Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups transform the classic American burger into a delicious handheld treat that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
As someone who spent years perfecting comfort food recipes, I’ve discovered that the best dishes often come from happy accidents.
At Cooks Foody, this recipe was born when Daniel Brooks accidentally rolled leftover burger filling in pizza dough one evening in Portland. The result? A game-changing dinner that Elizabeth Harper and I couldn’t stop raving about. We refined it together, adding that signature garlic butter twist that makes these rollups absolutely irresistible.
This recipe promises juicy beef, melted cheese, and buttery goodness all wrapped in golden-brown dough. As a team that’s spent countless hours testing and perfecting family-friendly meals, we guarantee these rollups deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. You’ll discover our secrets for selecting the perfect ground beef, time-saving prep tricks, and answers to your most pressing cooking questions.
Why This Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it combines familiar flavors in an exciting new format that appeals to kids and adults alike. Here’s what makes it special:
• Uses affordable, easy-to-find ground beef No special trips to boutique butchers required
• Prep in just 15 minutes Perfect for those hectic Tuesday evenings
• Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or weekend game day spreads
• Freezer-friendly for meal prep champions
• Customizable to suit any taste preference
Choosing the Right Meat for Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
Best Cuts for This Recipe
For these garlic butter cheeseburger rollups, we recommend 80/20 ground beef that’s 80% lean meat to 20% fat. This ratio ensures juicy, flavorful filling without excessive grease. The fat content keeps the meat tender during baking and adds richness that complements the garlic butter perfectly. Ground chuck typically hits this sweet spot naturally.
Buying Tips
Look for ground beef with a bright red color and avoid packages with excessive liquid. If buying from a butcher counter, ask for freshly ground chuck or have them grind a chuck roast for you. The fresher the grind, the better your rollups will taste. Check the sell-by date and use within two days for optimal flavor.
Substitutions
Ground turkey (85/15 blend) works wonderfully for a lighter option. Ground chicken needs added moisture – mix in 2 tablespoons of olive oil per pound. For a gourmet twist, try a 50/50 blend of ground beef and ground lamb. Vegetarians can substitute with plant-based ground meat alternatives, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Ingredients & Prep for Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups

Meat Prep Essentials
Remove ground beef from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even browning. Break apart any large chunks with clean hands, but avoid overmixing which can make the meat tough. Season generously the filling needs bold flavor to shine through the dough wrapper.
Marinades/Rubs
For the meat mixture:
• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Let the seasoned meat rest for 10 minutes before cooking to allow flavors to penetrate.
Pantry Staples
• Refrigerated pizza or crescent dough
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Olive oil for brushing
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups

Pre-Cooking Prep for Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
Pat the seasoned ground beef with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures proper browning. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll your dough and cut into 8 equal rectangles.
Cooking Method for Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat. Let meat cool for 5 minutes, then mix in cheese. Place ¼ cup filling on each dough rectangle, roll tightly, and seal edges. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
Doneness Check for Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
The rollups are done when the dough turns deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If tops brown too quickly, tent with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Resting for Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
Let rollups rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from oven. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth on molten filling. During this time, melt butter with minced garlic and brush over warm rollups.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
Avoiding Tough/Dry Meat in Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
Never press down on the meat while cooking – this squeezes out precious juices. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Add a splash of beef broth if the mixture seems dry. The secret is stopping cooking immediately when the pink disappears.
Tool Recommendations for Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
A large cast-iron skillet provides even heat distribution for browning meat. Use a pastry brush for applying garlic butter evenly. A bench scraper helps transfer rollups to the baking sheet without breaking. Digital meat thermometer ensures food safety.
Storage & Reheating Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
Cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For freezing, wrap individually in foil, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Microwave on 50% power to prevent tough dough.
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Flavor Variations for Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
Spicy Twist
Add 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the meat mixture. Mix in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Serve with sriracha mayo for extra heat.
Keto/Paleo
Replace regular dough with fathead dough (made from mozzarella, cream cheese, and almond flour). Use sugar-free seasonings and check that Worcestershire sauce contains no added sugars. This variation reduces carbs significantly while maintaining flavor.
Global Flavors
Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning, use Mexican cheese blend, serve with salsa
Italian Style: Mix in Italian herbs, use mozzarella, serve with marinara
Greek Style: Add oregano and feta cheese, serve with tzatziki
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Best Served With | Prep Time Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexican | Taco seasoning, jalapeños | Guacamole, sour cream | +5 minutes |
| Italian | Basil, oregano, mozzarella | Marinara sauce | No change |
| Greek | Feta, oregano, lemon zest | Tzatziki sauce | +3 minutes |
| BBQ | BBQ sauce, smoked cheese | Coleslaw | +2 minutes |
| Breakfast | Breakfast sausage, eggs | Hash browns | +10 minutes |
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
These rollups pair beautifully with classic burger accompaniments. Serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries or traditional French fries. A fresh green salad with ranch dressing provides a refreshing contrast. Coleslaw adds crunch and cuts through the richness. For a complete meal, add our Baileys Chocolate Fudge for an indulgent dessert.
Dipping sauces elevate these rollups further. Set out small bowls of ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, and garlic aioli. For parties, create a rollup bar with various toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and pickle slices.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups
Can I use frozen ground beef for these rollups?
Yes, but thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight. Pat dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure proper browning. Frozen meat releases more water, so you may need to drain more frequently during cooking.
How do I fix overcooked meat in my rollups?
If your meat becomes dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of beef broth or water while it’s still warm. Mix gently to rehydrate. Next time, reduce cooking time and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?
Yes, when the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Always use a meat thermometer to verify. Avoid any soft cheeses and ensure all ingredients are pasteurized.
Can I make these rollups ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble rollups up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add 3-5 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
What if my dough tears while rolling?
Pinch tears closed or patch with extra dough. The filling will seal most small holes during baking. Work with room temperature dough for best flexibility.
Conclusion
Fire up your kitchen and treat your family to these incredible garlic butter cheeseburger rollups tonight! This recipe has become a Cooks Foody favorite, with thousands of home cooks adding their own creative twists. The combination of juicy beef, melted cheese, and that irresistible garlic butter creates pure comfort food magic.
Join our community of passionate home cooks who’ve made these rollups a regular part of their dinner rotation. We love seeing your creations and personal variations each one tells a unique story. Ready for your next culinary adventure? Try our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for a festive dessert that’s equally impressive!
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Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups: Easy Weeknight Magic!
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 rollups 1x
Description
Fluffy crescent rolls stuffed with juicy cheeseburger filling, brushed with garlic butter, and baked until golden brown an easy and fun twist on classic burgers!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp parsley flakes (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onions until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
5. Spoon about 2 tbsp of beef mixture and some shredded cheese onto each triangle.
6. Roll tightly from the wide end and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
7. Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush over rollups.
8. Bake 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Sprinkle with parsley (optional) and serve warm with dipping sauce like ketchup or ranch.
Notes
Try adding diced pickles or bacon bits inside for extra flavor.
Use puff pastry for a flakier version.
These rollups make great party snacks or quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rollup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheeseburger rollups, garlic butter rolls, easy appetizers, ground beef crescent rolls