cream cheese works fine – just let it soften first so it spreads easily.

Can I bake them in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden.

Do I REALLY need to chill the pinwheels before baking?

Sorry, yes you do. Just go get a beer or something while you wait. Chilling helps them hold their shape while slicing and baking.

What to serve with these?

Serve with salsa fresca, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Step-by-step photos and tips and tricks are below. Jump to the full recipe card instead

taco pinwheels on an oval plate with white bowls in the background.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Note: This highlights some ingredients. Full list is in the recipe card.

Ground beef. Provides a hearty and flavorful base. Can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Taco seasoning. Adds classic taco flavors. You can use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning. You’ll need to use a packet of taco seasoning, or if you make your own or have a jar, you’ll need 3 tablespoons of seasoning. Some blends that are store bought contain thickening agents, and that’s not a bad thing.
Rotel. Can be substituted with plain diced tomatoes and some canned green chiles if preferred. Be sure to drain them, you don’t want the extra liquid.
Refrigerated puff pastry. Creates a flaky and crispy base. Make sure it’s thawed but still cold before using. You can also use crescent roll dough, or pizza dough.
Whipped cream cheese. Adds creaminess and helps bind the filling. Can be substituted with regular softened cream cheese if preferred.
Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese. You can use pre shredded cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any favorite cheese blend or shred your own

ingredients to make taco pinwheels, laid out and labeled. Text on the image reads ground beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes with chiles, cilantro, puff pastry whipped cream cheese, cheddar, egg"

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How to make this recipe

This is a step-by-step photo guide. Full ingredients and instructions are in the printable recipe card below.

Jump

Get prepped. Thaw the puff pastry sheets. Drain the Rotel. Finely chop the cilantro. Beat the egg if using. Measure out the cheese and whipped cream cheese.

Cook the beef. Brown the ground beef, then stir in taco seasoning and Rotel – mixing until well combined. Add cilantro and let cool slightly.

A skillet with browned ground beef, taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes. Text on the image says 'Cook the ground beef until broend, add the taco seasoning and rotel'

Cooked beef mixture topped with chopped cilantro in a skillet. Text on the image says 'Stir through the chopped cilantro'

Prepare the pastry. Roll out puff pastry on a flat surface and spread with whipped cream cheese.

A sheet of pastry rolled out into a rectangle on a surface. Text on the image says 'Roll each sheet into a 12x10-inch rectangle'

Pastry sheet covered in a smooth layer of whipped cream cheese. Text on the image says 'Spread an even layer of whipped cream cheese over each pastry sheet'

Add the filling. Top with beef mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Ground beef mixture spread evenly over cream cheese on the pastry. Text on the image says 'Evenly distribute the ground beef mixture over the top'

Shredded cheese sprinkled over the ground beef layer. Text on the image says 'Sprinkle the cheese over the beef mixture'

Roll, chill and slice. Roll into logs, wrap in plastic wrap and chill.

Pastry being rolled up from the long side over beef and cheese filling. Text on the image says 'Starting from the long side, tightly roll up into a log'

Two rolled pastry logs on a white surface. Text on the image says 'Repeat for both sheets. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for an hour'

Brush with egg, slice into pinwheels and place on a prepared baking sheet.

A pastry log being brushed with beaten egg on a wooden board. Text on the image says 'Brush the outside of the pastry with beaten egg'

A pastry log sliced into 12 even pieces on a wooden board. Text on the image says 'Slice each log into 12 pinwheels'

Bake. Bake at 400°F until golden brown and melty, about 15–20 minutes.

Raw pinwheels with visible filling arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Text on the image says 'Place on a baking sheet, spaced out'

Golden-brown baked pinwheels on a baking sheet. Text on the image says 'Bake for 15-20 minutes'

Kylee’s Notes

Chill the rolled logs before slicing to help keep their shape.
Drain the Rotel thoroughly to avoid soggy pinwheels.
Use a serrated knife to cut into pinwheels for cleaner cuts.
Don’t overfill – it can make rolling tricky.
Leave space between pinwheels so they bake evenly.
Thawing Puff Pastry. Thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Make sure it’s pliable but still cold.
Bake on parchment for easy cleanup.
Let them cool just slightly before serving for best texture.
Add black olives to the taco meat, if you like them!

How to store leftovers

Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer
Freeze unbaked or baked pinwheels for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly. When ready to serve, don’t thaw – just bake from frozen.

Reheating tips

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Or microwave for 30 seconds, but the pastry will be softer.

More recipes to love

Baked Coconut Shrimp. These easy baked coconut shrimp are the perfect appetizer or light dinner. Crispy, crunchy and with a dipping sauce, this one is a winner!
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball. Make this easy Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball for your next party or gathering, and watch it disappear fast! This is a great make ahead appetizer!
Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers. These little beauties are the best appetizer in town! A yummy mix of spicy sausage, cream cheese, onion and garlic mean these disappear fast! Make a double batch for a crowd.

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5 from 1 vote

Author Kylee Ayotte

Servings pinwheels

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 20

Refrigeration time 1

Taco Pinwheels are an easy party snack packed with flavor! Made with ground beef, cream cheese, and taco seasoning, they're the perfect appetizer!

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound ground beef
▢ 3 tablespoons taco seasoning 1 packet
▢ 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
▢ ½ cup cilantro chopped finely.
▢ 2 sheets refrigerated puff pastry thawed
▢ 8 ounces whipped cream cheese
▢ 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
▢ 1 egg beaten

Instructions

Get prepped

Thaw the puff pastry sheets. Drain the Rotel. Finely chop the cilantro. Beat the egg if using. Measure out the cheese and whipped cream cheese.

Cook the beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain the fat. Stir in 3 tablespoons taco seasoning and 10 oz Rotel. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Mix in the chopped ½ cup cilantroand let cool slightly.

Prepare the pastry

On a lightly floured surface, unfold the 2 sheets refrigerated puff pastry. Roll each into a 12×10-inch rectangle. Spread 8 ounces whipped cream cheese evenly over each sheet.

Add the filling

Top each sheet with the ground beef mixture, spreading evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese on top of the beef.

Roll, chill, and slice

Roll each sheet tightly from the long side into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Remove from fridge, brush the outsides with beaten 1 egg, and slice each log into 12 pinwheels.

Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serve

Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy while warm.

Notes

Thawing Puff Pastry. Thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Make sure it’s pliable but still cold.
Cutting the Pinwheels. Use a sharp, serrated knife to slice the pinwheels to prevent squashing the rolls.
Avoid Overfilling. Be careful not to overfill the pastry to ensure the pinwheels hold together while baking.

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Nutrition

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

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About Kylee Ayotte

I am a born and raised New Zealander (a Kiwi), now living in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m happily married to the love of my life – a hot American boy I met while traveling the world. I’m a mama to 2 awesome little boys and love red things, rugby, cheesecake, and bacon. Mmmmm. Bacon. Meet Kylee