Sloppy Joe Mac Cheese Wrap

This Sloppy Joe Mac Cheese Wrap combines creamy cheesy macaroni with rich, seasoned ground beef all wrapped up in a crisp tortilla. It’s a satisfying handheld meal that blends comfort food favorites with a fun twist, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

I first made this recipe when searching for a way to combine two childhood favorites, sloppy joes and mac and cheese. It quickly became a hit with my family, and now it is their go-to comfort food for weekend lunches.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 80/20 blend for juicy, flavorful meat
• Medium onion: finely diced to provide natural sweetness and texture
• Red bell pepper: optional, adds a mild crunch and subtle color
• Garlic: minced for aromatic depth and savory undertones
• Ketchup: provides tang and sweetness essential for sloppy joe flavor
• Tomato paste: adds richness and concentration to the sauce
• Brown sugar: balances acidity and deepens flavor notes
• Yellow mustard: contributes a mild sharpness to brighten the mix
• Worcestershire sauce: for umami and complexity
• Chili powder: adds mild heat and smoky touch
• Smoked paprika: enhances the smoky flavor profile, go for Spanish variety if possible for authenticity
• Cayenne pepper: optional for extra kick
• Salt and black pepper: to taste for seasoning
• Vegetable oil: for browning and sautéing
• Elbow macaroni pasta: for classic mac and cheese texture
• Butter: for a smooth and buttery cheese sauce
• All-purpose flour: helps thicken the roux and cheese sauce perfectly
• Whole milk: creates creamy consistency in mac and cheese
• Sharp cheddar: freshly shredded for bold cheesy flavor
• Mozzarella: shredded for meltiness and creaminess
• Garlic powder: adds savory notes to cheese sauce
• Mustard powder: enhances sharpness and flavor in cheese sauce
• Large flour tortillas: preferably 12-inch burrito size for easy wrapping and holding of filling
• Additional shredded cheese: provides melty richness in the wrap
• Butter or cooking spray: for grilling to achieve crispy golden exterior

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add diced onion and red bell pepper if using. Cook approximately 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavors for the sloppy joe mixture.

Brown the Ground Beef:

Add ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess grease to avoid soggy filling. Return pan to heat before moving to the next step.

Add Garlic and Tomato Paste:

Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor and reduce raw paste taste.

Mix the Sauce:

Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using. Season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the meat beautifully. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Prepare the Mac & Cheese:

While meat simmers, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes stirring constantly to make a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in milk avoiding lumps. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in drained macaroni until evenly coated. Keep warm on lowest heat.

Assemble the Wrap:

Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds or on a dry pan until flexible. Lay a tortilla flat and spread about 3/4 cup of warm mac and cheese horizontally across center leaving a 2-inch border. Top with roughly 1/2 cup of sloppy joe meat mixture, then sprinkle 1/4 cup of additional shredded cheese over it. Fold up bottom edge over filling, then fold in sides and roll tightly to seal.

Grill the Wrap:

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly butter the surface or use cooking spray. Place wraps seam-side down and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until golden with grill marks. Flip carefully and cook additional 2 to 3 minutes until the other side is equally crisp and cheese is melted inside. Press gently with a spatula to promote even browning and crispy texture.

Serve:

Remove from heat and let rest 1 to 2 minutes so you don’t burn your mouth. Cut diagonally with a sharp knife to showcase the melty filling inside. Serve immediately with plenty of napkins. It’s deliciously messy but worth every bite.

Save

I love the smoked paprika here because it adds a subtle but distinct smoky layer that elevates the sloppy joe mixture beyond the ordinary. One memorable family moment was when my kids helped roll the wraps for the first time and proudly declared them the "best lunch ever." It has since become a shared weekend tradition in our home.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers cool them completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or placing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat gently crisp up in a skillet or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to preserve that wonderful grilled texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives but results will differ slightly in creaminess. If you don’t have smoked paprika, a pinch of regular paprika and a small dash of liquid smoke compensate well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or creamy coleslaw to balance the rich flavors. Pickles or a tangy dipping sauce such as ranch or chipotle mayo also pair nicely.

Save

Cultural Context

Sloppy joes are a classic American comfort food with roots tracing back to mid-20th century diners and school cafeterias. Combining them with mac and cheese creates a nostalgic dish that’s both creative and familiar, perfect for casual meals and kids’ lunchboxes.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing when wrapping?

Warm the tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a dry pan to make them pliable and easier to roll without tearing.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with other proteins?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter variation, keeping the same seasoning for flavor.

→ What’s the best way to get a crispy exterior on the wrap?

Use butter or cooking spray on a medium-heat skillet and cook each side 2-3 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula for even browning.

→ How can I make the mac and cheese creamier?

Ensure the roux is cooked properly before adding milk and stir continuously to avoid lumps. Use full-fat milk and freshly shredded cheese for best results.

→ Is it possible to prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meat mixture a day ahead and reheat gently before assembling the wraps for convenience.

→ What cheese blends complement the mac and cheese filling?

A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella adds both flavor and meltiness; other mild melters like Monterey Jack can also work well.