Key Takeaways
- Perfect Ingredients: Use high-quality flank steak, fresh spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in Beef Florentine pinwheels.
- Preparation Tips: Butterfly the steak, flatten it with a meat mallet, and season well to ensure an even cook and rich flavor.
- Flavorful Filling: Combine sautéed spinach, cream cheese, and optional ingredients like mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious stuffing.
- Cooking Method: Sear the pinwheels before baking at 375°F (190°C) to achieve a perfectly cooked, juicy result.
- Serving Suggestions: Present pinwheels on a neutral-colored plate with fresh herbs, balsamic vinegar, and your choice of sides for an appealing meal.
- Pairing Ideas: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red or white wine and sides like garlic mashed potatoes or a refreshing salad.
Ever wondered how to impress your family or friends with a delicious and visually stunning dish? Beef Florentine pinwheels are a fantastic way to elevate your dinner game without spending hours in the kitchen. Picture this: juicy beef rolled up with fresh spinach and creamy cheese, all beautifully presented on your table.
Ingredients Needed
Gather these ingredients for a delicious Beef Florentine pinwheels dish. The combination makes for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Essential Ingredients
- Beef: Use 1 pound of flank steak for its tenderness and flavor.
- Spinach: Incorporate 2 cups of fresh spinach to add a nutritious green component.
- Cream Cheese: Use 8 ounces of cream cheese for a creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate ½ cup of Parmesan cheese for a rich, salty taste.
- Garlic: Include 2 cloves of minced garlic for added flavor.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil to enhance taste and keep the mixture moist.
- Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mushrooms: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
- Herbs: Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for additional freshness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Preparation Steps
Follow these preparation steps to make your Beef Florentine pinwheels a flavorful success.
Preparing the Beef
- Select a flank steak weighing 1 pound. Trim excess fat for a leaner option.
- Lay the steak on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to butterfly the steak by slicing it horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through.
- Open the steak like a book. Flatten it evenly using a meat mallet for uniform thickness.
- Season both sides of the beef with salt and pepper. This enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add 2 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, roughly 2-3 minutes.
- Combine the cooked spinach with 8 ounces of cream cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Mix until the ingredients blend smoothly.
- Optional: Stir in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
- Season the filling with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Adjust to your taste.
This preparation creates a rich filling that complements the beef perfectly.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to create delicious Beef Florentine pinwheels that impress at the dinner table.
Assembling the Pinwheels
- Lay Out the Beef: Position your butterflied flank steak on a clean cutting board.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly distribute the spinach and cheese mixture across the beef, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Extra Ingredients: Sprinkle mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs if desired, ensuring even coverage for balanced flavors.
- Roll It Up: Starting from one end, tightly roll the steak into a log shape. The filling should stay snug inside.
- Secure the Roll: Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the ends of the roll, preventing the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Refrigerate: Chill the assembled pinwheels in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Sear the Pinwheels: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pinwheels for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Bake to Finish: Transfer the seared pinwheels to a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the pinwheels to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps maintain juiciness.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the pinwheels into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange them on a platter and drizzle with balsamic vinegar for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Beef Florentine pinwheels can enhance both presentation and flavor. Consider the following ideas to elevate your dining experience.
Plating Ideas
- Colorful Plate: Use a white or neutral-colored plate to showcase the vibrant pinwheels. Arrange them in a circular pattern for visual appeal.
- Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley around the plate. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Create a Sauce Pool: Drizzle balsamic vinegar or a homemade pesto sauce on one side of the plate. It adds flavor and acts as a dipping sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Include roasted vegetables or a fresh salad on the side. This makes the meal more nutritious and visually balanced.
- Wine Choices: Pair the pinwheels with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a white such as Sauvignon Blanc. Both complement the beef and cheese flavors well.
- Side Dishes: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, quinoa, or wild rice for a hearty side. These options balance the richness of the pinwheels.
- Salad Suggestions: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette works well. The tangy dressing cuts through the creaminess of the dish.
- Bread Options: Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread. This provides texture and is perfect for soaking up any juices on the plate.
Conclusion
Beef Florentine pinwheels are a fantastic way to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. With their vibrant colors and rich flavors they’re sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
Don’t forget to get creative with your fillings and presentation to make the dish truly your own. Whether you pair them with a lovely salad or some crusty bread these pinwheels bring a touch of elegance to any meal.
So roll up your sleeves and give this delightful recipe a try. You’ll love the compliments that come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Beef Florentine pinwheels?
Beef Florentine pinwheels are a delicious dish made from flank steak filled with a mixture of spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and optional ingredients like mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. They’re rolled up, seared, and then baked, creating a visually appealing and flavorful meal.
What ingredients do I need to make Beef Florentine pinwheels?
To make Beef Florentine pinwheels, you need 1 pound of flank steak, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 8 ounces of cream cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and optional extras like mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes.
How do I prepare the flank steak for pinwheels?
Start by trimming excess fat from the flank steak. Then, butterfly the steak to create a flat surface, and use a meat mallet to gently pound it to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper for added flavor before filling.
What is the cooking method for Beef Florentine pinwheels?
After assembling the pinwheels, sear them in olive oil for 3-4 minutes on each side. Then, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
How should I serve Beef Florentine pinwheels?
Slice the cooked pinwheels into 1-inch pieces and serve them on a neutral-colored plate. Garnish with fresh herbs and optionally drizzle with balsamic vinegar or pesto. Pair them with red or white wine and hearty side dishes for a complete meal.
Can I make Beef Florentine pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels in advance. After assembling, cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld, but make sure to cook them within a day for the best taste and quality.
What sides pair well with Beef Florentine pinwheels?
Beef Florentine pinwheels pair well with garlic mashed potatoes, quinoa, wild rice, or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Crusty or garlic bread is also a great option for soaking up any juices from the dish.
