Bold Sloppy Joe Mac Cheese Wrap

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

Grab one of these loaded wraps for comfort at its best. A cheesy mac blend hugs saucy beef and sweet peppers that taste just like those classic Sloppy Joes but with a twist. Big tortillas get packed, folded, then toasted until the outside’s crispy brown and inside stays gooey. Slice each one and watch all those melty layers spill out. Messy, rich, and really satisfying, these handhelds hit every craving. Make sure to eat them right after cooking for the softest pasta and loudest crunch.

Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Sat, 19 Jul 2025 16:26:34 GMT
A hand holding a cheesy mac and beef burrito. Save Pin
A hand holding a cheesy mac and beef burrito. | foodthingle.com

This over-the-top Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese Wrap totally hits the spot when you want all-out comfort food in every bite. It’s got gooey mac, saucy beef, and a crisp tortilla, all wrapped up together for major satisfaction. These are perfect for a fast meal after a long day or if you want something fun for a group hangout.

First time I made these at a gathering, everyone grabbed them so fast I barely got one for myself. Since then, this has become my top pick when I need something everybody will love.

Irresistible Ingredients

  • Large flour tortillas: Grab the freshest ones you can so they roll up nice and easy.
  • Extra shredded cheese: Adds that crazy good gooeyness inside — try a zesty blend if you want.
  • Sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese: More cheese, more fun. Grate it fresh for top-notch meltiness.
  • Butter or cooking spray: Gets the outsides crunchy and golden.
  • Yellow onion and red bell pepper: These give a slightly sweet kick. Pick firm veggies for the best flavor.
  • Garlic powder and mustard powder: They amp up your cheese sauce’s flavor in no time.
  • Ketchup and tomato paste: For that classic sweet-tangy Sloppy Joe kick. Tube paste packs a ton of flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory punch to the beef filling.
  • Butter, flour, and whole milk: Whisk these into a creamy sauce that ties everything together.
  • Chili powder and smoked paprika: Add smoky and spicy notes — real smoked paprika is extra tasty.
  • Garlic: Go for plump cloves for major aroma.
  • Brown sugar and yellow mustard: This sweet-and-tangy team is behind all the flavor pop.
  • Cayenne: Totally optional, but adds fiery heat if you want it.
  • Elbow macaroni: Use bronze-cut for extra sauce cling and the best texture.
  • Ground beef: Look for 80/20 mix — if you spot fresh-ground, grab it for juicy results.

Easy How-To Steps

Slice and Serve:
Let your wraps cool off for a few, then slice them on a slant so you can see all the layers. Serve hot. Get extra napkins because these are messy and delicious.
Grill the Wraps:
On a greased hot pan, set the wraps seam side down first. Let them get deep golden and crispy, then flip and toast the other side. The cheese should be oozing out.
Assemble the Wraps:
Microwave or warm your tortillas until bendy. Spoon mac and cheese down the center, pile beef mixture on next, sprinkle with more cheese, tuck in the bottom, fold both sides, then roll it up nice and tight.
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
Heat oil and soften onion and red bell pepper. Crumble beef in and brown well, then drain off grease. Stir in garlic, then sizzle the tomato paste. Next, add ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne (if you like heat). Season, let it simmer to thicken, and cool some before assembling.
Build the Cheese Sauce:
Let butter melt in your pot, then whisk in flour, stirring until you have a pale paste. Pour in milk slowly, whisking out any lumps. As it thickens, take it off heat and add cheese in handfuls. Mix in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and fold in your noodles until glossy. Keep it covered and warm.
Cook the Pasta:
Boil your macaroni till just tender, drain, and put aside so it won’t turn mushy later.
A burrito with macaroni and cheese. Save Pin
A burrito with macaroni and cheese. | foodthingle.com

Honestly, that smoky hit from paprika lifts both the cheese and the meat big time. My nephew was bouncing around the kitchen just smelling these cook. Trying to out-roll each other’s wraps was the best kind of chaos.

Smart Storage

Wrap up leftovers snug in foil or plastic and pop them in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up on the stove over low for a crisp bite again. You can freeze these too — just thaw, reheat gently, and they’re nearly as good as the day you made them.

Swap-Outs

Ground turkey or chicken swap in for the beef without missing a beat. Want to change up the cheeses? Monterey Jack or pepper jack both work. You can totally use whole wheat or gluten free tortillas too, just keep an eye on the cooking time.

Fun Ways to Serve

Pair these with pickles, crisp slaw, or a handful of greens for balance. Tomato soup on the side gives old-school comfort vibes. I set out extra hot sauce and jalapeño slices for anyone needing a spicy kick.

A burrito with macaroni and cheese. Save Pin
A burrito with macaroni and cheese. | foodthingle.com

Background Story

Sloppy Joes have been a favorite across America for generations. This combo takes two crowd-pleasers seen at family suppers and school lunches and turns them into something new, but still totally feels like home.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I prevent the tortillas from tearing?

Get your tortillas nice and warm before stuffing. Keeping them soft makes rolling up easier and helps avoid rips. Try not to pack in too much filling and roll tight.

→ What cheese works best in the macaroni?

Sharp cheddar melts great and brings big flavor. You'll get better ooze using cheese you grate yourself instead of the bagged kind.

→ Can I prepare any components in advance?

Sure thing—whip up the beef and macaroni cheese the day before and keep them chilled. Throw wraps together and grill when you're ready to eat.

→ Is there a way to make these spicier?

If you like heat, mix in extra cayenne or splash some hot sauce into the beef mixture as you cook.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Try cold coleslaw, crisp salad, or a pile of pickles. They cut through all the rich flavors and keep things fresh.

→ Can I substitute ground beef?

You sure can. Go with ground turkey or some plant protein crumbles and spice them just like the beef version.

Sloppy Joe Mac Wrap

Creamy cheddar mac with seasoned beef snuggled in crispy tortillas for a punchy, cheesy snack or meal.

Preparation Time
25 Minutes
Cooking Time
30 Minutes
Overall Time
55 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Regional Style: American

Output: 4 Number of Servings (4 wraps)

Special Diets: ~

What You'll Need

→ Sloppy Joe Filling

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 Salt and black pepper to taste
03 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper if you like heat
04 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1 teaspoon chili powder
06 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
07 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
08 2 tablespoons brown sugar
09 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 1/2 cup ketchup
11 3 cloves garlic, chopped up
12 1 red bell pepper, small diced (optional)
13 1 medium onion, chopped fine
14 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 fat ratio

→ Mac and Cheese

15 Salt and pepper as needed
16 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
17 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
18 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
19 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
20 2 cups whole milk
21 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
22 3 tablespoons butter
23 8 ounces elbow macaroni

→ Assembly

24 Butter or cooking spray for grilling
25 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
26 4 large flour tortillas (about 12 inches wide)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Let the finished wraps sit for about a minute to cool a bit. Cut each one on a diagonal if you want neat halves. Dig in while they're still gooey and hot. You might want some napkins since they're a little messy.

Step 02

Fire up a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Wipe some butter or spritz a little cooking spray over the surface. Put the wraps into the pan seam side facing down. Let them brown and crisp for a couple minutes, then flip and do the same on the other side. A gentle press with a spatula helps get them nice and even.

Step 03

Warm up the large tortillas quick in your microwave or a dry pan so they're flexible. On one, pile a generous scoop of the mac and cheese right down the center. Add a big spoonful of the sloppy joe beef next. Sprinkle on extra cheese for max meltiness. Fold up the bottom, tuck in both sides, then roll it all up tight so nothing spills.

Step 04

Crank up the heat on a big skillet and add oil. Drop in onion and bell pepper if using, and cook till they look soft. Next, add your ground beef and keep breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned all over, drain most of the grease. Add chopped garlic, cook a minute, then mix in tomato paste. Now squeeze in ketchup, toss in brown sugar, a squirt of mustard, Worcestershire, and the rest of your dry spices. Add salt and pepper. Let it all bubble and thicken, stirring now and then, then take off the heat so it cools a bit.

Step 05

Boil your macaroni in salty water until it has a bite, then drain really well. Melt butter in the same pot, add flour, and stir it around for a minute or two to make a smooth paste. Slowly add milk while whisking so it stays silky. Let it get thick while you stir, about a few minutes. Take it off the heat, then toss in cheddar and mozzarella, melting them in. Shake in garlic and mustard powders, plus salt and pepper as you like. Tip in the noodles, stir everything together, keep it warming low and covered.

Additional Tips

  1. Try buttering your pan when crisping the wraps for a richer color and a crunchier outside.
  2. Wraps can be made ahead and reheated on a hot pan to bring back the crispy bite before serving.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Stuff has wheat (tortillas, flour), dairy (cheese, butter, milk), and maybe soy if your Worcestershire sauce has it

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 1010
  • Fat Content: 52 g
  • Carbohydrates: 83 g
  • Protein: 47 g