If you enjoyed last night’s tacos for dinner, why not repurpose it for tomorrow’s lunch? Leftovers don’t have to be a drag. Taco Egg Rolls and Lettuce Wraps are two delicious ways to spice up that leftover ground or shredded meat from Taco Tuesday.
In the mood for a hearty meal with a little extra kick? Since you’re here, check out my Creole Seasoned Crockpot Chili.
Everyone loves tacos but I guarantee you’ll love these egg rolls and lettuce wraps just as much. Egg rolls and lettuce wraps are the perfect replacement. They’re a fresh, fun spin on taco fillings. Swap those tacos for a different kind of crunch!
Don’t have leftovers and just want a taco remix? I have those bases covered too!
Taco Egg Rolls and Lettuce Wraps take the best part of tacos (the robust, delicious meat filling) and add a few new elements for a yummy meal that won’t taste like leftovers.
Meat Filling for the Taco Egg Rolls and Lettuce Wraps
Taco-seasoned meat is the key ingredient in this recipe. If you are working with leftovers, this first step is already set. Adding 1-2 additional tablespoons on taco seasoning to your mixture and about 1-1/2 cup of salsa are the only needed ingredients.
Otherwise, cook your preferred meat in a skillet, adding in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Then, set the meat aside and use the same pan to sauté diced onions, carrots, corn, and black beans.
Next, transfer everything to a bowl and add shredded cheese, salsa, and any remaining taco seasoning. Now, let’s get to the fun part!
What are egg roll wrappers made of?
Egg rolls wrappers are made of egg and flour. Fill them with whatever you’re craving. I used Nasoya vegan egg roll wraps, which are not genetically engineered, a excellent source of plant protein and include:
- No artificial preservative or flavors.
- No high fructose or corn syrup.
Taco Egg Rolls
I bet you didn’t think you could make your own egg rolls at home! I initially thought it was something I could only enjoy at a restaurant.
That was before I knew how accessible they were. You can find them in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Use prepackaged egg roll wraps and you’ll be making egg rolls of all varieties before you know it.
Brush egg wash yolk/white or water around the edges before adding your “taco” filling. This ensures that your rolls hold during the cooking process.
Cook egg rolls in the oven, stovetop, or air fryer. This time around, I opted for the air fryer. I get the crispness I love, with less mess and hassle.
Guacamole or salsa is great for dipping, you pick between the two or indulge in both!
Lettuce Wraps
If you want to take it easy on the carbs, or just want a lighter option, lettuce wraps are a great way to use up that leftover taco meat. You’ll need fresh, crisp lettuce to hold the savory meat mixture you’ve made. Romaine Hearts or iceberg lettuce are ideal for wraps.
Taco Egg Rolls and Lettuce Wraps are an easy meal that will transform your leftovers. Finally, enjoy!
Taco Egg Rolls and Lettuces Wrap
Course: AppetizersCuisine: American, MexicanDifficulty: Easy6-8
servings15
minutes15
minutes525
kcalIngredients
1 pk Ground Meat or Shredded Chicken
1 1/2 cup Salsa (16oz jar, approx. 1- 1/2 jars)
1 can Black Beans (15.5 oz)
4 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
1 cup Corn
1 cup Shredded Carrots
1 White Onions(diced)
1 1/2 cup Shredded Cheese (mixed blend or Mexican mix)
1 pk Egg roll wraps (8-10)
4-6 cups Vegetable oil (optional)
1-2 cups Guacamole (optional)
- Lettuces Wraps
1 pk Romaine Hearts or leaf lettuce
1/2 cup Salsa
1/4 cup Shredded Cheese(mixed blend or Mexican mix)
Directions
- If you already have everything mixed from leftovers, skip to Egg Roll Assemble.
- In a large skillet, on med-high heat, add ground meat and sprinkle with 2 Tbps of taco seasoning. Cook meat, breaking up with a spatula until no longer pink (about 6 minutes).
- Drain fat and place meat in a large mixing bowl.
- In the same pan, add diced onions, carrots, corn, and black beans until warmed through, about 4-6 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl which includes the ground meat.
- Add shredded cheese, salsa and remaining taco seasoning and mix until all ingredients are combined.
- Egg Roll Assemble
- Set an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape and using egg wash yolk/ white or water, and brush around the edges.
- Using a tablespoon, spoon 2 scoop of taco mixture (¼ cup) in the center. Fold up bottom half and sides, then gently roll. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers.
- Air Fryer Instructions
- Spray eggs rolls and inside of air fryer with cooking spray and place on rack. Cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Be sure not to crowd.
- Baked Egg Rolls Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place foil or parchment paper on baking sheet. Liberally spray egg rolls with cooking spray and place egg rolls seam side down on the baking rack for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Skillet Instructions
- Heat 4-6 cups of vegetable oil in a 12-inch cast iron (4 cups) skillet or pot (6 cups) over medium heat. Place the egg roll “seam side” down in the oil.
- Cook it until that sides are crispy and lightly brown, then flip. When finished cooking, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the extra oil.
- (Optional) Serve with guacamole or salsa for dipping and enjoy!
- Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Rinse and cut ends off Romain lettuce hearts.
- Arrange lettuces on plate and spoon mixture along the center row.
- Spoon salsa on top along the middle and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- (Optional) Add guacamole on top and enjoy!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me in your BonAppeDee inspired home-cooked meals on Instagram!
I love how you worked 2 different ideas into the blog post! I made the egg rolls in my air fryer and they came out perfect! The filling was seasoned perfectly! Can’t wait to try the lettuce wrap version!
Thanks for sharing this recipe. These egg rolls were bangin and I love the fact that I could use my air fryer. I’m gonna add this appetizer to my next outdoor gathering, I know everyone will love it.
We made these for taco tuesday and loved every bit! Easy to make, super flavorful, and healthy! Thanks for this awesome recipe!
Taco night just got even better! My family loved these egg rolls. And any recipe that allows me to pull out my air fryer for a quick and easy meal is my kind of recipe, So good!
I don’t know why I’ve never made taco egg rolls, but now I feel like my life has been made complete. These were so tasty and easy to make.
Loved the filling both ways and my family appreciated the versatility.