Name: Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds ground beef; 1 large onion, diced finely; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ½ cup carrots, peeled and finely shredded; 16 ounces coleslaw mix; Green onions for garnish (optional); 2 tablespoons sesame oil; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ to ¾ cup low sodium soy sauce (about ½ cup used); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

If you’re craving that delicious, comforting flavor of an egg roll but want something quicker, lighter, and way easier to throw together, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the best parts — the savory ground beef, crunchy veggies, and that signature sesame-soy punch — all without the hassle of rolling or frying actual egg rolls. Honestly, it’s become my go-to weeknight dinner when I want something satisfying but don’t feel like a big production.

What’s so great about this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is how versatile and forgiving it is. Whether you’re meal prepping for lunches or just whipping up dinner for the family, it comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like you spent way longer on it. Plus, it’s perfect if you’re watching carbs or just want to skip the takeout but keep those Asian-inspired flavors. You’ve got to try it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to give you that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and a little heat, with veggies that add crunch and freshness. When shopping, look for fresh garlic and quality ground beef to really bring out the flavors.

Ground beef: Using 80/20 ground beef gives enough fat for flavor without too much grease.
Onion: Finely diced onions soften and sweeten, blending seamlessly with the meat.
Minced garlic: Fresh is best here; it adds essential aroma and punch.
Sesame oil: This is key for that authentic nutty flavor that makes or breaks the dish.
Carrots (shredded): Adds color, slight sweetness, and crunch—a nice contrast to the savory meat.
Coleslaw mix: A combo of cabbage and carrots makes this super easy—no chopping required!
Onion powder & garlic powder: These deepen the flavors without adding moisture.
Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat—adjust to your preference.
Ground ginger: Fresh or powdered, it brings warmth and a zing that brightens the dish.
Low sodium soy sauce: Essential for salty umami; low sodium helps keep things balanced.
Vegetable oil: Used along with sesame oil to sauté and mix the ingredients smoothly.
Green onions (optional): I love to sprinkle these on top for freshness and a little extra bite.

Variations

The beauty of this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is how adaptable it is. Over time, I’ve played around with different tweaks and I encourage you to make it your own — that’s the fun of cooking, right?

Ground turkey or chicken: I’ve swapped beef for turkey to lighten it up and it still feels hearty and juicy, especially with a bit of extra seasoning.
Vegetarian version: Try crumbled tofu or tempeh and add extra mushrooms for umami. Just cook them well to get a great texture.
Spicy kick: Add sriracha or fresh chili peppers if you like it hotter—I often do, especially in winter to warm up.
Extra veggies: Throw in bell peppers, snap peas, or water chestnuts for more crunch and color. I often add baby corn when I have it handy.
Low sodium/sugar-free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and reduce the red pepper flakes for a gentler taste.

How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. My little tip here: avoid breaking the meat into tiny crumbles; keeping it in larger chunks helps it stay juicy and makes the texture more satisfying. Cook until it’s no longer pink—this usually takes about 7 minutes. Then drain off the excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Return the skillet to the heat and add diced onions and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Cook this mixture until the onions soften and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. I love how the onions sweeten as they caramelize slightly, which balances the savory beef perfectly.

Step 3: Mix in Sesame Oil, Carrots, and Coleslaw Mix

Pour in your sesame oil—this is where the dish gets that gorgeous nutty aroma—and add the shredded carrots along with the coleslaw mix. Use tongs to mix gently, coating the veggies and meat with the oil and flavors. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes so the cabbage softens but still keeps a bit of crunch. This balance is what keeps it from feeling soggy.

Step 4: Add Your Seasoning Blend and Simmer

Next, in a small bowl, whisk together onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Pour this over your skillet mixture and stir well to combine. Turn your heat down to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. At this point, your kitchen will smell amazing—trust me!

How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a mixed dish made of ground meat, thin light brown cabbage strips, thin orange carrot strips, and small green onion pieces scattered on top. The ingredients are well mixed, showing a variety of textures like the soft meat bits and the slightly crunchy vegetables. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft, natural light highlighting the colors and details of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Green onions are my absolute favorite to sprinkle on top right before serving. They add a pop of color and a mild oniony crunch that rounds out the dish. Sometimes I add a few sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha if I’m feeling spicy. Fresh cilantro is another fun twist if you like that herbaceous note!

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty filling on its own, but I often serve it with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to make it a bit more substantial. Simple miso soup or edamame are great sides if you want to round out a fuller Asian-inspired meal at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more festive occasion, I’ve served this in individual lettuce cups topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs—a fun way to let guests build their own little bites. You can also pack it into a large bowl and top with a fried egg to elevate it for brunch or a weekend dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe keeps well, but I do recommend storing rice separately if you serve it together. When you reheat, a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil helps refresh the flavors beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers in a pinch, but the texture of the coleslaw mix can get a bit softer after thawing. If you want to freeze, portion it out without rice, then thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove. It’s still good but best fresh!

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. This helps keep the veggies from getting soggy. Microwaving works too—just do it in short bursts and stir between to keep it even.

FAQs

Can I make this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or even a medley of mushrooms. Just cook them thoroughly to get a satisfying texture and add a bit more soy sauce or seasoning to keep the flavor punch.
Is this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe low carb?

Yes! Since it skips the traditional egg roll wrappers, this dish is naturally low carb, especially when served without rice. It’s a great option for anyone following keto or low-carb diets.
Can I use ground pork instead of beef?

You certainly can. Ground pork adds a slightly different flavor but works really well, too. Just be mindful of the fat content and adjust the seasoning to taste.
How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. The recipe uses just half a teaspoon for a gentle kick, but you can increase or decrease it or add sriracha for extra heat.
What should I serve with Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even inside lettuce wraps for a lighter meal. You can also add simple sides like edamame, miso soup, or pickled vegetables to complement it.

Final Thoughts

This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe holds a special place in my go-to meal list because it offers that same satisfying umami-packed flavor of takeout without any of the fuss. It’s so easy to make, comes together quickly, and lets you skip the deep frying while still digging into all those textures and tastes you love. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—it’s perfect for busy nights or whenever you want a comforting, tasty dinner on the table fast.