Crispy Beef Rolls

These burger-filled egg rolls turn your average patty into a fun handheld snack. The crunchy outer shell wraps around a tasty mix of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and zesty pickles, making a mouth-watering combo that'll be the star at any party.

I came up with this idea during a stormy Saturday when my kids wanted both burgers and something crunchy. These days, these rolls have become our end-of-week ritual, and everyone pitches in with the wrapping part.

Key Ingredients

• Ground beef: Go for 80/20 mix for the right amount of fat and taste. Pick meat that's bright red with nice fat streaks
• Onion: Vidalia or other sweet types work best for the base flavor. Look for ones that feel heavy and have tight, shiny skin
• Pickles: Go with dill for that classic burger kick. Get the crunchy ones from the cooler section
• Cheddar cheese: The sharper the better for real flavor punch. Skip pre-shredded and grate it yourself for better melting
• Egg roll wrappers: You want them soft and bendy. Double-check they're not dried out or past their date
• Vegetable oil: You need something that can take the heat. Try peanut or canola if you've got them

Instructions

Get Ready:

Clear off plenty of counter space for your rolling area. Put all your stuff within reach, set out a small water dish for sealing the edges, and cover a cookie sheet with parchment for your finished rolls. Having everything handy makes the whole job way easier.

Brown The Beef:

Turn a big skillet to medium and let it warm up. Throw in your ground beef and break it up into tiny bits about the size of small peas. Keep an eye on it as it cooks, giving it a stir now and then until you don't see any pink spots left. This usually takes around 8 minutes for just-right meat.

Throw In Onions:

After your meat has browned, toss those diced onions into the pan. Mix them in with the meat and let them get soft and see-through. They should cook until they're completely tender and smell great, which takes about 5 minutes.

Mix Your Filling:

Dump your cooked stuff into a big bowl and give it about 5 minutes to cool down. It should be warm but not hot enough to burn your fingers. Gently mix in your freshly grated cheese so it starts to soften a bit without turning into a melty mess. Sprinkle in your chopped pickles and stir everything together.

Start Rolling:

Put your first wrapper down like a diamond on your counter. Scoop three tablespoons of the mixture just below the middle, shaping it into a horizontal row. Leave about 1.5 inches empty on each side.

Wrap It Up:

Take the bottom point and pull it up and over your filling, tucking it in nice and snug. Fold both side corners toward the middle, then keep rolling it up tight. Wet the last corner with water to make it stick.

Get Oil Hot:

Pour three inches of oil into a heavy pot. Heat it up to exactly 365°F, using a thermometer to get it right.

Fry Them Up:

Gently drop 2-3 rolls into the hot oil, putting the sealed edge down first. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a rich golden brown. Use tongs to flip them carefully.

Let Cool:

Lift rolls out with tongs and place them on a wire rack over paper towels. Wait 3-5 minutes before digging in.

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My grandma always told me that taking your time with the frying temperature is what turns okay food into amazing food. I've found this to be so true every time I make these egg rolls.

Keeping Them Fresh

You can keep uncooked rolls in the fridge with parchment paper between them for a day. If you need longer, freeze them on a parchment-covered baking sheet until they're solid, then toss them in freezer bags.

Warming Them Up

Get that crunch back by putting chilled rolls in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. For frozen ones, add another 5 minutes to the heating time. Let them sit for 2 minutes before you eat them.

What To Serve With Them

Whip up some fresh slaw for a nice crunchy contrast, or throw in some crispy fries for that complete burger meal feeling. Setting out different dips lets everyone customize their own plate.

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I've been making these burger rolls for years now, and they've become more than just another dish in my cooking lineup. They show how playing around with food ideas can create something both new and comforting. Every batch I make brings back good memories of family get-togethers and sharing tasty food with people I care about.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep these in advance and freeze them?

Absolutely, just freeze uncooked and fry straight from frozen, tacking on a few extra minutes.

→ Which cheese melts best here?

Go with cheddar or American—they melt smooth and taste amazing.

→ Can I toss in extra burger toppings?

Of course! Toss in bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or even pickles for a twist.

→ Should I fry or air fry these?

Deep frying gets you the crispiest texture, but air frying keeps it lighter.

→ What dips pair well with these?

Try ranch, ketchup, mustard, or a zesty burger sauce.