Isn’t it funny how some of the best recipes come from those last-minute family meals when you’re staring into the fridge, hoping inspiration hits before someone gets too hangry? That’s exactly how these Ground Beef Salsa Corn Roll Ups became a staple in my kitchen. I still remember the first time I tossed them together—a busy weekday evening, the kids were doing homework at the table, and I had a pound of ground beef to use up. I grabbed some tortillas and started experimenting, and before I knew it, we had a new family favorite.
These roll ups are truly a lifesaver when you need something quick but crave a little excitement for dinner. They’re perfect for taco night switch-ups or when you just want a warm, cheesy bite that everyone can dress up their own way. The combination of savory ground beef, zesty salsa, melty cheese, and sweet pops of corn all wrapped in a soft tortilla? It’s the kind of simple, satisfying comfort food that brings everyone to the table—no coaxing required.
What I love most is how customizable these Ground Beef Salsa Corn Roll Ups are. Dinner becomes a DIY experience, letting each family member pile on their favorite toppings. My husband likes his with plenty of black olives and guacamole, while I can’t resist a generous sprinkle of fresh tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. And the kids? Well, they’ll eat anything if there’s melted cheese involved! Plus, this recipe is a fantastic way to sneak in a little extra veg or try different cheeses without anyone batting an eye.
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, I can’t recommend these roll ups enough. They fit right in with busy schedules and picky eaters, and cleanup is a breeze. Give them a try next time you need a quick dinner idea—you might just end up with your own new family tradition. Ready to roll? Let’s dive in!
How to Make Ground Beef Salsa Corn Roll Ups
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What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Ground Beef Salsa Corn Roll Ups
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 ounces salsa (use your favorite mild or spicy blend)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Monterey Jack or pepper jack work too)
- 1/2 cup frozen yellow corn
- 6-8 wheat tortillas
Step-by-Step Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned throughout and no pink remains. Drain off any extra fat from the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the salsa, shredded cheese, and frozen corn. Mix well so the cheese melts and the filling is evenly heated through. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until everything’s blended and hot.
- While the filling warms, get your tortillas ready. Either wrap them in foil and place in a preheated oven for a few minutes, or microwave them stacked and wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20–30 seconds until soft and pliable.
- Lay one tortilla flat on your plate. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla.
- Add your choice of garnishes—think creamy sour cream, shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sliced olives, avocado, guacamole, or black beans—to personalize each roll up.
- Fold one edge of the tortilla over the filling, tuck in the sides, then roll up tightly to enclose everything. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy every bite!
Ingredient Tweaks for Your Pantry
Feel free to make these roll ups your own! If you’re out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes. You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella in a pinch. No corn? Diced bell peppers or canned beans work well. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or a meatless ground alternative.
Best Ways to Store Leftover Roll Ups
If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before wrapping each roll up tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 60–90 seconds or warm in a covered skillet over low heat. For longer storage, freeze the filled tortillas (without garnishes) and thaw before reheating.
Perfect Pairings for Ground Beef Salsa Corn Roll Ups
Serve these roll ups with a side of Spanish rice, a crisp green salad, or tortilla chips and extra salsa for dipping. Pair with a tangy margarita, cold beer, or a sparkling limeade for a refreshing drink. A side of fresh fruit or a simple corn and black bean salad also complements the flavors beautifully.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Roll Ups
Warm tortillas are key to easy rolling and preventing cracks. Don’t overfill—about 3 tablespoons per tortilla is just right. If your filling seems too runny, let it cool a few minutes to thicken up before assembling. For melty cheese pulls, use freshly shredded cheese. And if you like a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped green onions or jalapeños.
Seasonal Twists for Ground Beef Salsa Corn Roll Ups
In summer, use fresh sweet corn cut off the cob and add diced garden tomatoes. During fall or winter, mix in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even a handful of spinach for extra color and nutrition. Spring is perfect for trying lighter cheeses or adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to brighten things up.
FAQs:
Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and corn filling up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the filling, warm the tortillas, assemble, and add your favorite toppings. It’s a great way to meal prep for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
What’s the best way to keep the tortillas from tearing?
The key to pliable tortillas is to warm them before filling. You can microwave a stack wrapped in a damp paper towel, or wrap them in foil and heat them in a low oven. This softens the tortillas, making them easier to roll without splitting or tearing.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! Swap the wheat tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortillas or even corn tortillas if you need a gluten-free version. Just be mindful that corn tortillas are smaller and may require less filling or rolling them like tacos instead of burritos.
Can I freeze the Ground Beef Salsa Corn Roll Ups?
You can freeze the roll ups without the fresh garnishes. Wrap each filled tortilla in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and microwave or warm in the oven until hot.
What type of salsa works best in this recipe?
Any salsa you love will work! Try a classic tomato salsa, salsa verde, or even a smoky chipotle salsa for a flavor twist. If you’re sensitive to spice, choose a mild variety; for more heat, go medium or hot. Chunky or smooth salsas both blend well with the beef and cheese.
How can I make these roll ups vegetarian?
For a meatless version, use cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based ground meat substitute in place of the beef. You can also bulk up the filling with extra corn, black beans, or sautéed veggies, keeping all the flavor and texture that makes these roll ups so satisfying.
Ground Beef Salsa Corn Roll Ups
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
Ground Beef Roll Ups:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 ounces salsa your favorite
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack or pepper jack
- 1/2 cup frozen yellow corn
- 6-8 each wheat tortillas
Garnish Options:
- sour cream
- shredded lettuce
- chopped tomatoes
- black olives
- avocado
- guacamole
- canned black beans drained
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it's browned and no longer pink. Be sure to drain off any excess fat.
For Filling:
- Stir in the salsa, shredded cheese, and frozen corn, mixing well and heating on low until warm and combined.
- Meanwhile, warm the wheat tortillas by wrapping them in foil and placing them in the oven, or microwave them for a quick option.
- Take a warm tortilla and lay it flat on a plate. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture along the center.
- Customize your roll up with garnishes such as guacamole, chopped tomatoes, olives, or black beans according to your preference.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, and enjoy your delicious roll ups!
