Snack Taco Pinwheels
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 64 pinwheels 1x
Description
These taco pinwheels are a delightful party snack, featuring a savory blend of seasoned meat, cheese, and fresh toppings rolled in soft tortillas.
Ingredients
- 8 (10-inch) soft flour tortilla shells
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground meat (turkey, chicken, or beef will all work well)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16 oz / 450 g) jar Pace Picante Sauce
- 3 oz (85 g) tomato paste
- 1/2 TB cornstarch
- 1 tsp each cumin & chili powder
- 1/2 tsp each salt, garlic powder, & oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz (225 g) Neufchatel cheese
- 2 c (480 ml) pre-shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- Frilled toothpicks to hold the pinwheels together
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in 1/2 jar of Pace Picante Sauce and taco seasoning mix. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the meat mixture cool slightly.
- Lay out the flour tortillas and spread a thin layer of sour cream over each one.
- Evenly divide the meat mixture among the tortillas, spreading it out to cover the surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, and chopped cilantro over the meat mixture on each tortilla.
- Roll each tortilla tightly into a log. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Once chilled, slice each log into 1-inch pinwheels and serve.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot Pace Picante Sauce.
- These pinwheels can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- To keep them fresh, wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 20
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can these pinwheels be made ahead of time?
Yes — the notes explicitly say these can be made a day in advance. After rolling the tortillas into logs, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels only when you are ready to serve so the cut ends stay fresh.
Why does the recipe call for Neufchatel cheese alongside the shredded cheddar?
The 8 oz of Neufchatel cheese (a lower-fat cream cheese) acts as a creamy binder that spreads over the tortilla and helps the pinwheels hold together when sliced. The 2 cups of shredded cheddar goes on top of the meat layer and adds the sharper, meltier flavor.
What protein options work in place of ground beef?
The recipe lists 1 lb lean ground meat and specifies that turkey, chicken, or beef all work well — any of the three can be used interchangeably. The notes also mention substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want a lighter spread. 
