Here’s a simple recipe to make Italian Beef Egg Rolls at home:
Italian Beef Egg Rolls Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (use lean ground beef for a healthier option)
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for a gooey, melty filling)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Egg Rolls:
- 10 egg roll wrappers (available at most grocery stores in the refrigerated or frozen section)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the beef)
- 1 egg (beaten, for sealing the wrappers)
- Oil for frying (vegetable oil or canola oil works well)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
-
Cook the beef: Heat 1-2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
-
Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant.
-
Add the seasonings: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture cook for another 1 minute.
-
Add marinara sauce and cheese: Stir in the marinara sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the sauce through. Remove the skillet from the heat, then mix in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making the filling creamy and flavorful.
-
Cool the filling: Let the beef mixture cool for about 10-15 minutes before wrapping, so the filling doesn’t make the egg rolls soggy.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
-
Prepare the egg roll wrappers: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (so it looks like a diamond). Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with the beaten egg.
-
Fill the wrappers: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled beef mixture onto the center of the wrapper, near the bottom corner.
-
Roll and seal: Fold up the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides of the wrapper to secure the filling inside. Continue rolling tightly towards the top, sealing the top corner with a little more beaten egg to keep the egg roll closed.
-
Repeat: Repeat with the remaining egg roll wrappers and beef filling. You should have about 10 egg rolls.
Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls
-
Heat the oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread — if it browns within 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
-
Fry the egg rolls: Working in batches, carefully add the egg rolls to the hot oil. Fry them for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
-
Drain: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the egg rolls from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot: Serve the Italian Beef Egg Rolls hot, with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips & Variations:
- Baked Option: For a lighter version, you can bake the egg rolls instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), and place the egg rolls on a baking sheet. Brush them lightly with olive oil and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Add veggies: For extra flavor and crunch, you can add some finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling.
- Make it spicier: Add a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture if you like your egg rolls with a little heat.
- Freezing for later: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the egg rolls before frying. Place the assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To cook, fry directly from frozen (just increase the frying time by a couple of minutes).
These Italian Beef Egg Rolls are a delicious twist on the classic egg roll, filled with savory, cheesy Italian beef goodness. They’re great for appetizers, snacks, or even as a main dish when served with a side of pasta or salad.
Enjoy! Let me know if you want more ideas or need help with any other recipes!