If you crave bold flavors, crave-worthy crunch, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness all rolled up into the perfect finger food, then these Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Packed with seasoned ground beef, veggies, beans, and melty cheese snug inside a crispy wrapper, every bite is a little party for your taste buds! Whether you fry or bake them, you’re serving up a festive appetizer everyone will reach for first. Bring a platter of these beauties to game night, share them at a potluck, or just treat yourself to a cozy, flavor-packed snack at home—there’s simply no wrong time for Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls couldn’t be easier, and the ingredient list is full of essentials that layer flavor, texture, and bright color. Each one brings something special to the table—from tender meat and creamy beans to crisp veggies and oozy cheese—so don’t skip any part!
- Olive oil: Helps brown the meat and adds a subtle, earthy richness to the filling.
- Ground beef or ground turkey: The classic protein kick—choose your favorite for hearty, meaty flavor.
- Black beans: These bring creaminess and fiber, plus classic Tex-Mex flavor.
- Corn kernels: Adds sweetness and a pop of color, whether fresh, canned, or frozen.
- Red bell pepper: Finely chopped for crunch and vivid color bursts throughout every roll.
- Red onion: A little sharpness for depth and a gorgeous purple hue.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and aromatic—a spice cabinet must for Tex-Mex vibes.
- Chili powder: Delivers a mellow, warming heat that isn’t overwhelming.
- Garlic powder: For a savory backbone that rounds everything out beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: These seasoning staples let all the other ingredients shine.
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese: Melts inside for classic creamy, cheesy appeal—pick pepper jack for a little extra kick!
- Egg roll wrappers: The perfect crunchy vessel; look for them in refrigerated produce sections.
- Oil for frying or baking spray: Use your preferred cooking method—crisp and golden results await either way!
How to Make Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls
Step 1: Sauté the Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown it until it’s fully cooked through—this step locks in all that savory flavor. Once your meat is sizzling and no longer pink, it’s time to add the vegetables and seasonings. Toss in the black beans, corn, red bell pepper, onion, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, plus a solid pinch of salt and black pepper. Let everything cook together for a few minutes until the veggies soften and your kitchen smells downright irresistible. Take it off the heat and let it cool just a bit—this makes assembling the egg rolls a breeze. Finally, stir in the shredded cheese so it melts slightly and mingles with the warm filling.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Lay your egg roll wrapper out like a diamond, then scoop about 2 tablespoons of your flavor-packed filling right in the center. Fold up the bottom corner over the filling, then bring each side toward the middle, and continue rolling tightly. Use a little dab of water along the top edge to help seal the roll completely. Don’t rush—taking time to roll them snug means each Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Roll turns out crisp and compact with no filling escaping during cooking.
Step 3: Cook Until Golden
For frying, pour about 1–2 inches of oil into a deep skillet and heat to 350°F. Fry the egg rolls, just a few at a time, for 2–3 minutes per side. When they’re golden and crisp, let them drain briefly on paper towels. If you prefer to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F, lay the egg rolls out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and spray them on all sides with cooking spray. Bake for about 15–18 minutes, flipping them halfway through. No matter which method you choose, your Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls will have irresistible crunch and color.
How to Serve Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls
Garnishes
This dish loves a good garnish—think freshly chopped cilantro, a scattering of sliced green onions, or even a squeeze of lime for brightness. A spoonful of salsa or a swirl of avocado crema on top takes things even further, adding color and extra layers of flavor for your guests to enjoy.
Side Dishes
For an easy party spread, serve these egg rolls alongside classic Tex-Mex favorites like Mexican rice, refried beans, chips with guacamole or queso, or a cool, crunchy slaw. They also pair wonderfully with a simple green salad if you want a lighter touch. Don’t forget plenty of extra salsa or sour cream for dipping—everyone will want some!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls sliced on the diagonal, stacked on a platter, or arranged upright in a mason jar for a playful, crowd-pleasing look. A colorful dipping platter with several sauces—think salsa verde, spicy queso, or chipotle ranch—turns this appetizer into an interactive tasting experience for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, staying crisp if you reheat them properly.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled—but unbaked or unfried—egg rolls for easy make-ahead snacks. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw slightly before frying or baking as usual, and enjoy on-demand Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls anytime!
Reheating
To restore their crunch, reheat leftover egg rolls in a 375°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them a little soft. An air fryer is also excellent for bringing back their golden, crispy perfection.
FAQs
Can I make these Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and add extra black beans or even some finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty, satisfying filling. The flavors still shine, and you won’t miss the meat at all.
Can I use chicken instead of beef or turkey?
Definitely—cooked, shredded chicken works beautifully here. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply toss it with the beans, veggies, and spices as directed before filling the wrappers.
What dips go best with Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls?
These egg rolls love to be dipped! Try classic salsa, creamy guacamole, sour cream, or a zesty chipotle ranch. Mixing and matching dips makes serving them extra fun at any gathering.
How do I keep egg rolls from getting soggy?
Letting the filling cool a bit before assembling helps avoid steam-build up inside the wrappers. After frying or baking, place the cooked egg rolls on a rack instead of directly on paper towels to maintain their crispiness.
Can I bake instead of fry them to make them healthier?
Yes! Baking still delivers crunch and golden color, especially if you give the egg rolls a generous spritz of cooking spray. You’ll save some calories but keep all the flavor of classic Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how delicious—and downright fun—it is to make and share these flavor-packed Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, this easy appetizer is sure to win hearts and disappear in a flash. Give it a try, share it with friends, and bring that irresistible crunch and zesty flair to your next gathering!
Print
Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls are a delicious fusion of flavors, combining seasoned ground beef or turkey with beans, corn, and cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy egg roll wrapper. Perfect for a party appetizer or a fun snack!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
For Assembly:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying or baking spray for oven method
Instructions
- Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the ground meat until browned. Add beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are softened. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and stir in cheese.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Place filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly, sealing with water.
- To Fry: Heat oil to 350°F, fry egg rolls for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place egg rolls on a baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or mushrooms.
- Freeze before cooking for make-ahead convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
