There’s something undeniably impressive about a dish that looks fancy but is secretly easy to make. Enter Steak Pinwheels—tender, juicy steak rolled up with a flavorful filling, then grilled or baked to perfection. It’s a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for special occasions, date nights, or when you just want to treat yourself to something extra delicious.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich, meaty flavor, cheesy goodness, and herb-infused goodness. Plus, the spiral presentation makes it feel like a dish straight out of a gourmet restaurant. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about great flavor—it’s about making an impression with minimal effort.
Restaurant-Worthy at Home
It looks like something off a steakhouse menu, but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Customizable Fillings
You can get creative with the filling—try different cheeses, herbs, or even add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Great for Entertaining
These pinwheels are a guaranteed conversation starter. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or a casual backyard cookout, they’ll wow your guests.
Quick to Cook
Steak pinwheels cook in just minutes on the grill or in the oven, making them a great choice for busy nights.
High-Protein & Low-Carb
If you’re looking for a satisfying, protein-packed meal that’s also keto-friendly, this is it!
Ingredients in Steak Pinwheels
Here’s what makes these steak pinwheels so irresistible:
Flank Steak: The ideal cut for rolling—thin, tender, and packed with flavor.
Garlic Butter: Infuses the steak with rich, garlicky goodness as it cooks.
Spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy balance to the richness of the steak and cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully inside the pinwheels, creating gooey, cheesy perfection.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that enhances the overall flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to complement the savory steak.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the meat.
Olive Oil: Helps the steak get that beautiful sear when cooking.
Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: Keeps the pinwheels secure while they cook.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Steak
Lay the flank steak on a cutting board and pound it gently to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier.
Season the Steak
Brush the steak with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the Filling
Spread a thin layer of garlic butter over the steak. Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach evenly across the surface.
Roll It Up
Starting from one end, tightly roll the steak into a log. Secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep it from unraveling.
Slice Into Pinwheels
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled steak into 1- to 1.5-inch thick pinwheels.
Cook the Pinwheels
- Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the pinwheels for about 3-4 minutes per side until the steak is nicely seared and the cheese is melty.
- Oven Method: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired doneness.
Rest & Serve
Remove the pinwheels from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the steak tender. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Steak Pinwheels
These flavorful pinwheels pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, comforting side that complements the savory steak.
- Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini add color and balance.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh, crisp salad is a great contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve with a side of fluffy rice or protein-packed quinoa.
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
- Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Don’t Overcook: Since steak cooks quickly, keep an eye on the temperature to avoid overcooking.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the steak sit in a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an hour before rolling for an even deeper flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare and 140°F (60°C) for medium.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A1: Yes! While flank steak works best, skirt steak or even a thin-cut sirloin can work as well.
Q2: How do I keep the pinwheels from falling apart?
A2: Make sure to tie them securely with kitchen twine or use sturdy toothpicks. Also, don’t overfill them.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes! Assemble the pinwheels in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q5: Can I freeze steak pinwheels?
A5: Yes! Freeze uncooked pinwheels for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A6: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to maintain their texture.
Q7: Can I cook these on the stovetop?
A7: Yes! Sear them in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes per side, then finish in the oven if needed.
Q8: What’s the best way to cut the steak for rolling?
A8: Always slice against the grain to ensure tender, easy-to-chew bites.
Q9: Can I use frozen spinach?
A9: Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
Q10: What other fillings can I try?
A10: Try sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, mushrooms, or even pesto for a unique twist!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s impressive, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make, Steak Pinwheels are the way to go. Whether grilled to perfection or roasted in the oven, they make a stunning main dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Print
Steak Pinwheels
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Steak Pinwheels are stuffed with Provolone cheese, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, making them a delicious and elegant dish. Perfect for impressing guests, this easy steak recipe cooks quickly on a griddle or grill, giving you a flavorful, juicy bite in just minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 4 tbsp all-purpose BBQ rub (or your favorite steak seasoning)
- 12 slices Provolone cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (stems removed)
- 8 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- Butcher’s twine (for tying the roll)
- Skewers (for extra support)
Instructions
repare the Steak:
- Carefully butterfly the flank steak by slicing it across horizontally, opening it like a book.
- Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the steak and pound it evenly until about ¼ inch thick.
- Trim the edges to create a square or rectangle shape.
Season & Fill:
- Season both sides of the steak with BBQ rub.
- Layer Provolone cheese slices, then spinach leaves, followed by sun-dried tomatoes.
- Drizzle a bit of oil from the tomato jar for extra flavor.
Roll & Secure:
- Start rolling the steak tightly from the shorter side to form a log.
- Secure with butcher’s twine, tying at 2-inch intervals.
- Insert skewers next to the twine to help hold everything in place.
- Using a sharp knife, slice into individual pinwheels, making sure each has a skewer.
Cook the Pinwheels:
- Heat a griddle or grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the steak pinwheels on the hot surface and grill for 5 minutes per side.
- For medium-rare, cook until the internal temp reaches 130°F (54°C).
- For medium, remove at 140°F (60°C).
Rest & Serve:
- Let the steak pinwheels rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cheese Options: Swap Provolone for Mozzarella, Swiss, or Gouda.
- Extra Flavor: Add a layer of garlic butter or pesto inside before rolling.
- Cooking Alternative: If using an oven, bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, finishing with a quick sear.
- Make it Spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or use spicy BBQ rub.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg