Sloppy Joe Mac Cheese Wrap

These Sloppy Joe Mac Cheese Wraps are a perfect handheld indulgence, combining cheesy macaroni, seasoned beef, and a crispy tortilla. Ideal for a satisfying and comforting meal, these wraps are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Sloppy Joe Mac Cheese Wrap is a delicious fusion of two beloved comfort foods—mac and cheese and Sloppy Joes—wrapped into a crispy tortilla. The creamy, cheesy macaroni paired with savory, tangy Sloppy Joe filling creates an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. These wraps are perfect for a quick dinner, a fun lunch, or a party snack, and they’re easy to eat on the go. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these wraps are sure to satisfy all your cravings in one bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sloppy Joe Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced (optional)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Mac & Cheese:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon mustard powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Assembly:

• 4 large flour tortillas (12-inch burrito size)

• 1 cup additional shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

• Butter or cooking spray for grilling

Directions

For the Mac & Cheese:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

3. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.

4. Remove from heat and gradually add cheeses, stirring until melted. Season with garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the pasta and keep warm.

For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook for 3-4 minutes.

2. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.

3. Drain excess grease, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

4. Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

For Assembly:

1. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a dry pan. Place each tortilla on a flat surface.

2. Spread ¾ cup of mac & cheese across the center, leaving 2-inch borders.

3. Top with ½ cup of Sloppy Joe mixture and sprinkle with ¼ cup additional cheese.

4. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, fold in the sides, then roll tightly to create a sealed wrap.

5. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter or spray lightly with cooking spray.

6. Place the wraps seam-side down in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy with grill marks. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Press gently with a spatula to ensure an even, crispy exterior.

7. Remove from heat and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Cut diagonally with a sharp knife to show the loaded interior. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy, or in a microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare both the Sloppy Joe mixture and mac & cheese in advance, then assemble and grill the wraps when ready to serve.

3. Can I make the wraps spicier?

Yes, you can add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture for an extra kick.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta for the mac and cheese?

While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, shells, or rotini.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and tortillas. You can also ensure the Worcestershire sauce and other condiments are gluten-free.

6. Can I freeze these wraps?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled wraps before grilling. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through, then crisp them up in a skillet for a few minutes.

7. How can I make these wraps vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or lentils, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian or use a substitute.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer for the mac & cheese, such as gouda, fontina, or Monterey Jack. Just ensure it melts well.

9. Can I add vegetables to the wraps?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the mac & cheese or Sloppy Joe mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

10. Can I serve these wraps with a dipping sauce?

Yes, these wraps pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy ketchup.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Mac Cheese Wraps are the perfect handheld meal that brings together the comforting flavors of macaroni and cheese with the savory goodness of Sloppy Joes. These wraps are crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful on the inside, and sure to satisfy any craving. They make for a fun, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a casual get-together. Try these wraps today for a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love!

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