If you’re craving a comforting meal that perfectly blends creamy macaroni and cheese with rich, savory Sloppy Joe beef, these wraps are your new go-to. Combining two classic favorites into one handheld delight, these wraps offer a fun and satisfying way to enjoy familiar flavors with a fresh twist.
Ideal for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or party snacks that impress, these Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese Wraps bring warmth and flavor in every bite. The soft tortillas wrap up layers of cheesy pasta and hearty beef filling, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and delicious to devour.
- This recipe combines two comfort classics into a handheld meal perfect for any occasion.
- The creamy cheese sauce and savory beef filling create a balanced, flavorful bite.
- Quick to prepare, it works great for busy weekdays or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (450 g / ≈ 1 lb): The hearty base for the Sloppy Joe filling, providing rich and savory flavor.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture while softening as it cooks.
- Garlic clove, minced: Gives a subtle aromatic punch that enhances the savory beef.
- Tomato sauce or ketchup (½ cup): Creates a tangy, slightly sweet base that binds the beef mixture deliciously.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami and a complex, savory depth to the filling.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon, optional): Provides gentle heat and smoky flavor for a subtle spicy kick.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Elbow macaroni (225 g / ≈ 8 oz): Classic pasta shape for the mac & cheese, ensuring perfect bite-sized portions.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Used to make the roux for a creamy, smooth cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the cheese sauce to coat the pasta luxuriously.
- Milk (1½–2 cups): Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Provides rich, sharp flavor and melty texture for the mac & cheese.
- Large flour tortillas (4): Soft wraps that hold all the delicious fillings together for easy eating.
- Optional extras – lettuce, tomato slices, or pickles: Add freshness, crunch, and tangy contrast to each wrap.
Instructions
- Cook the Sloppy Joe Beef
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In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cooking the onions until translucent releases natural sweetness, while browning the beef builds rich flavor. Once the beef is fully cooked and onions are soft, stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, optional chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to thicken and intensify in taste, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Mac & Cheese
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Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just tender, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Remove the pot from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then gently stir in the cooked macaroni, coating every piece in rich cheese sauce.
- Assemble the Wraps
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Lay each large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous layer of the creamy mac & cheese onto the center, creating a base layer of gooey comfort. Top this with the hearty Sloppy Joe beef mixture evenly spread over the pasta. Add optional fresh ingredients like crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, or tangy pickles to introduce brightness and texture to the wraps.
- Fold and Serve
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Fold the sides of each tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up to securely encase the filling inside. This method ensures the wraps hold together and are easy to eat without spilling. Serve immediately while warm and melty, or wrap in foil for convenient on-the-go brunches, lunches, or snacks.
- You can easily customize these wraps by adding vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the beef for extra nutrition and crunch.
- To add a spicy kick, mix in hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the Sloppy Joe mixture according to your taste.
- For cheese variations, try combining mozzarella or Monterey Jack with cheddar for a creamier, milder flavor profile.
Storage Tips
Prepare the Sloppy Joe beef mixture and mac & cheese ahead of time and store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep tortillas from becoming soggy and to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or crispy oven-baked fries for a complete meal. They also make excellent party finger foods when cut into smaller portions and served with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy ketchup.
- Ensure the cheese sauce is thick enough to coat the pasta without being runny, which helps prevent soggy wraps.
- Browning the beef well develops deep flavors; avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Warming the tortillas slightly before assembling makes them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
FAQs
- Can I make these wraps vegetarian?
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Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils to create a vegetarian version without compromising on texture or flavor.
- Can I freeze the assembled wraps?
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It’s best to freeze the beef filling and mac & cheese separately. Assembled wraps can turn soggy when thawed.
- What type of cheese works best for mac & cheese?
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Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and offers great flavor, but combining it with mozzarella or Monterey Jack can add creaminess.
- How spicy is this recipe?
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The chili powder is optional, so you can adjust the spice level or add hot sauce according to your preference.
- Can I use whole wheat tortillas?
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Absolutely! Whole wheat tortillas add a nutty flavor and extra fiber while maintaining the wrap’s deliciousness.
- Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
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Yes, cook the beef and macaroni & cheese ahead and refrigerate. Assemble the wraps just before eating for best texture.
- What can I serve with these wraps?
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They pair well with fresh salads, crispy fries, or pickled sides for balanced meals.
Sloppy Joe Mac Cheese Wraps
Equipment
- 1 skillet for cooking beef
- 1 pot for macaroni and cheese
- 1 whisk for roux and cheese sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or similar pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ –2 cups milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Optional: lettuce tomato slices, or pickles for extra texture and flavor
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and onions are soft.
- Add tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fold cooked macaroni into cheese sauce.
- Lay a tortilla flat, spread a layer of mac & cheese, then add the Sloppy Joe beef mixture.
- Add optional lettuce, tomato, or pickles as desired.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll tightly to form a wrap.
- Serve immediately or wrap in foil for meals on the go.
Notes
- Mix mozzarella or Monterey Jack with cheddar for varied flavor.
- Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the beef for spiciness.
- Include diced bell peppers, corn, or peas in the beef mixture.
- Prepare beef and mac & cheese ahead; assemble wraps when serving.
