Contents
Beef Florentine Pinwheels: A Delicious and Impressive Dinner
Looking to wow your family or dinner guests with something special? Beef Florentine pinwheels are a fantastic choice! These elegant rolls of thinly sliced beef, filled with creamy spinach and cheese, look stunning on the plate and taste absolutely delicious. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home, whether you’re cooking them in the oven or on the grill.
What Are Beef Florentine Pinwheels?
Beef Florentine pinwheels are made by layering thin slices of beef with a savory mixture of spinach, cheese, and sometimes herbs, then rolling everything up and slicing into rounds. The “Florentine” part refers to the classic combination of spinach and cheese, inspired by Italian cuisine. Once assembled, these pinwheels are cooked until juicy and golden, creating a beautiful spiral that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Impressive Presentation: The spiral pinwheel shape looks gourmet, perfect for special occasions.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items you can find at most grocery stores.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Can be baked in the oven or grilled for extra flavor.
- Quick Prep: With some shortcuts, you can have these ready to cook in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 to 1.5 pounds thinly sliced beef (flank steak or top round work best)
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach (or thawed frozen spinach, well-drained)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs for extra flavor
- Butcher’s twine or toothpicks (for securing pinwheels)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
If your beef isn’t already thinly sliced, use a sharp knife to cut it into 1/4-inch thick slices. For tougher cuts like flank steak, place the meat between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it with a meat mallet until even and thin. This helps the beef roll up nicely and cook evenly.
2. Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine the spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or seasonings you like. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Assemble the Pinwheels
- Lay out the beef slices on a clean surface so they slightly overlap, forming a rectangle.
- Spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly over the beef, leaving about half an inch at the edges.
- Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the beef and filling into a log.
- Use butcher’s twine to tie the roll at 2-inch intervals, or secure each slice with toothpicks if needed.
- Slice the roll into pinwheels about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
4. Cooking Methods
Baking in the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the pinwheels cut side up in a baking dish lightly coated with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- If you want a golden top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
Grilling Option
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
- Place pinwheels directly on the grill or use a grill-safe pan.
- Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
Tips for Perfect Pinwheels
- Slicing: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Chill the rolled log in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before slicing for even cleaner results.
- Securing: Don’t skip tying with twine or using toothpicks—this keeps everything together during cooking.
- Doneness: Aim for medium doneness (about 145°F internal temperature) for juicy beef. Avoid overcooking so the meat stays tender.
- Filling Variations: Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or swapping in provolone or feta cheese for new flavors.
- Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- You can assemble your beef Florentine pinwheels several hours ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- You can also freeze uncooked pinwheels for up to two months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is traditional, top round or sirloin work well too. Just make sure it’s sliced thin for easy rolling.
Can I substitute fresh spinach with frozen?
Yes! If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing with cheese.
What cheeses work best?
Mozzarella and Parmesan create a classic flavor profile, but provolone, fontina, or even feta can be delicious alternatives.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble your pinwheels up to a day in advance—just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
How do I keep my pinwheels from falling apart?
Be sure to tie them securely with kitchen twine or use toothpicks. Chilling before slicing also helps them hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
Beef Florentine pinwheels are an easy yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. With their beautiful spiral appearance and rich flavors of beef, spinach, and melty cheese, they’re perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Try this recipe next time you want something both simple and spectacular!