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This gooey Sloppy Joe Mac n Cheese Wrap mashes up two best-loved classics all snug in a golden tortilla. Every bite is all about cheesy pasta, rich beef, and a crunchy shell. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just want a little nostalgia for dinner, this wrap’s gonna hit the spot.
I originally threw these together on game days but now everyone’s always asking for them on movie night. Cutting into a wrap and seeing that cheesy stretch is honestly dinner-table gold.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Ground beef: go for 80-20 for juicy meat that gives tons of flavor
- Onion: dice it up—onions set the tasty base for everything
- Red bell pepper: adds a gentle sweetness but you can totally skip it if you want
- Garlic: fresh is best for that zing—find plump, aromatic cloves
- Ketchup: a tangy ketchup (not too sugary) punches up the sauce
- Tomato paste: a double-concentrated tube delivers rich tomato flavor
- Brown sugar: just enough to even out the tomato tang
- Yellow mustard: classic, bright, and tangy—nostalgia in a bottle
- Worcestershire sauce: this is the secret for savory wow and that craveable taste
- Chili powder and smoked paprika: they bring warmth and smoke—fresh ground is the way to go
- Cayenne pepper: optional but perfect if you want it spicy
- Macaroni pasta: elbows work best—clingy pasta is key, pick a sturdy brand
- Sharp cheddar cheese: shred it yourself for best melt and bold cheesy goodness
- Mozzarella cheese: brings stretchy, melty magic to the mac
- Butter, flour, milk: the classic trio for a creamy homemade cheese sauce, use whole milk for extra richness
- Flour tortillas: burrito-size makes wrapping easy—look for soft, crack-free ones
- More shredded cheese: for the ultimate gooey cheesy layer right inside your wrap
Simple Step-by-Step
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the wrap hang out for a minute or two before you cut it. The cheesy filling will be super melty and messy—dig in while it’s hot! Napkins are a good idea because this is comfort food at its messiest and best.
- Grill and Crisp:
- Set a skillet over medium, melt butter or use a little spray. Place the wrap seam down, press gently, and toast for a couple of minutes per side until it gets golden and crisp. Cheese inside should get nice and gooey.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Warm your tortillas in a pan or microwave till they’re soft and bendy. Spoon a pile of mac and cheese across the middle, add a scoop of Sloppy Joe meat, and toss on extra cheese. Fold up the bottom, tuck in the sides, then roll it up snug so nothing spills out.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and red pepper till soft. Add ground beef, break it up, and cook it through, then drain the grease if too much. Stir in garlic for a minute, then mix in tomato paste and cook a little more. Add ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer until everything thickens and soaks up all the flavors. Take it off the heat when it’s nice and saucy.
- Cook the Mac and Cheese:
- Boil macaroni with a bit of salt until just right, then drain and set aside. Melt butter in your pot, whisk flour in, and cook for a minute. Slowly add milk, whisking out lumps, and let it thicken. Off the heat, dump in cheddar and mozzarella, and mix till smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder if you want. Stir pasta back in, cover, and keep warm.
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That feeling when you find leftover mac and cheese in the fridge is the best—it means quick wraps soon! Don’t skip the extra sharp cheddar. It’s my absolute must-have for that extra yummy cheesy taste.
Leftover Storage Advice
Pop leftover mac and cheese or Sloppy Joe mix in sealed containers in your fridge—they’ll keep for three days. You can roll up the wraps ahead (skip grilling), wrap them tight in cling film or foil, and refrigerate. Ready to eat? Just grill to crisp. Want them to last longer? Freeze the wraps individually, then toss them on the skillet straight from the freezer.
Swap Suggestions
Ground turkey or veggie crumbles are solid substitutes if you don’t want beef. Out of tomato paste? Extra ketchup and Worcestershire does the trick. Any cheese that melts well—Colby, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack—will work if you don’t have cheddar or mozzarella.
Fun Ways to Serve
Pair your wrap with a green salad or roast some broccoli for a veggie kick. For parties or game days, slice them up and pile on a platter for people to grab. They’re also perfect for lunchboxes (especially for older kids who love a treat).
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The Story Behind It
Sloppy Joes started out as a thrifty way to make ground meat stretch in American kitchens a century ago. Mac and cheese is already legendary comfort food everyone loves. Rolling the two in a tortilla is a fresh new spin that makes them easy to carry and even more fun to eat.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of cheese works best for the mac?
Use sharp cheddar for big flavor and a good melt. Combine it with mozzarella to make it creamy and stretchy.
- → Can I prep the sloppy joe mix early?
Definitely! Make it ahead and refrigerate. Just reheat it before you put everything together.
- → How can I stop the tortillas from becoming soggy?
Let everything cool a little before wrapping, then grill the wraps. The grilling keeps in moisture while making the outside crispy.
- → Can I switch out the beef with turkey?
Yes! Turkey is a great alternative. Just tweak the seasoning to match your taste.
- → What side dishes go well with these wraps?
A fresh green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or tangy pickles make awesome sides for this dish.