Cheeseburger Egg Rolls: A Delicious and Smart WW-Friendly Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure with our Cheeseburger Egg Rolls—a recipe that merges the comfort of a cheeseburger with the crispy appeal of egg rolls. This dish is a hit for anyone seeking a satisfying meal that fits seamlessly into a Weight Watchers (WW) lifestyle. At just 2 WW SmartPoints per egg roll, these tasty morsels are an ideal choice for those aiming to keep their meals both flavorful and low in points. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail of preparing, cooking, and enjoying these delectable egg rolls, while also offering tips for optimizing your WW plan.

Ingredients

To create these scrumptious Cheeseburger Egg Rolls, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Ground Beef: 1 pound (lean, 90% lean or higher is ideal for reducing fat content)
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (low-fat or reduced-fat cheese is a great choice)
  • Egg Roll Wrappers: 12 wrappers (make sure to select the lowest-point variety available)
  • Onion: 1 small (finely diced)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
  • Dill Pickles: 1/2 cup (finely chopped; use pickles without added sugars for lower points)
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Mustard Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
  • Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
  • Cooking Spray: for brushing the egg rolls before baking
  • Optional Garnishes: Ketchup and mustard for dipping (consider the points in these sauces and adjust according to your WW plan)

Nutritional Information

For each Cheeseburger Egg Roll, you can expect the following nutritional information:

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Protein: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Fat: 5 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 2 grams
  • Cholesterol: 25 milligrams
  • Sodium: 300 milligrams

These figures can vary slightly based on the exact brands and types of ingredients used. Always check labels for the most accurate nutritional information.

Smart WW Points

Each Cheeseburger Egg Roll is calculated to be 2 SmartPoints, making it a great option for a low-point meal or snack. This calculation is based on the ingredients listed and assumes the use of low-fat cheese and lean ground beef. Adjustments to the recipe, such as using full-fat cheese or different cooking methods, may affect the total SmartPoints.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture

  1. Heat a Pan: Begin by heating a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. This will ensure that the beef cooks evenly without sticking.
  2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it until it’s well-browned and no longer pink. Use a spatula to break up the meat into small crumbles for an even texture in your egg rolls.
  3. Add Aromatics: Once the beef is nearly cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This will enhance the overall flavor of your filling.
  4. Season: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef mixture is seasoned evenly.
  5. Incorporate Pickles and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the finely chopped pickles and shredded cheddar cheese to the pan. Stir until the cheese is melted and well incorporated into the beef mixture.
  6. Cool the Mixture: Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool slightly before handling. This will make it easier to fill the egg roll wrappers without tearing them.

2. Assemble the Egg Rolls

  1. Prepare the Wrappers: Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean, flat surface. If you’re using frozen wrappers, make sure they are fully thawed before proceeding.
  2. Fill the Wrappers: Place a generous tablespoon of the cooled beef mixture in the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the egg rolls difficult.
  3. Seal the Egg Rolls: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Use a bit of water to seal the edges, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.

3. Cook the Egg Rolls

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the egg rolls for baking.
  2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Arrange the Egg Rolls: Place the prepared egg rolls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to ensure they cook evenly.
  4. Spray for Crispiness: Lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray. This will help them achieve a crispy, golden-brown texture.
  5. Bake: Bake the egg rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Flip them halfway through the baking time for an even crispiness.

4. Serve and Enjoy

  1. Cool Slightly: Allow the egg rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make them easier to handle and enhance their flavor.
  2. Optional Dipping Sauces: Serve with your choice of dipping sauces such as ketchup or mustard. Be mindful of the additional points these sauces may add to your meal.
  3. Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few sliced green onions.

Tips and Tricks

  • Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to customize the filling by incorporating other low-point ingredients such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
  • Cooking in Batches: If you have a large quantity, consider cooking the egg rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
  • Freezing: These egg rolls freeze well. To freeze, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

These Cheeseburger Egg Rolls are not only a low-point WW option but also a versatile and enjoyable meal that can fit into various dietary preferences. With a bit of preparation and the right ingredients, you can indulge in a dish that combines the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger with the crispiness of an egg roll, all while maintaining a healthy balance. Enjoy your meal, and happy cooking!

This professional and detailed guide ensures you have all the necessary information to make delicious, WW-friendly Cheeseburger Egg Rolls that fit perfectly into your healthy eating plan.