Spanish Rolls
Spanish Rolls are savory stuffed bread rolls filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and chiles, baked to crispy perfection—perfect for casual gatherings or hearty family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef with chopped Ortega chiles, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, Tabasco sauce, and olive oil until the meat is fully browned and flavors meld.
- Drain the meat mixture and set aside.
- Cut the tops off the small French rolls and pull out some of the bread from inside to create space for stuffing.
- Stuff each bread roll with the cooked meat mixture and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Wrap each stuffed roll individually in foil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or 30 minutes if frozen, until the cheese is melted and the rolls are heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture. If you want a spicier kick, replace the Tabasco sauce with a hotter variety. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. To save time, you could use pre-made salsa instead of tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These Spanish Rolls make a fantastic appetizer or main dish. Pair them with a fresh salad or serve alongside a bowl of Goulash Soup for a comforting meal. They are also great for game day or gatherings, offering a delicious finger food option. Consider adding a side of guacamole or salsa for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method helps maintain crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rolls contains roughly 807 calories, with 7g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the baking step. Stuff them and wrap them in foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you're making them in bulk, you can freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months. Just increase the baking time if baking from frozen.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're not a fan of Cheddar, feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese melts well for the best texture.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, lentils, or a store-bought meat substitute. Add more vegetables like zucchini and corn to enhance flavor and texture, making it a hearty vegetarian dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).