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This hearty nacho egg roll recipe transforms your favorite Mexican flavors into a crispy, handheld treat that satisfies both taco cravings and comfort food desires. The combination of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and crunchy Doritos creates an irresistible texture contrast that makes these rolls disappear quickly at any gathering.
I first made these during a football playoff party last year, and they were gone before halftime. Now my family requests them for movie nights, and I love how easily they come together even when I am short on time.
Ingredients
- Ground beef provides the hearty protein base choose lean 90/10 for best results without excess grease
- Taco seasoning delivers authentic Mexican flavor without measuring multiple spices
- Flour tortillas work better than corn for this recipe as they are more pliable and seal better
- Yellow onion and green pepper add classic taco flavor and a bit of crunch
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies provide instant flavor and moisture in one ingredient
- Lettuce adds freshness and textural contrast to the warm filling
- Nacho cheese sauce creates that gooey satisfying pull when you bite in use the jarred kind for best results
- Sour cream balances the spice with cooling creaminess
- Crushed Doritos are the secret ingredient adding unexpected crunch and intense flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat for about 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Drain thoroughly in a colander to remove excess fat which prevents soggy egg rolls.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Add diced onions and green peppers to the drained beef in the skillet. Cook for 4 minutes stirring occasionally until vegetables begin to soften but still maintain some texture. The vegetables should become translucent but not mushy.
- Season the Mixture
- Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture stirring well to coat every piece. Allow it to cook for another minute which helps bloom the spices and intensify the flavor. You should be able to smell the aromatic spices filling your kitchen.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl combine the nacho cheese sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies mixing until completely incorporated. This creates a smooth creamy sauce with bits of tomato and pepper throughout for bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Lay tortillas flat on a clean work surface and spread a 2 inch wide stripe of cheese mixture down the center of each leaving about 2 inches empty at each end. This positioning ensures proper sealing when rolling.
- Add the Fillings
- Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly among the tortillas placing it directly on top of the cheese stripe. Add small dollops of sour cream then sprinkle with shredded lettuce and crushed Doritos being careful not to overfill.
- Roll the Tortillas
- Fold the sides of each tortilla inward over the filling then tightly roll from bottom to top enclosing all ingredients. Press gently to seal the edge similar to making a burrito but with a tighter wrap for frying.
- Crisp the Egg Rolls
- Heat a clean skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Place rolled tortillas seam side down and cook for about 2 minutes per side rotating until all surfaces are golden brown and crispy. No oil is needed as the tortillas will crisp naturally.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Allow egg rolls to rest for 1 minute after cooking then slice diagonally with a sharp knife. Serve immediately while the exterior is crispy and the cheese inside is still gloriously melty.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is adding the crushed Doritos. I discovered this trick when my son accidentally dropped his chips into the filling bowl one night and now we consider it essential. The nacho cheese flavor intensifies everything else in the dish.
Make Ahead Options
These egg rolls are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble them completely up to 24 hours ahead of time and store them wrapped individually in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. When ready to serve just unwrap and cook as directed adding about 1 minute to the cooking time if cooking from cold. The flavors actually develop nicely as they sit together which makes this a great time saving option for entertaining.
Customize Your Fillings
The beauty of these nacho egg rolls is how easily they adapt to different preferences. For spice lovers add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. Prefer more vegetables? Add corn black beans or even diced avocado. Meat lovers can try using half beef and half chorizo for an extra flavor punch. Just remember to keep the total amount of filling consistent so your rolls still seal properly.
Dipping Sauce Suggestions
While these egg rolls are flavorful enough to stand alone serving them with dips takes them to another level. Try offering guacamole pico de gallo extra nacho cheese sauce or a cilantro lime crema made by mixing sour cream with lime juice and chopped cilantro. For a fun presentation arrange the different dips in small bowls surrounding a platter of sliced egg rolls creating an interactive appetizer station guests will love.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you keep the egg rolls crispy?
Ensure the ground beef is well-drained and avoid overfilling the tortillas. Cook the rolls seam-side down and turn occasionally for even crispiness.
- → Can the rolls be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours. Cook them just before serving for the best texture.
- → What is a good dipping sauce for these rolls?
Serve with salsa, guacamole, or additional nacho cheese sauce for dipping. Sour cream also pairs well with these rolls.
- → Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
Absolutely! Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a variation in flavor and texture.
- → What type of tortillas work best for this recipe?
Large flour tortillas are ideal as they are pliable and hold the filling securely during rolling and frying.
- → Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying them?
Yes, brush the rolls with oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden-brown and crispy.