Imagine the juicy, savory flavor of a Philly cheesesteak wrapped in a crispy egg roll shell—sounds irresistible, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls deliver: a crunchy exterior giving way to a gooey, cheesy interior brimming with seasoned beef, onions, and bell peppers. This recipe takes the beloved Philly cheesesteak sandwich and transforms it into a fun, bite-sized appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
I first encountered this fusion dish at a local food festival where creative twists on classic dishes were the main attraction. The combination of Philly cheesesteak flavors encased in an egg roll wrapper was a delightful surprise. It was the kind of dish that made you pause and savor each bite, experiencing the satisfying contrast between the crispy shell and the rich, meaty filling. After that first bite, I knew I had to recreate it at home. Every time I make these egg rolls, it brings back the joy of that food festival and adds a bit of culinary excitement to my kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a unique weeknight dinner, or simply craving a comforting snack, these Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are sure to impress. They’re surprisingly easy to make and can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these delectable egg rolls.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
12 slices American cheese
24 egg roll wrappers
Small bowl of water
Canola oil, for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the Skillet: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet.
Sear the Meat: Allow the beef to cook undisturbed for a few minutes to achieve a nice brown sear. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Once the beef has browned, start breaking it apart gently with a spatula. Aim for pieces that are about the size of a pea, rather than finely crumbled taco meat. This texture will provide a more satisfying bite in the finished egg rolls.
Season the Beef: Sprinkle the beef with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine the seasonings with the beef, then remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions and peppers are browned and caramelized. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The caramelization adds a sweet depth of flavor to the vegetables, complementing the savory beef.
Combine with Beef: Once the vegetables are cooked, return the browned beef to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the beef with the caramelized onions and peppers. Let the mixture cool while you prepare the egg roll wrappers and cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Prepare the Wrappers: Lay out the egg roll wrappers on a flat surface. Place a half slice of American cheese in the center of each wrapper. The cheese acts as a flavorful base for the meat mixture and helps to bind the filling.
Add the Meat Mixture: Spoon about three tablespoons of the beef, onion, and pepper mixture on top of the cheese. Be careful not to overfill the wrappers, as this can make them difficult to seal properly.
Roll the Egg Rolls: Starting from the bottom left corner of the wrapper, fold it over the filling. Next, fold in the two sides to create a neat package. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a small amount of water to help seal them. Roll the egg roll tightly, ensuring that the filling is enclosed and the edges are sealed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 4: Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat enough canola oil to cover the bottom of the pan about an inch high. The oil should be hot but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) is ideal for frying.
Fry the Egg Rolls: Carefully add 3-4 egg rolls to the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the egg rolls for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Cool: Once the egg rolls are browned and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a cooling rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Alternatives: Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a different flavor profile or to accommodate dietary preferences.
Cheese Options: While American cheese provides a classic meltiness, you can experiment with other cheeses such as provolone, Swiss, or cheddar. Each will offer a unique twist to the egg rolls.
Vegetable Additions: For added flavor and nutrition, consider incorporating other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes into the filling. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding to the meat mixture.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also serve the egg rolls with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
Summary
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls combine the best of two classic comfort foods into one irresistible dish. With their crispy exterior and gooey, savory filling, these egg rolls offer a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional Philly cheesesteak. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings, serving as a hearty snack, or enjoying as a delicious dinner. The blend of seasoned beef, caramelized onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese all wrapped in a crispy egg roll shell makes every bite a delightful experience. Plus, with the ability to customize the fillings and flavors, you can make these egg rolls your own. So gather your ingredients, get ready to fry up some fun, and enjoy the delicious taste of Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls.
