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Dig into these beef tortilla rollups, packed full of creamy herbed cheese and crisp spinach all wrapped up with tender roast beef. With every bite, you get a smooth, tangy kick from the cheese, fresh greens, and all that savory beef in a soft tortilla. They’re awesome for a snack or speedy lunch.
I whipped these up at the last minute for a neighbor’s potluck and, honestly, they got snapped up before I could blink. Now when I want something fast and crowd-pleasing for both kids and grownups, I always make these rollups.
Tasty Ingredients
- Whipped cream cheese: holds everything together and adds a rich, smooth texture
- Green onions: bring a mellow zing that keeps the cheese from getting too heavy
- Italian seasoning: gives the mix a pop of herbs in every bite
- Garlic salt: cranks up the flavor and really makes the beef sing
- Black pepper: gives just enough warmth to balance the cheese
- Large tortilla wraps: spinach wraps add extra color and a touch of veggie power
- Deli roast beef slices: go for medium rare if you want it super soft and tasty
- Baby spinach: packs in vibrant color and a fresh crunch
- Shredded cheddar: sharp cheese adds a zesty punch and ties it all together
Chill Prep Steps
- Mix your cheesy spread:
- Stir up the whipped cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper in a bowl. Blend it till the mix is evenly seasoned—using whipped cream cheese, it spreads way easier on the tortillas.
- Load up tortillas:
- Slather the cheese mix across each tortilla, edge to edge. Press it down a bit so it sticks. Covering the whole surface means every bite is tasty.
- Lay on the beef:
- Cover the cream cheese layer with 2 or 3 slices of deli beef. Make sure the slices overlap a little—you want meat in every mouthful. Opting for high-quality beef gives you maximum flavor.
- Pile on the greens:
- Spread a good amount of baby spinach over the beef. It brings a refreshing crunch and a pop of color. Lightly press it into the mix so it stays put.
- Cheddar goes next:
- Scatter your shredded cheddar cheese over the spinach. Try to get an even layer so everything sticks together once you roll.
- Roll ‘em up and slice:
- Roll each tortilla up snug from the bottom, tucking in the sides as you go for a neat finish. Slice them about 1 inch thick into bite-sized pieces. A tight roll helps them stay together.
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The cheesy mix really sets these apart. One time I went overboard with garlic and snuck in some horseradish for a family get-together. Even my cousin (who says she can’t stand cream cheese) ended up asking for my trick. Now, I keep that herby cheese spread handy for quick sandwiches.
Easy Storage
Make these hours before you need them—just wrap up the whole roll tightly in plastic and pop it in the fridge for up to a day. The chill time actually makes the flavors meld better and the cheese get firmer. If you want, store the cut slices in an airtight box in the fridge for up to three days. Slice right before serving for cleaner edges.
Flexible Swaps
This one’s super flexible. Swap out the roast beef for turkey or ham if you want something different. Use flour, whole wheat, low-carb, or even gluten-free tortillas. Switch baby spinach for arugula if you love a peppery kick, or throw in roasted red peppers for sweetness. Try provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack if cheddar isn’t your thing. Tweak the cream cheese spread with extra herbs, some horseradish, a shake of dijon mustard, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a totally new vibe.
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Fun Ways to Serve
Stack these on a platter with crunchy veggies, olives, and pickles for party vibes. They go great with soup for lunch or a salad for an easy dinner. Want a more filling meal? Pair them with a hot cup of tomato soup or broth for dunking. Bring them along to picnics—they’re perfect for eating outdoors, even at room temp. For extra kick, serve with horseradish sauce or spicy mustard on the side!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How far in advance can I make these beef rollups?
You can put these wraps together up to a whole day early. Just make them, roll them up, wrap super tight in plastic, and stick them in the fridge. Hold off on slicing until it's time to eat so they stay nice and fresh. Want to plan ahead? The cream cheese filling is good in the fridge for two days if you keep it sealed.
- → Can I use different types of tortillas?
Yep! While spinach tortillas are the usual go-to, plain flour, wheat, or sun-dried tomato ones work just as well. Any variety that goes with your filling is fine. Just try to pick the big, burrito-sized ones so everything fits and stays rolled up tight.
- → What can I substitute for roast beef?
There's so many options! Swap in turkey, ham, pastrami, or even smoked salmon. Need a vegetarian snack? Skip the meat and pile in more veggies like cucumber slices, avocado, or bell peppers.
- → How do I prevent the rollups from becoming soggy?
Wet spinach is the usual culprit! Make sure your spinach is bone dry before tossing it in. The creamy cheese layer keeps other stuff away from the tortilla to help. If you're making these ahead, just wrap the rolls up tight and wait to cut them until just before you serve.
- → What can I serve with these rollups?
They go great with all sorts of snacks! Try some potato chips, a crisp green salad, raw veggies and dip, or even add them to a snack board with olives and pickles. Light soups pair well too.
- → Can I freeze these rollups?
Freezing's not the best for these since the fresh veggies and cream cheese don't hold up well when thawed. They taste way better fresh or after chilling in the fridge for a day. If you want to prep early, just make the cream cheese part ahead and build the wraps when you're ready.