
These garlic butter beef rollups bring flaky crescent dough and savory seasoned beef together with sharp cheddar cheese for a cozy and indulgent bite. The rich garlic butter brushed over the golden crust elevates each rollup, making it a perfect snack or meal that feels both comforting and special.
I first made these when a last-minute party called for finger foods, and now they are a staple whenever I want something quick and impressive that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: one pound for hearty, flavorful filling look for fresh, lean meat for best results
- Salt: half a teaspoon to balance flavors and enhance seasoning
- Black pepper: half a teaspoon adds just the right amount of mild heat
- Garlic powder: half a teaspoon infuses the filling with savory depth
- Onion powder: half a teaspoon complements the garlic and boosts savoriness
- Yellow onion: half a cup diced brings sweetness and texture choose firm onions without blemishes
- Sharp cheddar cheese: one cup shredded adds creamy, tangy richness sharp varieties offer the most flavor punch
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: one can eight ounces for flaky, buttery crust choose a trusted brand and keep it chilled until ready to use
- Butter: two tablespoons melted is the base for the garlic butter topping giving a golden finish and rich aroma
- Garlic powder for the butter: one teaspoon amplifies the garlic flavor in the topping
- Fresh parsley: one tablespoon chopped optional for garnish adds freshness and color
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the rollups do not stick.
- Cook the Beef and Onions:
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef with diced onions. Cook for about eight to ten minutes until the meat is browned and the onions soften. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the mixture as it cooks. When done, drain off any excess grease and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
- Mix in the Cheese:
- Once the beef mixture is warm but not hot, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined. This step keeps the cheese from melting too soon and helps maintain a nice texture inside each rollup.
- Prepare the Crescent Dough:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently separate it into eight triangles. These triangles are perfect pockets to hold the beef and cheese filling.
- Fill and Roll:
- Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the beef mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Start rolling from the wide end toward the pointed tip, fully enclosing the filling. Place each rollup seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them closed during baking.
- Brush with Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over all the rollups, ensuring each one is coated. This creates the signature golden color and rich garlic aroma.
- Bake until Golden:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately twelve to fifteen minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra fun and flavor.

The cheddar cheese is my favorite part of this recipe because it melts into gooey pockets that perfectly balance the savory beef. I remember making these with my kids on a rainy afternoon and how the entire kitchen smelled like garlic and comfort as they baked.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at three fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes to restore crispness. For longer storage, wrap individual rollups tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version. You can swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack if you want a milder or spicier cheese. Fresh minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor in the butter.
Serving Suggestions
These rollups are fantastic served with classic condiments like ketchup or ranch dressing. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a more complete meal. They also make excellent party appetizers alongside a variety of dips.
Cultural Context

Rollups and crescent dough-based snacks have a long history of American home cooking, evolving as convenient, handheld treats perfect for casual gatherings and busy family nights. Combining seasoned meat with cheese wrapped in pastry shows the influence of comfort food traditions that bring hearty flavors to the table simply.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What cheese works best for these rollups?
Sharp cheddar is traditional for its bold flavor, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add creaminess or heat. Cream cheese blends well for a softer filling.
- → Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the beef and cheese mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to baking if the rollups go in cold.
- → How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
Drain excess grease from the cooked beef and cool the mixture before filling the dough to keep the crust flaky and crisp after baking.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these rollups?
Ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo complement the savory flavors nicely and enhance the eating experience.
- → Can I freeze the rollups before baking?
Yes, you can assemble and freeze them unbaked. Bake straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure they cook through evenly.