French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups

French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups

Introduction
There’s something instantly comforting about the scent of warm beef and melted cheese—think savory, slightly sweet roast beef aroma mingling with nutty, molten mozzarella. These French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups deliver that sensory win in every bite: a crisp, golden tortilla exterior that yields to gooey cheese and tender, savory roast beef, with a steaming au jus for dunking that releases an extra wave of richness and salt-butter umami. They’re chewy where it counts, crunchy on the edges, and luxuriously moist inside.

This recipe is perfect for casual gatherings, game-day snacks, a nostalgic family lunch, or an easy weeknight meal when you want something hearty without the fuss. If you love playful spins on classic sandwiches, you might also enjoy the technique behind these portable roll-ups—it’s related in spirit to other rolled delights like the French Toast Roll Ups, which are a sweet parallel to this savory favorite.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes (baking) + 5–7 minutes (au jus)
• Total Time: About 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4 roll ups (serves 4)
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners and busy cooks

Nutritional Breakdown
The following nutrition information is an estimate per serving (1 roll up, recipe yields 4). Estimates were calculated using standard reference values from USDA FoodData Central and general guidance from Mayo Clinic for portioning; actual values will vary depending on brands and exact ingredient sizes.

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 540 kcal
• Protein: 45–50 g
• Carbohydrates: 28–34 g
• Fat: 45–50 g
• Saturated Fat: ~20 g
• Fiber: 1–3 g
• Sodium: 1,200–1,600 mg

Notes:

• These roll ups are protein-forward due to the roast beef and cheese; sodium and saturated fat are moderately high because of deli meat, cheese, butter, and soy/Worcestershire in the au jus. For general nutrition references see USDA FoodData Central and Mayo Clinic recommendations for sodium and saturated fat limits.

Why You’ll Love It

• Irresistible comfort: The combination of warm, melty cheese and savory roast beef dipped into a fragrant au jus hits classic comfort-food notes.
• Crowd-pleaser: Portable and easy to eat, these roll ups are perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners.
• Fast and flexible: Ready in about 30 minutes with mostly assembly and a quick bake—ideal when you want something satisfying without a long recipe.
• Nostalgic and social: They invite sharing and pair well with beers, soups, or a cozy night in, making them a great choice for social moments.

Preparation Guide
Ingredients

• 1 lb (454 g) thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (about 170 g)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (for au jus)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for au jus)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional ingredients and substitutions:

• Use thin-sliced turkey or chicken for a milder flavor.
• Swap mozzarella/provolone for pepper jack (for heat) or Swiss (for nuttiness).
• Use low-sodium beef broth and low-sodium soy sauce to lower sodium.
• For gluten-free: use gluten-free tortillas and gluten-free soy sauce.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay tortillas flat on a work surface. Distribute sliced roast beef evenly down the center of each tortilla.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the roast beef, keeping a small border at the edges to avoid overflow when baking.
4. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush each roll-up with melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley evenly over the tops.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until tortillas are golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
7. While the roll ups bake, prepare the au jus: In a small saucepan combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Remove roll ups from the oven. Let rest 1–2 minutes, then slice each roll on the diagonal into 3–4 pieces.
9. Serve warm with au jus for dipping.

Practical tips:

• Don’t overfill the tortillas—too much cheese or beef can burst the seam while baking.
• Seal seams well and place seam-side down first to help them stay closed.
• If using leftover roast beef cold from the fridge, bring it closer to room temperature before assembling so the bake time melts the cheese evenly.
• Check the bottoms after 10 minutes—ovens vary; you want even golden color without burning.

Best Pairings

• Classic pair: Serve with a small bowl of hot au jus for dunking and a crunchy pickle or slaw to cut richness.
• Side salads: A bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the savory roll ups.
• Beverages: Pair with a light lager, a crisp hard cider, or unsweetened iced tea for contrast.
• Snack mode: Serve as finger food on a party platter with toothpicks, alongside roasted potato wedges or simple chips.
• For a brunch twist: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or a small breakfast hash for a hearty spread.

Keeping it Fresh

• Room temperature: Once cooked, do not leave roll ups at room temperature for more than 2 hours (per food-safety guidelines).
• Refrigeration: Store cooled roll ups tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individually or in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or re-crisp in an air fryer for a few minutes.
• Au jus: Store separately in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Chef’s Advice

• Best roast beef type: Choose thinly sliced, tender roast beef with moderate fat—too lean can be dry, while very fatty cuts can make the tortillas soggy.
• Cheese melting: A blend of mozzarella and provolone gives great stretch and flavor; full-fat cheeses melt best.
• Texture cues: The roll ups are done when the tortillas are golden and firm to the touch and the cheese is bubbling through any seams.
• Avoid sogginess: Brush with butter just before baking—not before assembling—to reduce moisture transfer onto the tortilla.
• Au jus flavor depth: Simmering the au jus briefly concentrates flavor without reducing it to a salty syrup; taste as you go.

Creative Twists

• Spicy Chipotle Roll Ups: Add a thin layer of chipotle mayo inside the tortilla and use pepper jack cheese for heat.
• Veggie-forward: Add sautéed bell peppers and onions, and swap roast beef for thinly sliced roasted portobello or smoked tempeh for a vegetarian option; use vegan cheese to keep it plant-based.
• Mini party bites: Use small tortillas (or cut large tortillas into quarters and roll) to make bite-sized appetizers—great for gatherings.
• Low-carb version: Use large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas; reduce cheese slightly and serve with a reduced-sodium au jus.

Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I use leftover roast beef?
A: Yes—leftover roast beef works perfectly. If it’s cold, bring it closer to room temperature so the bake evenly melts the cheese.

Q: How can I reduce the sodium?
A: Use low-sodium beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, and choose lower-sodium deli roast beef or rinse deli slices briefly under cold water to remove surface salt.

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Assemble and keep refrigerated (unbaked) for up to 24 hours; bake just before serving. Au jus can be made ahead and reheated.

Q: My tortillas got soggy—what went wrong?
A: Too much moist filling or under-baking can cause sogginess. Avoid overfilling and ensure the tortillas crisp in the oven; brush with butter just before baking to promote browning.

Q: Healthy swap for cheese?
A: Try part-skim mozzarella or a smaller quantity of a strong-flavored cheese (so you can use less but keep flavor). Adding crisp veggies can help balance richness.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a warm, satisfying finger food that’s equal parts melty, savory, and shareable, these French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups are an excellent go-to. They’re quick to assemble, crowd-friendly, and easy to customize—perfect for weekday dinners, parties, and cozy nights in. If you want a similar recipe with a different spin, check out this take on the classic snack at French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups | Easy Cheesy Roast Beef Snack or read another version and tips at French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups – Taste and Tell Blog. Try the recipe, slice into those warm, cheesy spirals, and tell me how you served them—photos and variations are always welcome.