Sloppy Joe Mac Cheese Wrap

This melty Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese Wrap brings together two childhood favorites all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. It hits every craving with its cheesy noodle goodness, hearty beef filling, and golden toasted exterior. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just want to treat yourself to something seriously fun, this wrap is guaranteed to satisfy.

I started making these wraps on game days and now they have become our most requested movie night snack. Watching the cheese pull when you slice into one is just about the happiest sight at my dinner table.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: look for 80 20 beef for juicy Sloppy Joes with plenty of flavor
• Onion: perfectly diced onions build the flavor base for both the beef and the sauce
• Red bell pepper: I love the subtle sweetness this adds but you can leave it out if you prefer
• Garlic: fresh minced garlic gives the filling a bold kick try to buy plump and fragrant cloves
• Ketchup: choose a good quality ketchup for tangy depth not too sweet
• Tomato paste: look for a double concentrated tube for deep tomato richness
• Brown sugar: just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes
• Yellow mustard: brings tang and brightness buy classic yellow mustard for the best nostalgic flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: this secret ingredient delivers incredible savoriness and umami
• Chili powder and smoked paprika: together they deliver a subtle heat and smoky depth if possible choose fresh-ground spices for the best taste
• Cayenne pepper: extra kick for spice lovers but totally optional
• Macaroni pasta: classic elbow pasta clings to the cheese choose a brand known for firm pasta
• Sharp cheddar cheese: freshly shredded from a block always melts better and tastes richer
• Mozzarella cheese: for that gooey stretch mozzarella helps the mac and cheese get creamy and dreamy
• Butter plus flour and milk: these form the classic roux for a homemade cheese sauce use whole milk for the richest flavor
• Flour tortillas: the biggest burrito size makes folding and grilling a breeze look for soft tortillas with no cracks
• Extra shredded cheese: for that irresistible melty layer right inside the wrap

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Mac and Cheese:

Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente then drain and set aside. In the same pot melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one to two minutes stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk making sure no lumps form and stir for three to five minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese stirring until smooth and fully melted. Season with garlic powder mustard powder salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked pasta making sure every noodle is coated. Cover and keep warm on the lowest heat.

Make the Sloppy Joe Filling:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the diced onion and red bell pepper for three to four minutes until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef breaking it apart as it browns and cook for six to eight minutes until fully cooked. Drain off excess grease if needed. Add the minced garlic and stir for one minute. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to intensify the flavors. Add ketchup brown sugar yellow mustard Worcestershire sauce chili powder smoked paprika and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper. Let the filling simmer for eight to ten minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens up and every bite is coated. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Wraps:

Warm the tortillas for thirty seconds in the microwave or a dry pan until soft and flexible. Lay a tortilla flat and spread about three fourths cup of mac and cheese across the center leaving a border. Top with half a cup of Sloppy Joe mixture and sprinkle a quarter cup of extra shredded cheese. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling tuck both sides in and then roll up from the bottom as tightly as possible so it stays sealed.

Grill and Crisp:

Heat a lightly buttered or sprayed skillet over medium heat. Place the wrap seam side down and cook for two to three minutes pressing gently with a spatula until crisp and golden. Flip and repeat on the other side. The wrap should be toasty and cheese should be gooey.

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the wrap cool for a minute or two before slicing in half. The melty cheesy filling will spill out so dig in while it is hot. Have plenty of napkins at the ready because this is gloriously messy comfort food.

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I always look forward to the moment I open the fridge and see leftover mac and cheese since it means these wraps are only minutes away. The extra sharp cheddar is my cannot-live-without ingredient and it makes every bite extra luxurious.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Sloppy Joe filling or mac and cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Assembled but ungrilled wraps can be wrapped tightly in plastic or foil and refrigerated. When ready to eat simply grill on the skillet until crisp. For longer storage assemble the wraps and freeze them individually then grill straight from frozen for a quick meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for the beef to lighten things up. If you are missing tomato paste squeeze in a bit more ketchup and a touch more Worcestershire. Any melty cheese blend works so use Colby pepper jack or Monterey Jack if that is what you have.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these wraps with a side salad or roasted broccoli for a veggie boost. If you want a game-night spread cut them in half and arrange on a platter for easy grabbing. They also make a fun lunchbox addition for older kids.

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Cultural and Historical Context

The origin of Sloppy Joes goes back to early 20th century America as a way for families to stretch ground meat into a filling meal. Mac and cheese was already a staple in American kitchens for comfort and affordability. Wrapping it all up in a flour tortilla is a modern twist that makes these familiar flavors fun and portable.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best cheese for the macaroni filling?

Sharp cheddar provides great flavor and melt, while mozzarella adds creaminess. A blend of both creates a rich, stretchy texture.

→ Can I make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the beef mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated. Reheat before assembling your wraps for best results.

→ How do I keep the wraps from getting soggy?

Let the fillings cool slightly before wrapping, and always grill the wraps for a crisp exterior that helps seal in moisture.

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes for a lighter option. Adjust seasonings as desired to taste.

→ What sides go well with these wraps?

Serve with a simple green salad, coleslaw, or crunchy pickles to complement the hearty, cheesy filling.