Nacho Egg Rolls are the ultimate fusion of two favorite snacks—nachos and egg rolls—wrapped up in a crunchy, cheesy shell. Ground beef is seasoned and cooked with bell peppers, onions, and black olives, then wrapped in egg roll wrappers along with shredded cheddar cheese and a drizzle of cheese sauce. Once fried to golden perfection, these Nacho Egg Rolls offer a crispy, savory bite with the classic flavors of nachos. They're perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you want a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer. Serve them with sour cream, ranch, or cheese dip for even more flavor!
Nacho Egg Rolls are a fun and delicious fusion snack that combines all the flavors of classic nachos inside a crispy egg roll wrapper. These egg rolls are packed with seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, black olives, and a mix of shredded cheddar cheese and cheese sauce, all wrapped up and fried to golden perfection. They offer a crunchy texture on the outside and a flavorful, cheesy filling on the inside, making them a perfect appetizer or party snack.
Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make these Nacho Egg Rolls a crowd-pleaser.
INGREDIENTS
- Lean Ground Beef: The heart of the filling, providing a savory base that’s seasoned and cooked to perfection. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Red and Green Bell Peppers: These peppers add a pop of color and a mild sweetness that balances the savory filling.
- Black Olives: Chopped black olives bring a bit of tang and saltiness, adding another layer of flavor to the filling.
- Red Onions: Finely chopped red onions provide a sharp, slightly sweet taste that complements the other ingredients.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully inside the egg rolls, adding a rich, creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
- Cheese Sauce: A drizzle of cheese sauce inside each egg roll gives the filling a gooey, extra-cheesy center.
- Egg Roll Wraps: The crispy, golden wrapper that holds all the nacho ingredients together. Frying the egg rolls gives them that perfect crunch with each bite.
- Canola Oil: Used for frying the egg rolls until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Sour Cream, Ranch, or Cheese Dip (Optional): These dipping sauces are perfect for serving alongside the nacho egg rolls, offering even more flavor with every bite.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with your favorite seasonings. Make sure the meat is fully thawed and broken up for even cooking.
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet, cook the seasoned ground beef over medium-high heat, stirring frequently for about 7-8 minutes, until browned. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease.
- Step 3:
- Add the chopped green bell peppers and red onions to the skillet with the browned beef. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, until the onions become translucent and slightly browned.
- Step 4:
- Transfer the beef mixture to the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle when assembling the egg rolls.
- Step 5:
- While the mixture cools, heat a deep pot or fryer filled with canola oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 6:
- Lay out an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape with one point facing you. Add a spoonful of the beef mixture to the center, then top with chopped red and green bell peppers, black olives, a drizzle of cheese sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 7:
- Fold the bottom point of the egg roll wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll the egg roll up, sealing the edges with a dab of water to ensure it stays closed during frying.
- Step 8:
- Repeat the process until all the filling has been used and the egg rolls are assembled.
- Step 9:
- Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally for even frying.
- Step 10:
- Remove the fried egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Step 11:
- Serve the Nacho Egg Rolls hot with your choice of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, ranch, or cheese dip.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Nacho Egg Rolls are best served hot and fresh from the fryer. They pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, ranch dressing, or cheese dip. These egg rolls make an excellent appetizer for parties, game days, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until crispy and warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the wrappers soggy.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the egg rolls before frying. Place the assembled but uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to fry, cook them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the frying time.
Helpful Notes
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to switch up the filling ingredients. You can add cooked rice, beans, or corn to the beef mixture for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese melts beautifully, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. This makes it easier to prepare them in advance for parties or gatherings.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Rachel recommends using a meat thermometer to ensure the oil is at the perfect temperature for frying, resulting in perfectly golden egg rolls every time.
- Chef Carlos suggests adding a pinch of cumin or taco seasoning to the beef mixture for a deeper, more authentic nacho flavor.
- Chef Mia advises using a pastry brush to lightly coat the egg roll wrappers with oil before frying, ensuring they come out extra crispy.