French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups are a fun twist on the classic French dip sandwich, wrapped up in a soft tortilla for easy eating. You get tender slices of roast beef, melted cheese, and a flavorful au jus dipping sauce that’s perfect for dunking each bite.
I love making these roll ups when I want something tasty but a bit quicker and less messy than the traditional sandwich. They’re simple to put together, and the melted cheese inside makes every bite feel like a little warm hug. Plus, dipping each roll in that savory au jus sauce just makes it all the better!
These roll ups are great for parties or even a casual family dinner. I often serve them with some crunchy pickles and a side of crispy fries or chips. They’re a dish everyone tends to enjoy, and I find the dipping element always gets people excited around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roast Beef: Thinly sliced roast beef gives this dish its classic flavor and texture. If you want a leaner option, try thin turkey slices or even thinly sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Cheese: Provolone or Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy layer. You can swap with mozzarella or fontina if you prefer a milder or slightly different flavor.
Flour Tortillas: These are the perfect soft wrap for rolling up the filling. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free tortillas or use large lettuce leaves for a fresh alternative.
Au Jus Sauce: This simple sauce is key for dipping. Beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings make it flavorful. Low-sodium broth is a good swap if you want to control salt intake.
How Can I Get Crispy, Yet Soft Roll Ups without Falling Apart?
The secret is in how you roll and how you cook:
- Warm the tortillas slightly before filling so they’re flexible and don’t crack when rolling.
- Don’t overfill—too much beef or cheese can make rolling tricky and cause leaks.
- Fold in the sides first, then roll tightly but gently to keep everything snug.
- Use a hot skillet and butter to crisp the outside evenly without burning. Cooking seam side down first helps seal the roll up.
- Flip carefully using a spatula to keep the roll intact and make sure the cheese melts nicely inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet or griddle – I like using this because it crisps the roll ups evenly and quickly.
- Small saucepan – perfect for warming the au jus and flavors meld together.
- Spatula – helpful for flipping the roll ups without breaking them.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep your seasonings just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the roast beef for cooked shredded chicken or turkey for a different meat option.
- Add sautéed onions or peppers inside the roll-ups for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a different cheese like cheddar, Gouda, or mozzarella depending on your taste.
- Serve with a side of horseradish sauce, spicy mustard, or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 lb. thinly sliced roast beef
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (for grilling roll ups)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: horseradish sauce or mustard for serving
For the Au Jus Sauce:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 10 minutes for cooking. Overall, you can have these tasty French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Au Jus Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and heat until the mixture is warm and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Keep it warm on low heat while you prepare the roll ups.
2. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Place one slice of cheese on each tortilla. Then, add a generous layer of thinly sliced roast beef on top of the cheese. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly to keep the filling secure.
3. Cook the Roll Ups:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter. Place the roll ups seam side down onto the skillet. Cook until the bottoms turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook the other side until browned and the cheese inside melts, another 2-3 minutes.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the roll ups to a serving plate. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with the warm au jus sauce on the side for dipping. If you like, add some horseradish sauce or mustard for an extra kick.
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the roast beef in the refrigerator overnight before using. This helps keep the roll ups tender and prevents extra moisture during cooking.
Can I Prepare the Roll Ups Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the roll ups a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Grill them just before serving to ensure they stay crispy and the cheese melts perfectly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to keep the tortilla crispy instead of soggy.
What Are Good Dipping Sauce Alternatives?
If you don’t have beef broth for au jus, try mushroom broth or a savory gravy. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire for extra depth if desired.