How Long to Cook Beef Pinwheels in the Oven? A Detailed Guide

Beef pinwheels are a fun and tasty dish that can impress guests at a dinner party or be enjoyed as a weeknight meal These appetizing beef rolls stuffed with cheese, vegetables, and herbs are baked in the oven until golden brown and delicious But knowing exactly how long to cook beef pinwheels can be tricky. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to cook beef pinwheels to perfection in the oven.

What are Beef Pinwheels?

Beef pinwheels are made by spreading a flavorful filling onto a thin slice of beef, then tightly rolling it up into a spiral or “pinwheel” shape. Common fillings include cheese, spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, and herbs. The rolled beef is then secured with toothpicks and baked in the oven. When sliced, the pinwheels reveal the colorful filling in each slice for a fun presentation. Beef pinwheels are easy to make ahead, hold their shape well, and provide a lot of variety in terms of fillings, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

Choosing the Right Beef

Picking the optimal beef cut is key for easy rolling and quick cooking Flank steak and skirt steak are ideal choices. They are thinner cuts that roll up tightly Well-marbled beef provides more flavor and moisture after cooking. For even cooking, have the butcher slice the steak evenly 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick or slice it yourself. Avoid cuts that are too thick or irregularly shaped.

Prepping the Filling

Get creative with cheese, vegetables, and herbs in the filling! Try cheddar, mozzarella, spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, basil, oregano, or parsley. Shred the cheese into small pieces for even melting. Mince vegetables and herbs. Mix them together with seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Assembling the Pinwheels

• Lay beef slices flat and season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Spread the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a 1⁄2 inch border. Don’t overfill.
• Starting at one end, roll the beef up tightly, pressing gently to secure the filling.
• Use toothpicks to hold the rolls closed. Space them evenly for stability.
• Place pinwheels seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Baking Time and Temperature

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature prevents overcooking.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes. Thinner pinwheels may need less time.
• Use a meat thermometer to gauge doneness. Cook to 130-135°F for medium-rare or 140-145°F for medium.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for juicier beef.

Adjust bake times up or down based on thickness Larger pinwheels may need more time, Check frequently near the end to prevent over-baking

Cooking Tips

• Don’t overfill pinwheels or they may unroll while cooking.
• Brush pinwheels with olive oil or melted butter before baking for added moisture and flavor.
• If pan begins to look dry, add a few tablespoons of water or beef broth.
• Add a splash of wine, balsamic vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce to the filling for extra flavor.
• Mix cheeses for more complexity, like cheddar and parmesan or goat cheese and mozzarella.

Freezing and Reheating

Beef pinwheels freeze beautifully! Assemble uncooked pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze 1-2 hours until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot.

With flavorful fillings wrapped in tender beef, baked beef pinwheels are an impressive appetizer for parties but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Allow 20-25 minutes for baking time at 375°F. Check doneness with a meat thermometer for best results. Vary the fillings and seasonings to put your own creative spin on these handy beef rolls.