These White Castle pizza rolls capture the iconic flavor of the famous slider—seasoned ground beef, grilled onions, and tangy pickles—wrapped in a crispy shell with melty mozzarella and pizza sauce. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. The combination of savory beef, sweet onions, and dill pickle gives you all the nostalgia of a slider in a convenient, dippable bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150 g)
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) onion powder
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (60 g) dill pickles, finely chopped (about 4–5 spears)
- 1 package (12 oz / 340 g) egg roll wrappers (about 12–14 wrappers)
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir in the pizza sauce and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella and chopped pickles until well combined. The mixture should be thick and not too wet.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center, slightly below the middle.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it snugly. Fold in the left and right corners toward the center, then roll upward. Brush the top corner with beaten egg and seal firmly. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- To fry: Heat about 2 inches (5 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Let the rolls cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips
- Make sure the beef mixture is not too hot when assembling, or the wrappers will tear. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
- If the filling seems too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken; cook to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
- Seal the edges well with beaten egg to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pizza rolls with warm pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They pair great with a side of celery sticks and carrot chips, or a simple green salad. For a game-day spread, add other sliders or wings.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Cheese Swap: Replace half the mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper flavor.
- Add Bacon: Cook 4 slices of bacon and crumble into the filling for a smoky twist.
- Vegetarian: Use 1 lb (450 g) of cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of beef; adjust seasoning to taste.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until crispy. You can also microwave them for 1–2 minutes, but they will be softer. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use wonton wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers? Yes, wonton wrappers are smaller, so you’ll need about 24–30 wrappers and reduce the filling to 1 tablespoon each. Adjust cooking times to 2–3 minutes if frying.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying. You can also freeze them as described above.
What if I don’t have pizza sauce? Use marinara or pasta sauce, or mix 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato paste with 1/2 cup (120 ml) water and Italian seasoning.
How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy? Make sure the filling is thick and not overly wet. Drain the beef well, and don’t overfill the wrappers. Fry at the correct temperature to ensure a crispy exterior.
Can I air-fry these? Yes, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C), brush the rolls with oil, and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Are these suitable for vegetarians? Not as written, but you can easily substitute plant-based ground meat or lentils for the beef. Cook the substitute according to package directions and season as directed.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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