Stuffed with caramelized onions, spinach, roast beef and melted gouda, these roast beef and gouda rolls are an elegant appetizer or a simple one-dish dinner.
Some weeks just pile up—early mornings, homework, errands—and the back-to-school rush makes quick dinners essential. I’m always looking for easy, low-dish recipes, and frozen bread dough is a secret weapon. Thawed dough can become sweet rolls or a savory meal in minutes, and these roast beef and gouda rolls are one of my favorites. They combine caramelized onions, tender spinach, thinly sliced roast beef and gooey gouda inside soft, buttery rolls.
A single cast iron skillet is all you need to make these—perfect for stove-to-oven cooking and easy cleanup. If you have a skillet, the method is straightforward: caramelize the onions in butter, wilt the spinach with garlic and roast beef, roll everything into the dough with shredded gouda, slice into rolls and bake until golden.
These rolls make a lovely appetizer, but they’re hearty enough for dinner—serve with a simple salad or fruit. The edges soak up butter and pan juices, turning crisp and buttery, while the centers stay soft and filled with melted gouda. Less washing, more eating—what’s not to love?
These savory roast beef and gouda rolls are filled with caramelized onions, spinach, roast beef and shredded gouda. They bake up tender and golden, with crisp, buttery bottoms and gooey cheese inside. They’re easy, flavorful, and require minimal cleanup.
Below is the recipe laid out with ingredients and clear instructions so you can recreate these rolls at home.
Savory Roast Beef and Gouda Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
- 7 ounces deli roast beef (sliced thin)
- 8 ounces shredded gouda cheese
- 3 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1 medium sweet onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1 clove of garlic (minced)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until the onion turns brown and caramelized.
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While the onions cook, place the thawed dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 12″ by 12″ square.
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When the onions are caramelized, add the spinach, minced garlic and roast beef to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 3–5 minutes.
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Using a slotted spoon, spread the roast beef mixture evenly over the rolled dough. Pour off excess butter and juices from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
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Sprinkle the shredded gouda evenly over the dough.
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Starting at one edge, roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Slice the log into 1″ pieces and arrange them in the skillet, cut side up.
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Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, until the rolls are golden and cooked through.
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Serve warm.