Bacon Mac Cheese Burger Wrap

This incredible Bacon Mac Cheese Burger Wrap combines everything you love about comfort food in one handheld meal. The fusion of a classic cheeseburger with creamy mac and cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla creates the ultimate indulgent experience that satisfies multiple cravings at once.

I created this recipe during a hectic sports season when we needed portable meals that wouldn't make a mess in the car. What started as a desperate dinner solution has become our most requested meal for game nights and quick dinners.

Ingredients

• Ground beef adds the classic burger flavor and hearty protein. Choose 80/20 lean to fat ratio for the best flavor without excessive grease
• Cooked bacon provides smoky crunch and that irresistible bacon flavor. Thick cut bacon works best here
• Macaroni creates the comfort food element. Cook just until al dente since it will continue absorbing moisture
• Cheddar cheese brings everything together with melty goodness. Freshly shredded melts better than pre packaged
• Large flour tortillas create the perfect vessel. Look for burrito size for easy wrapping
• Lettuce leaves add freshness and crunch. Romaine or iceberg work well for their structure

How To Make Bacon Mac Cheese Burger Wrap

Brown the beef

Place a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even browning. When no pink remains and the meat is thoroughly cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Carefully tilt the pan and spoon off excess fat, or drain through a colander if there's significant grease.

Create the filling mixture

Transfer the cooked beef to a large mixing bowl. Add the crumbled bacon pieces, ensuring they're broken into bite sized pieces for even distribution. Add the cooked macaroni, which should be drained well but still slightly warm. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything while the components are still warm enough to slightly melt the cheese. Gently fold all ingredients together using a large spoon or rubber spatula, being careful not to crush the macaroni. Continue mixing until everything is evenly distributed.

Assemble the wraps

Lay each tortilla flat on your work surface. For easier rolling, you can briefly warm the tortillas in the microwave for 10 seconds or on a dry skillet for a few seconds per side. Spoon approximately one quarter of your filling mixture onto the center of each tortilla, forming a rectangular shape rather than a round mound. Leave about 2 inches of space on all sides. If using lettuce, place a few leaves on top of the filling.

Wrap and serve

Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling. Next, fold in both sides toward the center. While holding those sides in place, roll the tortilla up from the bottom to completely enclose the filling. Place the wrap seam side down for a few moments to help seal it. For easier eating, slice each wrap diagonally through the middle with a sharp knife. Serve immediately while still warm and the cheese is melty.

The bacon truly makes this wrap special. I discovered this when I had leftover bacon from breakfast and decided to incorporate it into our dinner plans. The smoky flavor transforms what could be a basic wrap into something extraordinary that my teenagers now specifically request when their friends are coming over. It's become our signature family recipe.

Meal Prep Magic

These wraps can be fully assembled and individually wrapped in aluminum foil or parchment paper, then refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the wrapped bundle in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. The foil helps keep everything moist while reheating. Alternatively, you can store the filling mixture separately from the tortillas, and assemble fresh wraps as needed throughout the week.

Creative Variations

Turn this wrap into a Tex-Mex experience by adding taco seasoning to the beef and incorporating diced jalapeños, black beans, and pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. For a BBQ twist, mix some barbecue sauce into the filling and add caramelized onions. Vegetarians can substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or crumbled firm tofu seasoned with soy sauce and smoked paprika. The bacon can be replaced with smoky tempeh strips or simply omitted.

Serving Suggestions

These hearty wraps are practically a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with simple sides. Serve alongside a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the wrap. Sweet potato fries or pickle spears make excellent accompaniments that maintain the comfort food theme. For a party setting, cut the wraps into smaller portions and serve as crowd pleasing finger food alongside other appetizers.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare components of this wrap ahead of time?

Yes! You can brown the beef, cook the bacon, and prepare the macaroni a day in advance. Store each component separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the components, combine them, and assemble your wraps for a quick meal.

→ What cheese works best for this wrap?

Sharp cheddar is recommended for its robust flavor, but you can substitute with American cheese, pepper jack for some heat, or a cheese blend. For the best melting quality, always use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded varieties.

→ How can I make this wrap healthier?

Several modifications can make this wrap healthier: use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey/chicken, opt for whole grain tortillas, add extra vegetables like diced tomatoes and onions, use reduced-fat cheese, and consider a lighter portion of bacon or turkey bacon.

→ What sides pair well with these wraps?

These hearty wraps pair wonderfully with lighter sides like a fresh green salad, vegetable sticks with dip, sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a simple coleslaw. For a complete comfort food experience, classic potato chips or onion rings work great too.

→ Can these wraps be frozen?

Yes, these wraps freeze well without the lettuce. Prepare the wraps without lettuce, wrap individually in foil, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, remove foil, wrap in a paper towel and microwave until heated through, or heat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.

→ What sauce would enhance this wrap?

Several sauces complement these wraps beautifully: classic burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, pickle relish), chipotle mayo, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even buffalo sauce if you enjoy heat. Add the sauce directly to the filling or serve on the side for dipping.