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Growing up, lunch always meant sandwiches in our house. Plain, predictable, and usually stuffed between two pieces of white bread. It wasn’t until I started working at a local deli in college that I discovered the magic of wraps.
The roast beef wrap quickly became my go-to lunch option – it was like a sandwich, but somehow better. No more dealing with soggy bread or fillings falling out the sides. Just a neat little package that held everything together perfectly. Now, whenever I’m looking for a quick lunch that doesn’t feel like the same old sandwich routine, this is what I make.
Why You’ll Love This Roast Beef Wrap
- Quick lunch option – Ready in just 10 minutes, this wrap is perfect for busy weekdays when you need something satisfying but don’t have time to cook.
- No cooking required – Using deli meat and ready-to-use ingredients means zero cooking time – just assemble and enjoy!
- Protein-packed – With roast beef and Havarti cheese, this wrap gives you the protein you need to power through your afternoon.
- Easy to customize – The basic recipe works great as is, but you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have in your fridge – try different cheeses, greens, or spreads.
What Kind of Roast Beef Should I Use?
For a wrap like this, the deli counter is your best friend – look for roast beef that’s sliced thin to medium thickness so it’s easy to roll up. Top round roast beef is a great choice since it’s lean but still has good flavor, while London broil or eye of round are also solid options you’ll find at most deli counters. If you want to splurge a bit, prime rib roast beef will give you amazing flavor with nice marbling throughout. Just make sure to ask your deli person to slice it fresh for you – pre-packaged roast beef often doesn’t have the same quality or taste as freshly sliced meat.
Options for Substitutions
This wrap recipe is super adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your fridge:
- Dijon mustard: You can swap Dijon with whole grain mustard, honey mustard, or even regular yellow mustard – each will give a different but tasty kick to your wrap.
- Havarti cheese: Don’t have Havarti? No worries! Provolone, Swiss, or cheddar cheese work great too. Even cream cheese can work if you’re in the mood for something different.
- Tortilla: Any large wrap will do here – flour, whole wheat, spinach, or even low-carb varieties. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all your fillings.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Fresh tomato slices work fine, or try roasted red peppers for a similar sweet-tangy taste. Just pat them dry first to prevent a soggy wrap.
- Spinach: Any leafy green works well – try arugula for a peppery kick, romaine for crunch, or mixed greens. Just avoid watery lettuce like iceberg.
- Roast beef: While roast beef makes this wrap special, you could use turkey, ham, or even leftover cooked steak sliced thin. For a vegetarian option, grilled portobello mushrooms are nice.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making roast beef wraps is overstuffing the tortilla, which can lead to tears and spills – instead, stick to the recommended amounts and leave about an inch of space around the edges for proper rolling. A common mistake is not patting the spinach leaves dry, which can make your wrap soggy, so take a moment to blot them with a paper towel before assembly. For the best flavor distribution, spread your condiments (mayo and mustard) edge to edge on the tortilla, and layer your ingredients in the center third only – this creates a tight, secure wrap that won’t fall apart when you bite into it. To make your wrap even better, warm the tortilla for 10-15 seconds in the microwave between damp paper towels – this makes it more pliable and less likely to crack when rolling.
What to Serve With Roast Beef Wraps?
These roast beef wraps make a perfect lunch or light dinner, and there are lots of tasty sides that go great with them! A handful of kettle-cooked potato chips adds the perfect crunch, or try some crispy dill pickles for a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. If you’re keeping things on the lighter side, a simple mixed green salad or some crunchy coleslaw works really well too. For something a bit different, try serving your wrap with a cup of vegetable soup or some sweet potato fries – both options make the meal feel more complete without being too heavy.
Storage Instructions
Pack: If you’re making this wrap ahead for lunch, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Pro tip: keep the wrap whole rather than cutting it in half to prevent the ingredients from falling out.
Meal Prep: Want to prep ingredients for multiple wraps? Store your sliced roast beef, cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes separately in airtight containers. The roast beef will keep for 3-4 days, cheese for about a week, and sun-dried tomatoes for up to 5 days in the fridge. This way, you can assemble fresh wraps whenever you’re ready!
Transport: Taking your wrap on the go? Place it in a sandwich container or wrap it in foil, then keep it cool with an ice pack. Try to eat it within 4 hours of taking it out of the fridge for the best taste and food safety.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 30-35 g
- Fat: 25-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons mayo
- 1 tortilla
- 3-4 oz of sliced roast beef from the deli
- 1 oz sliced havarti cheese
- 1 chopped sun-dried tomato packed in oil
- 1 handful of spinach leaves
- Pinch of oregano
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Step 1: Prepare the Spread
Begin by mixing together Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl.
This will create a delicious spread that adds a creamy, tangy flavor to your wrap.
Step 2: Assemble the Tortilla Base
Take your tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface or a plate.
Using a spoon or a spatula, spread the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise mixture evenly down the center of the tortilla.
Step 3: Layer with Main Ingredients
Top the spread with slices of roast beef, ensuring an even distribution across the tortilla.
Add a layer of cheese on top of the roast beef, then follow with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves for added flavor and nutrition.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Sprinkle a bit of oregano over the fillings, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Carefully roll up the tortilla, then slice it in half for easy serving.
Serve the wrap immediately and enjoy the fresh, satisfying flavors!