Easy Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
Mexican tortilla roll ups recipe is a simple recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a flavorful appetizer or light lunch. Perfect for using leftovers like ground beef, black beans, or chicken, this dish is ideal for game day spreads, potlucks, or even as a quick snack.

How to Make Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups
This easy pinwheel recipe starts with soft flour tortillas, a flavorful filling, and just minutes of prep time. You’ll love this versatile and customizable recipe, allowing you to use whatever leftovers you have on hand. And as my daughter said, this makes a nice change from the mini meat loaf recipe I’ve been making to use up a pound of ground beef!
Ingredients

To make these Mexican tortilla roll ups, you’ll need the following:
- 1 cup cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans (leftovers work great)
- 4 soft flour tortillas (10-inch size is best)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend, shredded
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder or taco seasoning or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon diced fresh cilantro or dried coriander
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (optional)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons refried beans
- Salt to taste
Directions




Making these Mexican pinwheels is straightforward and requires only a few steps. Remember, substitutions are encouraged — use up those leftovers.
- Prepare the filling. Combine cooked ground beef or chicken, sour cream, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, coriander, and salt in a medium bowl. For added texture and flavor, stir in black beans, bell peppers, and green onions. Other options include jalapeno peppers, diced green chillies, or fresh cilantro.
- Assemble the roll-ups. Lay a tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of refried beans across the tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Add the filling in a thin layer, evenly sprinkling shredded cheese and black olives on top. Tip: sometimes, I spread light cream cheese on the tortilla before adding the beans.
- Roll and chill. Roll the tortilla tightly, brushing the edges with a little sour cream to seal. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Slice and serve. Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled tortilla roll into 1-inch slices. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with additional green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
For the best results, prepare these tortilla roll-ups the day before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Store any extras in an airtight container for up to two days.
What to Serve with Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups
These tortilla roll-ups are a delicious appetizer on their own, but they pair beautifully with other Mexican food favorites. Serve them alongside tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole, or enchilada sauce for dipping.
Serving a crowd? For a more filling spread, consider adding Amish broccoli salad, watermelon rind pickles, or one of the most popular vegetable sides like grilled corn. You might want to add a platter of sweet potato fajitas, too.
If you’re hosting a game day party, cut these into small pieces to make Mexican tortilla pinwheels. They’re easy appetizers, and these bite-sized treats are a crowd-pleaser. Their colorful presentation and flavorful filling make them a perfect appetizer for any occasion or even an easy snack idea.
FAQs

Do you have questions about making Mexican tortilla roll ups? Here are answers to some of the most common questions. If you don’t see your question, leave it in the comments.
Can I make Mexican tortilla roll ups ahead of time?
Yes, these tortilla roll-ups are a great recipe to prepare in advance. Assemble the rolls, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. Slice just before serving for best results. Then serve them with salsa, more sour cream, or try my zesty lime sauce. You’ll find the recipe in my sweet potatoes fajitas post.
Can I use leftover cooked meat instead of fresh ground beef?
Absolutely! I’ve made these with leftover taco meat, cooked ground beef, and another time I used shredded chicken. I’ve also made these as meatless Mexican tortilla roll ups by using 1 cup of cooked black beans instead of beef.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
While flour tortillas are recommended for their soft texture and ability to hold fillings without breaking, corn tortillas can be used if you prefer. Be sure to warm them slightly before assembling to prevent cracking.
Mexican Tortilla Rollups are Delicious
This Mexican tortilla roll ups recipe is a simple, versatile dish perfect for leftovers and easy cooking. Its flavorful filling, soft tortilla wraps, and bite-sized pieces make it a delicious appetizer or light lunch option for any occasion.
Try making a large batch for game day or serve as a tasty treat for your next gathering. Sign up today to get additional similar easy recipes from Recipes From Leftovers right in your inbox.

Easy Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef not cooked
- 1 large flour tortilla
- 2 ounces cheese diced
- 2 tbsp. cream cheese OR sour cream
- 1 tsp. coriander or fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp. chopped garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder taco seasoning or smoked paprika
- 5-6 cherry tomatoes
- table salt
- fresh cilantro to serve
Instructions
- Add ground beef, salt and spices to mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Spread the tortilla on a flat surface. Spread cream cheese if you are using it, and/or the refried beans. Start spreading about one inch from the edges of the tortilla.
- Spread the ground beef mixture on top in a thin layer.
- If you are using chilis, olives, red or green pepper, or jalapeno peppers, sprinkle them on top.
- Dice the cheese into small cubes. Spread it evenly over everything else
- Brush the loose edges with sour cream. Fold the long edges to the center. Roll up the product into a roll. Place the roll on a greased baking sheet. Brush the roll with sour cream and sprinkle lightly with chili powder or taco seasoning.
- Cook in a 356°F oven for about 35 minutes until browned. Slice into portions.
- Garnish each serving with fresh cilantro, salsa, and tomato halves. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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