French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups

French dip tortilla roll ups are the perfect answer for anyone craving a classic French dip sandwich in a mess free, handheld package. With just 25 minutes of prep and under an hour from start to finish, these savory roll ups make an easy weeknight dinner, game day appetizer, or meal prep staple with deliciously melty cheese and thinly sliced roast beef wrapped in golden tortillas. Serve with rich au jus for the comforting French dip flavor everyone loves, all in a convenient roll up format.

I originally made these French dip tortilla roll ups during a football Sunday when I needed something hearty but easy to eat with friends gathered around the TV. Since then, this recipe has become a family favorite for weeknight dinners, meal prepping ahead, or anytime we want the flavors of a French dip without messy sandwiches. Whether hosting or looking for a satisfying yet simple dinner, these roll ups always deliver and are requested again and again.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Large flour tortillas (burrito sized): Vital for easy, sturdy rolling; use fresh or warm them briefly to avoid cracking and ensure perfect texture
• Thinly sliced deli roast beef: Ask for extra thin slices at the counter for tenderness and authentic flavor; leftover roast beef also works beautifully
• Shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and gives gooey, rich layers; try Swiss or a cheese blend for variety
• Melted butter: Adds richness and ensures the tortillas become crisp and golden; unsalted keeps sodium in check
• Garlic powder: Infuses the roll ups with deep savory aroma; onion powder is a good substitute in a pinch
• Au jus gravy mix: The shortcut to authentic French dip taste; homemade au jus can be used for a richer sauce
• Water: For making the au jus dip; beef broth can add more depth if preferred

How to Make French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light oil. Preheating ensures crisp tortillas and even melting, while lining the pan saves clean up time after baking.

Warm and Arrange Tortillas:

Place all eight tortillas flat on a clean surface. If tortillas were refrigerated, microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to increase flexibility and prevent cracking when rolling.

Layer Roast Beef Evenly:

Distribute thinly sliced roast beef across each tortilla, spreading it in a single layer with a half inch border at the edges. Separating the slices as you go keeps every bite meaty and ensures even taste in the roll ups.

Add Cheese for Melting:

Sprinkle about one quarter cup of shredded cheese over the beef on each tortilla, distributing it right to the edges for maximum melt. Cheese helps the filling hold together and creates gooey ribbons after baking.

Roll Tightly and Place Seam Side Down:

Start at one side of each tortilla and roll up snugly, tucking in sides as you go. Place each roll up seam side down on your prepared pan, leaving a gap so they brown evenly and avoid sticking.

Mix Garlic Butter for Flavor:

Melt two tablespoons of butter and stir in one teaspoon garlic powder. This aromatic mixture ensures the outside bakes up golden while adding savory depth to every bite.

Brush Roll Ups Generously:

Use a pastry brush to coat the tops and sides of all roll ups with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring full surface coverage for crisp, flavorful tortillas when baked.

Bake to Golden Brown:

Bake the roll ups at 375°F for 18 to 22 minutes, until the tortillas are crisped and golden with cheese melting and bubbling at the edges. Let them cool two to three minutes before slicing to lock in melted cheese.

Prepare the Au Jus Dipping Sauce:

While the roll ups bake, combine one packet au jus mix and two cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, whisking until slightly thickened, about five minutes, for that classic French dip experience.

Slice and Serve with Au Jus:

Once baked, let roll ups rest briefly and slice each into three or four pieces diagonally. Serve on a platter with cups of warm au jus for dipping, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.

These roll ups turned into my go to when I hosted casual gatherings because they are neater to serve than traditional French dip sandwiches and always a huge crowd pleaser. The first time I brought these to a family reunion, even my chef friend asked for the recipe, showing just how solid and appealing this twist can be for all ages and palates.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This French dip tortilla roll up recipe adapts easily for different tastes and dietary needs. Try using leftover prime rib or pot roast for deeper, richer flavor, or swap in your own homemade au jus with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of red wine for an even more robust sauce. For lower carbs, use low carb tortillas or even sturdy lettuce leaves, and for a gluten free version, try corn tortillas or gluten free wraps, understanding they may be trickier to roll. Experiment with cheese varieties like Swiss for nutty flavor, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or layer in caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth and richness.

How to Store and Reheat French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups

French dip roll ups keep well for meal prep or leftovers. Store any uneaten roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping the au jus dip separately in a smaller container for freshness. For best texture, reheat roll ups in a 350°F oven for eight to ten minutes so the tortillas stay crisp and the cheese remelts evenly. If making ahead, assemble the roll ups and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before baking, adding five minutes to bake time if popped in straight from the fridge. Freeze cooked, cooled roll ups tightly wrapped for up to one month and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups

Round out your French dip tortilla roll ups with simple sides like crispy French fries or sweet potato fries, which also dip well in the au jus. For balanced dinners, complement with a green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or offer a cup of tomato soup for a cozy feel. If you are serving for parties, display alongside other finger foods like vegetable crudités, pickles, and olive tapenade for variety. For an adult meal, a crisp pilsner or amber ale enhances the savory, cheesy flavors perfectly.

Nutritional Benefits

French dip tortilla roll ups offer more than just comfort food appeal, delivering substantial protein from roast beef (about 56 grams per serving) plus calcium from the cheese for bone health. Lower the fat content by choosing part skim mozzarella or reduced fat provolone and using less cheese when assembling. Whole wheat tortillas can add fiber and additional nutrients, making this dish more balanced when combined with vegetable sides. While one serving is around 961 calories (two roll ups), the protein keeps you satisfied, and the meal pairs well with lighter sides for healthier balance.

Recipe Success Tips

To achieve perfect results, avoid overfilling your tortillas as too much filling causes tearing and leaking while baking. Gently warm tortillas to improve flexibility and roll seam side down for crisp edges. Always use a fully preheated oven and opt for metal baking sheets for superior browning. For an extra golden exterior, brush each roll up with a second layer of garlic butter halfway through baking. If using homemade beef, slice thinly for easier rolling and quick, even reheating in the oven.

French dip tortilla roll ups have completely changed how my family enjoys the flavors of this beloved sandwich, making it more convenient and fun for every age and occasion. Try them at your next gathering or dinner and see why these cheesy beef roll ups are such a frequently requested hit.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use a different cheese other than provolone?

Yes, mozzarella or Swiss work well for a mild, melty texture. Feel free to experiment based on your preference.

→ How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake the roll ups seam-side down and brush only the tops with butter to help crisp them up.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Prepare the roll ups, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake just before serving to maintain texture.

→ What is the best way to serve au jus?

Serve the hot au jus in small bowls for dipping right alongside the sliced roll ups for classic flavor experience.

→ Are there vegetarian alternatives for this dish?

Swap roast beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based alternative, and use vegetable broth for the au jus.