
This savory twist on crescent rolls transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with the ease of a handheld treat. The garlicky butter coating gives these beef and cheese rollups an irresistible golden finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
I first made these rollups when I needed a quick dinner solution after a long day at work. What started as a kitchen experiment has become our Friday night tradition with my family hovering around the oven as the cheesy aroma fills our home.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: forms the hearty base and delivers rich flavor with a satisfying texture. Choose high quality beef for the best result
- Diced onions: add sweetness and depth to the meat mixture. Look for firm and glossy onions with no soft spots
- Shredded cheddar cheese: creates essential gooey meltiness that makes these irresistible. Go for sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
- Crescent roll dough: provides a flaky buttery vessel that turns golden in the oven. Choose a name brand for best puff
- Garlic powder: is used in both the filling and butter coating for layered savory flavor
- Melted butter: brushed on top transforms the crescents into glossy golden pockets
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef Mixture:
- Cook the ground beef with diced onions over medium heat breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 8 minutes until no pink remains. The onions will soften and become translucent adding sweetness to balance the savory meat. Be sure to add all seasonings during this step so the flavors fully incorporate
- Prepare the Filling:
- After draining excess fat let the meat mixture cool for about 5 minutes before folding in the shredded cheese. This cooling period prevents the cheese from melting completely in the pan while still allowing it to blend well. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese creating a cohesive mixture that stays together when rolled
- Form the Rollups:
- Unroll your crescent dough on a clean work surface separating into triangles. Place a generous tablespoon of filling on the wide end of each triangle making sure to leave a bit of dough uncovered around the edges to prevent overflow as it bakes
- Roll and Seal:
- Starting from the wide end roll each crescent toward the point gently tucking in any filling that tries to escape. Place each rollup on your prepared baking sheet with the point tucked underneath to prevent unraveling. Be sure to leave a couple of inches between for even baking
- Add the Garlic Butter:
- Combine melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the top of each rollup. This ensures the crescents bake up beautifully with an aromatic golden crust

The garlic butter is my secret weapon. I first tried it on these rollups when I was low on ingredients but wanted to elevate a simple meal. My son declared these even better than regular cheeseburgers. The buttery garlic finish truly makes this dish shine.
Make-Ahead Options
These rollups can be assembled up to a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. Brush with garlic butter just before baking for best results. If baking straight from the fridge expect to add a few extra minutes to the bake time
Customization Ideas
Think of these as your blank canvas for burger flavors. Crumbled bacon turns this into a bacon cheeseburger version. A little pickle relish gives a classic burger kick. Sautéed mushrooms chopped small pair wonderfully for mushroom fans. Each variation keeps the dish fun and family friendly
Serving Suggestions
Set up a dipping station with ketchup mustard or ranch for interactive eating. Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in vinegar to balance the richness. Serve with oven fries or sweet potato wedges to make a new take on the burger-and-fries plate
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 325 degree oven for about 10 minutes to preserve the crispy texture. Microwaving is not recommended since it softens the dough. Reheat on a wire rack set over a baking tray to keep the bottoms flaky
Common Queries
- → Can I swap the crescent dough with another type of dough?
Sure, you can use puff pastry, biscuit dough, or your own homemade dough instead. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the option you choose.
- → What are some good sauces to serve with these rollups?
You’ve got plenty of choices! Ranch, ketchup, spicy mayo, or honey mustard go great. Want to try something different? Barbecue sauce or garlic aioli are delicious too.
- → Is it possible to prepare these ahead of time?
Totally! You can cook the beef mixture and assemble the rollups beforehand. Pop them in the fridge unbaked, then bake fresh when you're ready.
- → Can I freeze them for later?
You can freeze the rollups after baking. First, let them cool down, then pack them into a freezer bag or container. When reheating, just pop them in the oven at 350°F until warm.
- → Can I add extra fillings to the beef mix?
Of course! You could include things like sautéed bell peppers, chopped mushrooms, or crispy bacon bits to pack in more flavor and texture.
- → How do I keep the filling from leaking out during baking?
Be sure to roll them snugly, starting from the wide end, and press along the seams to seal. Placing each roll seam-side down on the tray can also help stop any spills.