Cheeseburger Rollups are a creative twist on the classic American cheeseburger, offering all the beloved flavors of a juicy cheeseburger in a convenient, portable form. Perfect for game days, quick weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or even school lunches, these rollups combine seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and classic burger fixings all wrapped inside a soft tortilla or dough and baked to golden perfection. They’re kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly customizable to suit a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a fast comfort meal or a fun take on a favorite fast food classic, cheeseburger rollups are a flavorful, satisfying solution that delivers on both taste and convenience.
The History of Cheeseburger Rollups
While cheeseburgers themselves trace their roots back to early 20th-century America—with multiple competing claims to the invention of adding cheese to a hamburger—cheeseburger rollups are a much more modern invention. Inspired by the increasing demand for portable, easy-to-eat meals, this rollup version likely emerged from kitchens looking to combine the convenience of wraps with the hearty satisfaction of a cheeseburger. Their popularity skyrocketed in the era of social media food trends, where quick, unique twists on familiar meals reign supreme. From food blogs to viral TikTok videos, cheeseburger rollups have become a household favorite thanks to their adaptability, ease of preparation, and the fact that they’re just plain fun to eat.
Ingredients Breakdown
Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner varieties work too but may be less juicy.
Onion: Finely diced onions enhance flavor and texture, adding a slight sweetness once sautéed.
Garlic (optional): Adds depth to the meat filling for garlic lovers.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
Worcestershire Sauce or Burger Seasoning: Adds umami and mimics the flavor of a grilled burger.
Cheese: American cheese is traditional, but cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella work beautifully.
Tortillas or Crescent Roll Dough: Soft flour tortillas offer flexibility, while crescent roll dough provides a flaky, pastry-like texture.
Pickles, Mustard, Ketchup, and Other Burger Toppings (optional): Add them inside before rolling or serve on the side for dipping.
Butter or Oil: For brushing the tops before baking to get that golden finish.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Add chopped pickles or mustard if desired. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Assemble the Rollups: Lay out your tortillas or unroll crescent dough on a clean surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each, followed by a generous layer of shredded or sliced cheese. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. If using tortillas, secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place rollups on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Offer with ketchup, mustard, burger sauce, or even a dipping cheese sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Rollups
Let the meat cool slightly before assembling to prevent the dough from getting soggy. Don’t overfill the rollups, or they may burst while baking. Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, or freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor. To ensure a crispy texture, bake on a wire rack over the baking sheet or flip halfway through baking. You can make them ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups: Add cooked, chopped bacon to the filling.
Mushroom-Swiss: Swap the cheddar for Swiss and stir in sautéed mushrooms.
Spicy Jalapeño: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
Low-Carb or Keto: Use low-carb wraps or large cabbage leaves as a substitute for tortillas.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or crumbled veggie burgers.
Breakfast Version: Add scrambled eggs and hash browns to the filling with sausage instead of beef.
Pizza Cheeseburger: Include pepperoni, marinara sauce, and mozzarella for a pizza twist.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Cheeseburger rollups can be modified to be more nutritious without sacrificing flavor. Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce saturated fat content. Whole-wheat or low-carb tortillas increase fiber and lower glycemic impact. Opt for low-fat cheese or reduce the amount used. Add finely chopped veggies like spinach, peppers, or mushrooms to boost nutrient content. A typical rollup contains protein from the beef and cheese, carbs from the wrap, and fat for richness. On average, one cheeseburger rollup ranges from 250–400 calories, depending on size and ingredients. For a balanced meal, serve with a side of veggies or a light salad.
FAQ
Can I freeze cheeseburger rollups? Yes! Freeze them individually after baking. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What cheese melts best for rollups? American cheese is creamy and melty, but cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack also work great.
Can I make them ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use crescent rolls instead of tortillas? Yes! Crescent roll dough adds a buttery, flaky crust. Just roll and seal well before baking.
What are good dipping sauces? Ketchup, mustard, burger sauce, ranch, BBQ, or even sriracha mayo make great dips.
Are they kid-friendly? Very! Kids love the familiar taste and hand-held format. Just leave out spicy ingredients for young ones.
How long do leftovers last? Stored in the fridge in an airtight container, they’ll keep for 3–4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
Cheeseburger Rollups
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Filling
- 1 pound of lean ground beef Certified Angus Beef 90/10 blend recommended
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- One 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes well drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Roll-Ups
- 1 batch of pizza dough either homemade or store-bought
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or substitute with torn pieces of American cheese
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
For the Hamburger Filling
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and continue cooking until the liquid has fully evaporated. (Tip: If there’s still excess moisture, drain it off at this stage.)
- Remove the skillet from the heat and set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
For the Roll-Ups
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 16-inch by 8-inch rectangle.
- Spread the prepared meat filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
- Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Place the log seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the top of the roll with olive oil, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning and sesame seeds.
- Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.