Cheesy Beef Egg Rolls

Here’s a tasty recipe for Cheesy Beef Egg Rolls—crispy, savory, and full of flavor! These egg rolls are filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a variety of spices for a fun, cheesy twist on the classic egg roll.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

For the Egg Rolls:

• 10-12 egg roll wrappers (available at most grocery stores)
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Cook the Beef:
   • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Seasonings:
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened.
3. Combine the Filling:
   • Stir in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.
   • Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Mix until the cheeses are melted and the filling is smooth. If desired, fold in chopped green onions for added flavor and crunch.
   • Allow the beef mixture to cool slightly before filling the egg rolls.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

1. Prepare the Wrappers:
   • Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond shape).
2. Fill the Wrapper:
   • Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture into the center of the wrapper.
3. Roll the Egg Roll:
   • Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling. Fold in the side corners tightly, then roll the wrapper upwards, like a burrito. Brush the top corner of the wrapper with a little bit of beaten egg to seal the egg roll.
4. Repeat:
   • Repeat the process with the remaining egg roll wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls

1. Heat the Oil:
   • Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the Egg Rolls:
   • Working in batches, carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain the Egg Rolls:
   • Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Serve

• Serve the cheesy beef egg rolls hot, with your choice of dipping sauce, like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even a tangy ranch dressing.

Tips:

• Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the egg rolls. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), brush the egg rolls lightly with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and assemble the egg rolls in advance. Store them in the fridge for a few hours or freeze them for later use. Just make sure to defrost frozen egg rolls before frying or baking.

Enjoy your cheesy, crispy beef egg rolls!