Every time I make these Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, it takes me back to family gatherings filled with laughter, love, and, of course, delicious food. I can still picture my kids running around, their faces lighting up at the smell of frying egg rolls. It’s such a simple yet delightful dish, and once you take that first crispy bite, you’ll understand why it’s become a cherished recipe in our home. Trust me, the joy it brings is infectious! I can’t wait to share this all-time favorite with you, so get cozy and let’s dive right into making these scrumptious egg rolls together.
How to make Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. Each ingredient plays an important role in bringing this dish to life, and I’m sure you’ll love how everything comes together.
| Ingredient | Amount | |——————————-|—————————-| | Ground beef | 1 pound | | Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon | | Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | | Ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | | Butter | 2 tablespoons | | Yellow onion, chopped | 1 | | Green bell pepper, chopped | 1/2 | | Egg roll wrappers | 24 | | American cheese slices | 12 | | Vegetable oil for frying | 3/4 cup |
I love adding fresh herbs like parsley for an extra layer of flavor, but it’s not necessary if you don’t have any on hand. This recipe is flexible, and you can easily customize it to suit your tastes.
Cooking Steps
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Brown the Beef: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. I usually break it apart as little as possible so it maintains some nice texture. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s browned and looks delicious.
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Season the Meat: Once your beef is beautifully browned, add in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, along with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Just stir it gently to combine. The Worcestershire sauce really gives it that authentic savory flavor!
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Remove from Heat: After stirring, take the beef mixture out of the skillet and set it aside. You want to let it cool a bit while you work on the veggies.
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Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Then, toss in 1 chopped yellow onion and 1/2 chopped green bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re nicely browned. The aroma in your kitchen will be simply irresistible!
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Combine the Fillings: Once your veggies are soft and fragrant, return the beef mixture to the skillet. Give it all a good stir to combine everything, letting those flavors meld together.
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Cool the Filling: Before you start making your egg rolls, let the filling cool down a bit. It’ll be much easier to handle, and trust me, you’ll want to avoid burning your fingers!
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Prepare the Wrappers: Lay out 24 egg roll wrappers on a clean surface. Grab them like they’re little canvases waiting to be filled with flavor.
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Add Cheese: For each wrapper, place half a slice of American cheese right in the center. The cheese will melt beautifully when you fry the egg rolls, making every bite creamy and dreamy.
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Fill the Wrappers: Now, scoop about 3 tablespoons of the filling onto each wrapper on top of the cheese. This is where the magic happens!
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Roll Them Up: Start by folding the bottom left corner over the filling, then tuck in the two sides. Moisten the edges with a little water to help seal everything in, and roll it up tightly. It might take a bit of practice, but you’ll get the hang of it!
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Heat the Oil: In a large saucepan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough to fry the egg rolls, but not so hot that it starts to smoke. A little test: drop a small piece of filling in—if it sizzles, you’re ready!
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Fry the Egg Rolls: Carefully add 3 to 4 egg rolls at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy. They’ll look so enticing that you might be tempted to snag one before dinner!
Why I Love Making This Dish
Oh, where do I even begin? Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are special to me because they remind me of family togetherness. There’s something magical about preparing food together that fuels laughter and love. I fondly recall hosting friends and family over for game nights, and these egg rolls were always gone in a flash. They’re perfect for gatherings, a cozy family dinner, or even a movie night at home. Plus, you can batch make them and freeze the extras for another day—how fantastic is that?
What You’ll Need
To make these scrumptious egg rolls, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Here’s a quick list to help you prepare:
- A large skillet for browning the beef and veggies
- A sturdy cutting board and knife
- A bowl for mixing the ingredients
- A large saucepan for frying the egg rolls
- A spatula or tongs to turn the egg rolls while frying
- Paper towels for draining the fried egg rolls (they can get a bit oily!)
Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s ensure you have the best experience making these delightful treats:
- Preheat the oil before frying—that’s key for getting them crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan. Fry in small batches so they have room to move around.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different veggies to the filling like mushrooms or spinach for a fun twist!
Tips for Perfect Results
- For extra crispy egg rolls, consider adding a little cornstarch to the beef mixture. It helps create that delicious crunch we all love.
- Monitor your oil temperature closely; too hot, and they’ll burn, too cool, and they’ll be greasy. A good 350°F is ideal.
- Serve them fresh for the best texture, but they reheat well, too!
Serving Suggestions and Sides
There’s nothing like enjoying Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls with a side of warm marinara or a zesty dipping sauce. A little ranch dressing or even spicy mustard can take these bites to a whole new level! For sides, I love serving them with a simple green salad or some crispy potato wedges. It makes for a perfect meal, especially when you have family and friends gathered around the table.
Leftovers
You might find these egg rolls disappear quickly, but if you do have leftovers, they’re super easy to store. Just place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they should last about 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again. You can also use an air fryer, which will make them even crispier!
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Definitely! Both work well, just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed since they may cook a bit faster.
What if I can’t find egg roll wrappers? You can also use spring roll wrappers or even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! Just keep in mind that they might require different cooking times.
Can I freeze these egg rolls? Absolutely! Prepare them up to the frying stage, then lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them directly from frozen!
This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. There’s something so satisfying about the crunchy outside and the cheesy, savory filling inside. I know you’ll love it just as much as my family does! It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re looking to impress guests. Please let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time!