Recipe: Spicy Beef Roll Ups

I kind of started making this recipe before I remembered I was supposed to be sharing it! My last few recipes of the week has been less than stellar, so I guess in my mind I was thinking this one would be too. Nope! DH actually took pictures to show everyone at work! LOL And yes, you can skip my dough recipe and use a pre bought pizza mix if that's easier for you.

Dough:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
3 1/3 cups flour

Filling:

1 pound ground beef, browned and drained (or turkey, chicken, etc)
1 package cream cheese, softened
2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheese
1/2 cup diced peppers
1/4 diced onion
1 tablespoon melted butter (to brush on the finished roll)
1 package Spicy Taco seasonings or the equivalent

So I'm a dork and forgot the pictures, pretty much follow the crust recipe with pictures for the Deep Dish Pizza I have here. The only difference is a little more brown sugar to make the crust a little sweeter, and of course, no Parmesan cheese. (Though, I suppose you could if you wanted to!) Go ahead and pull out your cream cheese, so it's softer, while you start making the dough.

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and brown sugar in the water, and let sit for 10 minutes. Stir the salt and oil into the yeast solution. Mix in 2 1/2 cups of the flour. Turn dough out onto a clean, well floured surface, and knead in more flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Place the dough into a well oiled bowl (being generous with the oil means it will usually roll out easier!), and cover with a cloth. Let the dough rise until double; this should take about 1 hour. Punch down the dough, and form a tight ball.

While the dough is rising, you'll want to brown 1 pound of ground beef.


You can also dice red or green peppers, and onions. I had neither in the house, so you won't see that in the photos.

After draining the ground beef, add in the taco seasoning and mix. Then add the cream cheese in 1 oz pieces, and melt until it's well mixed with the beef. (Note, I only used 1/2 package of cream cheese in this one, because DH got into my last box without my knowing earlier in the day! LOL Yours will look creamier than mine. By all means, if you are cutting calories or funds, the 1/2 box is good too)


After the dough has risen, you'll want to roll it out into a square or rectangle on a well floured surface. If you use wax paper, it is easiest to use some underneath the dough so it's easiest to lift, because it is kind of heavy.


Then spread the ground beef mixture evenly throughout it, leaving about 1" at the edges.


Follow with the peppers and onions, and then top with the cheese. (This is where I recommend grating your own cheese for this recipe - it melts SO much more beautifully because it doesn't have the celluse anti cake powder on it!)


Roll the dough carefully, and pinch the sides, if it kind of looks like a football - perfect! Transfer to a well greased baking sheet.


Brush melted butter on the top, and preheat oven to 375. Bake for 20-22 minutes.


Slice, and serve with a bit of sour cream if desired. This should make 6 very filling servings! And cost if items are bought on sale are under $5. And if it's easier for you than slicing this, you can split the dough into 4 - 6 square portions, and make individual rolls.