I like to keep it real—when my kids get home from school, they act like they haven’t eaten in days.
Backpacks hit the floor, shoes are kicked off in every direction, and the first thing I hear is, “Mom, I’m hungry!”
And with dance practice for one and soccer for the other two, there’s no time to cook a big meal before we’re running out the door.
That’s why cheeseburger pinwheels have become my lifesaver.
Well, any pinwheel – like pizza pinwheels or my famous crack chicken pinwheels – are my #1 meal to make for my kids.
They’re quick, easy, and the kids devour them.
Plus, I can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, which is exactly what I need when everyone is hangry and we’ve got places to be.
Here’s how to make them.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pinwheels
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty Cheeseburger Pinwheels:
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough – No need to make pizza dough just buy the premade version.
- Ground Beef – It gives that classic cheeseburger flavor and makes the pinwheels filling and satisfying for hungry kids.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the beef, adding gooey, cheesy goodness. Can use pre-sliced if you want.
- Chopped Onions – Brings a little sweetness and savory flavor to the beef. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in taste. Can omit if your kiddos don’t like onions (I use a very small amount and mince mine!)
- Cooked Bacon Crumbles – (Optional) Adds a smoky, salty crunch. It gives the pinwheels a little extra flavor boost that makes the kids (and me) love them even more. You can use bacon bits or cook bacon.
- Minced Garlic – Gives the beef a rich, savory depth.
- Salt & Pepper – They bring out all the other flavors and make sure every bite tastes just right.
- Ketchup or mustard – for dipping
Making Cheeseburger Pinwheels
1. Cook the Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned and fully cooked.
Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in ½ cup bacon bits and let everything heat together for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×15 inches).
3. Add Cheese & Filling
Sprinkle 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dough. Spread the beef and bacon mixture on top, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Roll & Slice
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels—you should get about 12 pieces.
5. Bake
Arrange the pinwheels on your baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Cool & Serve with Dips
Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving. Serve with ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping—because what’s a cheeseburger-inspired snack without the classics?
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Pinwheels
1. Cook the Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned and fully cooked.
Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in ½ cup bacon bits (optional) and let everything heat together for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×15 inches).
3. Add Cheese & Filling
Sprinkle 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dough. Spread the beef and bacon mixture on top, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Roll & Slice
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels—you should get about 12 pieces.
5. Bake
Arrange the pinwheels on your baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Cool & Serve with Dips
Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving. Serve with ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping—because what’s a cheeseburger-inspired snack without the classics?
Yummy Pinwheels to Feed a Hungry Crowd
Cheeseburger bacon pinwheels have quickly become my go-to for those busy after-school afternoons when the kids are starving, and we’ve got about ten minutes before we need to be out the door.
They’re quick, cheesy, and always a hit—plus, I love that I can make a batch and know everyone’s fed and happy.
Serve them up with some ketchup and mustard for dipping, and you’ve got the perfect warm snack that keeps the after-school chaos just a little more manageable.
Follow me on Pinterest for more bite-sized appetizers and amazing dinner meals too!
