These Nacho Egg Rolls are a crispy, delicious twist on traditional egg rolls, filled with savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, black olives, onions, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. They offer all the classic flavors of nachos wrapped in a crunchy egg roll wrapper, making them a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. Served with your favorite dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch, or salsa, these egg rolls are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 6-7 egg rolls
Cuisine
This recipe is a fusion of Tex-Mex and American cuisine, inspired by the flavors of nachos but reimagined in an egg roll form for a fun and easy-to-eat appetizer or snack.
Full List of Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup red bell peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell peppers, chopped
- 1/3 cup black olives, chopped
- 1/3 cup red onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cheese sauce (your preferred type, for filling and optional drizzling)
- 1 package egg roll wraps (6-7 wraps)
- Canola oil (enough for frying)
- Optional Dipping Sauces: Sour cream, ranch, or salsa
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Use a spoon to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the beef and then add the chopped red bell peppers, green bell peppers, black olives, and red onions. Stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables soften. -
Add Cheese and Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and a little bit of cheese sauce. Mix everything together until the cheese has melted and the filling is cohesive. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. -
Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of the wrapper. Fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper tightly, sealing the edge with a little water to keep it closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. -
Heat the Oil:
Heat canola oil in a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 2 inches deep and heated to 350°F (175°C). -
Fry the Egg Rolls:
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the egg rolls in the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them and ensure they cook evenly on all sides. -
Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the egg rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the egg rolls hot with a drizzle of cheese sauce, or with optional dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch, or salsa.
Nutritional Information (per egg roll)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Calcium: 10%
- Iron: 8%
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Egg rolls have their origins in Chinese-American cuisine, but variations have popped up across the globe, with different fillings ranging from vegetables to meats. These Nacho Egg Rolls combine the crispy shell of an egg roll with the flavorful ingredients of nachos, creating a fusion dish that’s fun and delicious. Perfect for parties, game day, or as a quick weeknight snack, these egg rolls bring together the best of both worlds.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful: The golden, crispy exterior pairs perfectly with the cheesy, savory interior for a satisfying snack.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, these egg rolls are fast and simple to make, making them perfect for busy evenings.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the fillings to your liking, adding or omitting ingredients like jalapeños, beans, or different types of cheese.
- Perfect for Dipping: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch, or salsa for added flavor and fun.
Health Benefits
- Ground Beef: Provides protein, iron, and vitamin B12, which are essential for muscle repair, energy production, and immune function.
- Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A and C, bell peppers support healthy skin, vision, and immunity.
- Olives: Olives provide healthy fats, which support heart health, and are also a good source of antioxidants.
- Cheese: Cheese provides calcium, which is vital for bone health, and protein for muscle maintenance.
Serving Suggestions
- With Salsa and Guacamole: Serve the nacho egg rolls with fresh salsa and creamy guacamole for an extra Tex-Mex flair.
- As Part of a Meal: Pair the egg rolls with a light salad or a side of grilled chicken for a well-rounded meal.
- As a Snack: These egg rolls are perfect as a standalone snack, great for parties or casual gatherings.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the egg rolls in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy all over.
- Drain the Egg Rolls Well: After frying, let the egg rolls rest on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Keep the Filling Cool: Allow the filling to cool slightly before wrapping it in the egg rolls to prevent the wrapper from becoming soggy.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Nacho Egg Rolls: Skip the ground beef and use black beans, corn, and extra cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy Nacho Egg Rolls: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for a spicy twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: Swap the beef for shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for a flavorful variation.
Conclusion
These Nacho Egg Rolls are a fun and creative way to enjoy the flavors of nachos in a portable, crispy form. Filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and veggies, and served with your favorite dipping sauces, they make an irresistible snack or appetizer for any occasion.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the egg rolls ahead of time, refrigerate them, and fry them when ready to serve. -
Can I freeze the egg rolls?
Yes, freeze the assembled but uncooked egg rolls. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. -
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor. -
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just assemble and fry the egg rolls when you’re ready. -
How do I know when the egg rolls are done frying?
The egg rolls are done when they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use tongs to check them, and if needed, cut one open to check for doneness. -
Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but still delicious. -
Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add corn, jalapeños, or other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added flavor. -
Can I use store-bought cheese sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought cheese sauce for convenience, or make your own for a creamier, fresher flavor. -
Can I make these egg rolls spicy?
Yes, you can add diced jalapeños or chili powder to the filling for an extra spicy kick. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or skillet for the best results.
Enjoy your Nacho Egg Rolls!