Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef

4 slices of bacon

½ white onion diced

5 cloves of garlic, minced

½ cup diced pickles or pickle relish

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

¼ cup cold water

2 tsp cornstarch

1 cup shredded cheese

15 to 20 egg roll or wonton wrappers

Instructions

Step 1:

Fry the bacon in a large skillet

Set to the side when done frying

Step 2:

In the same pan, add the garlic and the onion and saute until the onions are translucent

Add the ground beef to the pan, crumbling it as you add it

Step 3:

Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the ground beef is no longer pink

Remove from the heat and drain the excess fat from the pan

Step 4:

Chop the bacon into pieces and add to the beef

Add in the pickles and the cheese and stir well

Step 5:

Mix cornstarch and water together and using a pastry brush, brush the outer edges of the egg roll wrappers with the mix

Add roughly 3 tbsp of hamburger mix at one edge of the wrapper. Make it ½ inches from the sides

Step 6:

Fold in the sides of the wrapper and roll the wrapper and beef up lengthwise

Continue until all the ground beef mix is used

Step 7:

Heat oil in a skillet about ½ inch deep, when the oil is hot carefully place some egg rolls in and fry, turning routinely to get all sides a golden brown

Place the egg rolls on paper towels or a cooling rack and continue until all rolls are cooked

Step 8:

Serve with a dipping sauce of choice or mix ketchup with mayonnaise and add pickle relish to have a Big Mac style dipping sauce

Enjoy!

Notes:

Versatile Filling: The ground beef, bacon, and cheese mixture is highly adaptable. You can experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, pepper jack, or American, and add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or even cooked onions for extra flavor.

Egg Roll Wrappers vs. Wonton Wrappers: Egg roll wrappers are larger and work well for bigger rolls, while wonton wrappers are smaller and can be used to make bite-sized rolls. Adjust the amount of filling based on the wrapper size.

Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the egg rolls instead of frying. Brush them with a bit of oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.

Make-Ahead Friendly: These egg rolls can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a day before frying. They can also be frozen (uncooked) for up to 3 months. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Oil Temperature: When frying, ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) to achieve a crispy exterior without making the rolls too greasy. If the oil is too hot, the outside may burn before the inside is fully cooked.

Draining Excess Fat: Properly draining the cooked beef and bacon mixture is crucial to avoid soggy egg rolls. Using a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack can help remove excess oil after frying.

Dipping Sauce Suggestions: While the Big Mac-style sauce (ketchup, mayo, pickle relish) is classic, you can also serve these egg rolls with mustard, BBQ sauce, or even ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.

Serving Tips: These egg rolls are great as an appetizer, party snack, or even a fun dinner option. They pair well with a fresh salad, fries, or even a side of coleslaw.

Customizable Flavors: The recipe can be adjusted to suit different tastes. For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture, or try using spicy cheese.

Portion Control: If you want to make smaller portions, use wonton wrappers and adjust the filling amount accordingly. These mini versions are perfect for parties or as a light snack.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different ground meat like turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if you prefer a leaner option.

Keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

What are some dipping sauce options for these egg rolls?

You can serve these egg rolls with various dipping sauces.

In addition to the suggested Big Mac-style sauce, you can use ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, or even ranch dressing for dipping.

Can I make these egg rolls in advance and reheat them?

Yes, you can make these egg rolls in advance and reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Reheating in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes should do the trick.

Can I use pre-made egg roll wrappers, or should I make them from scratch?

Using store-bought egg roll wrappers is perfectly fine and convenient.

Making egg roll wrappers from scratch can be time-consuming and may not significantly affect the taste of the final product.

What kind of cheese works best for these egg rolls?

You can use a variety of cheeses, but cheddar, American, or a cheese blend often work well.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese for a unique flavor.

Can I use different types of ground meat, like turkey or chicken, instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative if you prefer.

Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly and season it to your liking.

What is the purpose of the cornstarch and water mixture in this recipe?

The cornstarch and water mixture is used to seal the edges of the egg roll wrappers.

It acts as a “glue” to help the wrappers stay closed during frying.

How do I prevent the egg rolls from getting too greasy during frying?

To prevent greasy egg rolls, make sure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the egg rolls.

Also, use a slotted spoon to drain excess oil when removing them from the skillet.

Can I make these egg rolls in an air fryer for a healthier option?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer, spray the egg rolls with cooking spray, and cook at around 375°F for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking.

How can I store any leftover egg rolls?

If you have leftover egg rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.