French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups bring together the savory flavors of a traditional French dip sandwich in a crispy, handheld form that’s ready in just 25 minutes. This recipe transforms simple tortillas into golden, cheese-filled rolls perfect for dipping in rich au jus.
Growing up in the Midwest, Betty learned that the best comfort foods are the ones you can adapt to fit your busy life. She remembers her mother taking classic recipes and giving them practical twists for weeknight dinners, like the time she rolled leftover Sunday roast beef into flour tortillas for a quick lunch that had everyone asking for seconds. The key was keeping those beloved flavors while making them work for real life, not just special occasions. That same philosophy lives in these French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups: all the savory, dip-worthy goodness of the original sandwich, but easier to make and even more fun to eat. Time to get your hands floury!
What Makes These French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups So Special
Betty always believed that the best recipes are the ones you’ll actually make on a Tuesday night, and these roll ups deliver exactly that kind of practical comfort. They take the restaurant-favorite French dip sandwich and transform it into something you can pull together with ingredients already in your kitchen, all while keeping that irresistible combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and savory dipping sauce.
- Ready in 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast
- Uses simple pantry staples like tortillas, deli roast beef, and basic seasonings you likely have on hand
- Delivers that satisfying crispy-outside, melty-inside texture that makes every bite worth savoring
- Works beautifully with leftover roast beef, turning Sunday’s dinner into Tuesday’s family favorite
- Adapts easily to your preferences: swap cheeses, adjust seasonings, or make them ahead for meal prep
- Creates minimal cleanup with just one baking sheet and a saucepan required
In Betty’s kitchen, recipes that save time without sacrificing flavor always earn a permanent spot in the rotation, and these roll ups have certainly earned theirs.
Ingredient Spotlight
Thinly sliced roast beef forms the hearty foundation of these roll ups, and using deli-style beef means you can skip the hours of roasting while still getting that tender, flavorful result. Betty always keeps quality deli roast beef on hand for quick meals, though leftover homemade roast beef works beautifully too.
Mozzarella or provolone cheese melts into creamy perfection inside the tortillas, with mozzarella offering mild sweetness and provolone adding a slightly sharper, more authentic French dip flavor. In my kitchen, I prefer provolone when I want that classic deli taste, but mozzarella never disappoints the kids.
Large flour tortillas serve as the wrapper that crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating that golden exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender filling inside. I’ve learned that larger tortillas are easier to roll tightly without tearing.
Melted butter brushed on top ensures the tortillas turn golden and crispy rather than dry, while also helping the seasonings stick for maximum flavor in every bite.
Garlic powder and onion powder season the exterior with savory depth that complements the beef without overpowering it. Betty discovered that this simple combination creates more flavor impact than you’d expect from just two spices.
Beef broth creates the base of the au jus dipping sauce, providing that rich, meaty flavor essential to any French dip experience. I always choose low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level myself.
Worcestershire sauce adds complex umami depth to the au jus with its blend of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes that enhance the beef flavor naturally.
Soy sauce works alongside the Worcestershire to deepen the au jus color and add extra savory richness that makes the dipping sauce truly irresistible.
How to Make French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
Step 1. Betty always starts by preheating the oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Step 2. Lay your tortillas flat on a clean work surface and arrange the sliced roast beef and shredded cheese down the center of each tortilla, leaving about an inch of space on each end to prevent filling from escaping during rolling.
Step 3. Roll each tortilla as tightly as possible around the filling, then place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. I’ve found that tight rolling and seam-side placement are the keys to preventing them from opening during baking.
Step 4. Brush the melted butter generously over the top of each roll up, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley for that golden, flavorful crust.
Step 5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching for the tortillas to turn golden brown and checking that the cheese has melted completely inside.
Step 6. While the roll ups bake, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 7. Let the au jus simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Betty’s tip: taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference before serving.
Step 8. After years of making these, I learned that slicing the roll ups into 2 to 3 inch pieces makes them perfect for dipping, and serving them immediately while still hot delivers the best texture and flavor.
Keeping These Roll Ups Fresh
I typically store leftover French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The key is letting them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making the tortillas soggy.
For the best texture when reheating, I reheat the roll ups in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes rather than using the microwave, which restores that crispy exterior that makes them so satisfying. Betty’s method of placing them directly on the oven rack for the last 2 to 3 minutes works especially well for maximum crispiness.
The au jus should be stored separately in its own airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, then gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Through trial and error, I learned that keeping the sauce separate prevents the roll ups from becoming too soft during storage.
Perfect Partners for French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
- Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries complement the roll ups beautifully, offering a classic pairing that echoes traditional French dip sandwich meals while adding satisfying crunch and starch to round out the plate.
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the rich, savory roll ups. The brightness cuts through the beef and cheese while adding vegetables to balance the meal.
- Classic coleslaw brings creamy crunch and tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory au jus-dipped roll ups, creating textural variety in every bite.
- Crispy potato chips or tortilla chips work as an easy, no-cook side that adds satisfying crunch. In my family, we especially love setting out a variety for game day gatherings.
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus add nutritious bulk to the meal while their caramelized edges complement the golden-brown tortillas beautifully. For a hearty veggie side, try these Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts for a complete meal.
- Pickles or pickled vegetables offer that tangy, briny bite that cuts through the richness, just like they do with traditional deli sandwiches.
If you’re looking for more dippable comfort foods, these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps offer similar handheld satisfaction, while Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls bring that same crispy-cheesy combination. For another twist on classic sandwiches, the French Dip Grilled Cheese takes the au jus concept in a different delicious direction.
FAQs
I recommend assembling the roll ups up to 4 hours ahead, covering them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerating until ready to bake. Just add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Betty’s solution is using thinly sliced deli turkey, ham, or even leftover steak, though the flavor profile will shift away from the traditional French dip taste.
To prevent this issue, make sure to roll the tortillas tightly, place them seam-side down, and avoid overfilling them with too much beef or cheese that could release excess moisture.
French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay tortillas flat and layer sliced roast beef and shredded cheese down the center of each, leaving about an inch of space on each end.
- Roll tortillas tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until tortillas are golden and cheese is melted.
- While baking, prepare au jus: In a saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove roll ups from oven, slice into 2 to 3 inch pieces, and serve warm with au jus for dipping.
