Description
These Irresistible High Protein Pepperoni Pizza Rolls feature a protein-packed dough filled with lean ground beef, pepperoni, low-fat mozzarella, and a delicious tomato-herb sauce. Perfect for a hearty snack or meal, they are easy to make, kid-friendly, and customizable to suit various dietary preferences. Ready in just 35-40 minutes, these pizza rolls are a satisfying treat that combines classic pizza flavors in a convenient roll format.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes (Cento San Marzano recommended)
- 0.5 oz flat-leaf parsley, freshly chopped
- 2 tsp dried oregano, crushed
- 2.2 lb lean ground beef (95% lean)
- 2 tsp onion powder
- Spray oil (for cooking)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 5.2 oz pepperoni, coarsely chopped
For Assembling:
- 6 large wraps (about 10-inch diameter, any type)
- 7.05 oz shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese (Belgioioso brand suggested)
- Sauce of your choice (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Herbs and Spices: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp smoked paprika, and 2 tsp dried oregano. Mix well to create a flavorful spice blend for the filling.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and spray with oil. Add 2.2 lb lean ground beef seasoned with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and starts to brown.
- Cook with Pepperoni and Seasonings: Add 5.2 oz coarsely chopped pepperoni and the pre-mixed herbs and spices to the browned beef. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pepperoni is lightly golden and fragrant.
- Make the Tomato Filling: Stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 0.5 oz chopped flat-leaf parsley with the beef and pepperoni mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and reduces. Remove from heat when rich and not watery.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay 6 wraps flat. Evenly divide the beef, pepperoni, and tomato filling onto each wrap. Sprinkle 7.05 oz shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese over the filling. Add a drizzle of your favorite sauce if desired. Roll tightly into burrito-like shapes.
- Toast the Wraps: Place the wraps seam-side down on a baking tray or in an air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil and optionally sprinkle extra flat-leaf parsley on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes or air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes until the wraps are crispy and cheese is melted. Cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef with 5% fat to keep rolls less greasy; drain excess fat if using higher fat content.
- You can substitute beef with lean ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Use turkey pepperoni or other cured meats like ham or salami for variation; vegetarian options include diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Choose any large tortillas—whole wheat, spinach, or low-carb—ensuring they are pliable to avoid cracking.
- Italian seasoning can replace individual dried herbs if desired; start with 2 tbsp and adjust to taste.
- Drain all excess moisture from the beef mixture to prevent soggy wraps.
- Avoid overfilling wraps (3-4 tbsp filling per wrap) to prevent bursting during cooking.
- Let the filling cool slightly before assembling to prevent cheese from melting prematurely.
- Seal edges of wraps well with water and bake or air fry seam-side down to keep rolls intact.
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 20-25 minutes if frozen; microwave reheating is possible but oven is preferred for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: High protein, pepperoni pizza rolls, lean ground beef, mozzarella cheese, pizza snack, easy pizza rolls, homemade pizza rolls
