These roll ups feature seasoned ground beef wrapped around pepperoni slices and mozzarella, then baked until golden and bubbly. The cream cheese in the beef mixture keeps everything moist while adding richness, and the parmesan topping creates a savory crust. Each serving delivers just 3g net carbs with 26g protein, making them ideal for keto meal prep or quick low-carb snacking. The simple assembly and quick baking time mean you can have a satisfying appetizer or light meal ready in under half an hour.
The smell of pepperoni baking always takes me back to Friday nights when my dad would make his famous pizza. We'd hover around the oven, watching the cheese bubble through the glass door. These roll ups capture that same savory comfort but without all the carbs.
Last summer I made these for a friend who had just started keto. She took one bite and literally stopped mid conversation to ask for the recipe. Now she makes them every Sunday for her lunch prep.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef keeps these roll ups from becoming too greasy while still delivering rich beef flavor
- Pepperoni slices: The salty cured pork adds that distinctive pizza taste we all crave
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible cheese pull when you bite into the center
- Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty cheesy crust that browns beautifully
- Cream cheese: Keeps the beef mixture moist and adds a subtle tang
- Italian seasoning: The classic herb blend that makes everything taste like pizza
- Garlic and onion powder: Essential savory notes that deepen the overall flavor
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients
- Sugar free marinara sauce: Optional dipping sauce that makes these feel even more like pizza night
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Mix the filling:
- Combine ground beef, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly distributed
- Form the rectangles:
- Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions and flatten each on parchment paper into a 12x8 cm rectangle
- Add the cheesy center:
- Place a few pepperoni slices and some shredded mozzarella in the center of each beef rectangle
- Roll them up:
- Carefully fold the edges over the filling and roll each rectangle into a tight cylinder, pinching to seal
- Finish with parmesan:
- Arrange the roll ups seam side down on your baking sheet and sprinkle each one with grated parmesan
- Bake until bubbly:
- Bake for 15 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the cheese on top is golden brown
- Serve warm:
- Let them cool for just a couple minutes before serving with marinara sauce for dipping
My three year old accidentally called these pizza tacos and honestly hes not wrong. They've become our go to for busy weeknights when everyone wants something different.
Make Ahead Magic
You can assemble these roll ups the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Freezer Friendly
Freeze the uncooked roll ups on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to three months and can go straight from freezer to oven.
Serving Ideas
These work beautifully as party appetizers but also make a satisfying main dish with a side salad. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or a quick oven session.
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad for a complete low carb meal
- Set up a topping bar with extra cheese, olives, or bell peppers
- Cut them in half for bite sized party appetizers
These disappeared so fast at my last potluck that I barely got to taste one. Next time I'm doubling the batch.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
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Yes, assemble the roll ups and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 2-3 minutes to cooking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.
- → What cheese works best for the filling?
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Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that classic cheese pull. Provolone adds a sharper taste, while cheddar provides a richer flavor profile.
- → How do I store leftovers?
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Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- → Can I freeze these roll ups?
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Freeze unbaked roll ups on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time.
- → What can I serve with these?
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Sugar-free marinara sauce makes an excellent dipping sauce. A crisp green salad with keto-friendly dressing balances the richness perfectly.
- → How do I prevent cheese from leaking during baking?
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Seal the edges tightly after rolling and place seam side down on the baking sheet. Starting with a well-chilled beef mixture also helps hold the shape.