The Nacho Cheese Beef Wrap is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal perfect for satisfying big appetites. Think of it as the ultimate handheld comfort food—seasoned beef, creamy nacho cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, and fresh toppings all wrapped in a soft tortilla. This recipe is quick to make, customizable, and great for weeknight dinners, game day, or on-the-go meals. Let’s cooking our Nacho Cheese Beef Wrap.
Ingredients
the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/4 cup water
the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
the Wraps:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing until well-coated. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
2: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
3: Assemble the Wraps
- Warm the flour tortillas in a microwave or skillet to make them pliable.
- Spread a generous layer of nacho cheese sauce in the center of each tortilla.
- Add a scoop of the seasoned beef mixture, then top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
- Layer with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Drizzle with sour cream or add more cheese sauce on top.
4: Fold the Wraps
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up to create a burrito-style wrap.
- Optional: For extra crispiness, toast the wraps in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
5: Serve
Cut the wraps in half and serve immediately with a side of salsa, guacamole, or extra nacho cheese for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Nacho Cheese Beef Wraps
- Customize the Heat: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicier kick.
- Prevent Soggy Wraps: Assemble just before serving to keep the tortilla chips crunchy.
- Make It Crispy: Toast the wrap in a skillet for added texture and flavor.
- Shortcut Nacho Cheese: Use store-bought nacho cheese sauce for a quicker option.
- Meal Prep: Prepare the beef and cheese sauce in advance, then assemble fresh for quick meals.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
- Store leftover beef and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the beef in a skillet and the cheese sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
Freezing:
- The seasoned beef freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Do not freeze assembled wraps as the lettuce and tortilla chips won’t maintain their texture.
Variations
- Vegetarian Wraps:
- Substitute the beef with black beans, refried beans, or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Loaded Wraps:
- Add avocado slices, sautéed peppers, or pickled red onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Nacho Wraps:
- Use pepper jack cheese in the sauce and add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Breakfast Nacho Wraps:
- Swap the beef for scrambled eggs and cooked sausage or bacon. Add hash browns for crunch!
- Taco Bowl:
- Skip the tortilla and layer all the ingredients in a bowl for a taco-inspired salad.
Nutrition Details
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Wrap) |
---|---|
Calories | 580 |
Protein | 28g |
Total Fat | 25g |
Saturated Fat | 12g |
Cholesterol | 90mg |
Sodium | 1040mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 58g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 6g |
FAQ
Can I use store-bought nacho cheese sauce?
Yes! Store-bought nacho cheese is a great shortcut if you’re short on time.
What’s the best type of tortilla to use?
Large flour tortillas work best because they’re pliable and hold the fillings securely.
Can I bake the wraps instead of frying the beef?
Yes, you can bake the assembled wraps at 375°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them up.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas, and replace the all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.
What can I serve with Nacho Cheese Beef Wraps?
They pair wonderfully with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad.