Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something exciting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These Chili Southwestern Egg Rolls are the perfect solution for a quick and delicious weeknight meal or a fun appetizer for your next gathering. This recipe combines the comforting warmth of chili with the satisfying crunch of egg rolls, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this fantastic recipe for healthy meals and easy recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (about 12) egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chili Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded. This allows for the development of delicious, deep flavors in this quick dinner idea.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you.
- Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chili filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners. Roll up tightly, tucking in the edges as you go. You may want to lightly brush the edges with water to help them seal.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Rolls
Frying: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the egg rolls to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. Place the egg rolls on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Using cooking spray will minimize the oil content.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the chili filling.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage.
- Add some cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the egg rolls before rolling them up.
- Serve with a dipping sauce: Ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy mayo are all delicious options.
- Meal prep friendly: These egg rolls can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook, making them a great option for homemade cooking.
Nutritional Information (per egg roll, approximate, frying method):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
These Chili Southwestern Egg Rolls are a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are easy to make and packed with flavor. They’re a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas, and a surefire way to spice up your weeknight meals. Enjoy!