Here’s a detailed recipe for Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese Wraps—an amazing fusion of two classic comfort foods: Sloppy Joes and mac & cheese, wrapped in a tortilla for a delicious and fun meal.
Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese Wrap Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
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1 small onion, diced
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1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 tbsp mustard
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet flavor)
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1 tsp chili powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for smokiness)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mac & Cheese:
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1 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Wrap:
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4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
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1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional, for crunch)
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1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for freshness)
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Sour cream or ranch dressing (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
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Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
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Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.
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Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. If it becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen it up.
2. Make the Mac & Cheese:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux (this will thicken the sauce).
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Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens and starts to simmer.
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Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (and any other cheese you like) until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Once the sauce is creamy, add the cooked pasta and stir until well combined. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Wraps:
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Warm the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.
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Layer the Fillings: Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Start with a spoonful of the Sloppy Joe filling in the center. Add a scoop of the creamy mac and cheese on top of the Sloppy Joe mixture. Optionally, you can add a handful of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for extra freshness and crunch.
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Roll the Wraps: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly, making sure the filling stays secure.
4. Serve:
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Slice the wraps in half and serve immediately, optionally drizzled with sour cream or ranch dressing for an extra kick.
Tips & Variations:
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Add some heat: For a spicy kick, you can add diced jalapeños to the Sloppy Joe mix or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mac and cheese.
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Use different cheeses: Mix and match cheeses for the mac and cheese, such as gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a more flavorful combination.
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Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat (like lentils or soy crumbles) and vegan cheese for a vegetarian or vegan option.
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Serving suggestion: These wraps go perfectly with a side of chips, pickles, or a simple salad.