French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups

French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups

A warm, savory aroma rolls through the kitchen as the oven browns the tortillas and the cheese inside starts to melt—think toasted edges, gooey centers, and the deep, beefy scent of a rich au jus simmering on the stovetop. Each bite delivers a crisp exterior, chewy tortilla, thin ribbons of roast beef, and a stretch of molten mozzarella or provolone that tethers you back for another piece. These French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups are comfort food with a playful twist: all the satisfying flavors of a classic French dip sandwich transformed into handheld, party-ready bites.

They’re perfect for casual gatherings, game-day snacking, busy weeknight dinners, or as a cozy weekend treat. Make them when you want something impressive with minimal fuss, or prepare them ahead for an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer. If you enjoy creative roll-up recipes, take a look at this breakfast-friendly variation for inspiration: french toast roll-ups.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes (plus 5–7 minutes for au jus)
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4 (makes 4 large roll-ups; cut into bite-sized pieces to yield ~12–16 appetizers)
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners and busy cooks

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (recipe divided into 4 servings). These values are estimates derived from USDA FoodData Central ingredient averages and standard portion sizes; actual values will vary by product brands and exact portioning.

• Calories: ~670–700 kcal
• Protein: ~45 g
• Carbohydrates: ~45–55 g
• Fat: ~35–40 g
• Saturated Fat: ~15–18 g
• Fiber: ~2–3 g
• Sodium: ~1,200–1,800 mg

Notes on accuracy: Nutrition data above are approximate and calculated using nutrient information from the USDA FoodData Central database and standard serving sizes. If you need precise nutrition for medical or dietary reasons, use exact product labels or a registered dietitian. For general guidance on healthy eating and sodium recommendations, trusted resources include the CDC and Mayo Clinic.

Perfect For…

These roll-ups shine for their combination of convenience, flavor, and shareability.

• Irresistible taste and aroma: The savory roast beef paired with melty cheese and a seasoned au jus creates a nostalgic, craveable flavor profile.
• Gatherings and parties: Crisp, bite-sized pieces are ideal for serving as an appetizer or snack.
• Quick comfort meals: Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a fast solution when you want something hearty without the fuss.
• Make-ahead flexibility: Assemble ahead and bake or warm before serving—perfect for stress-free hosting.

Preparation Guide

Ingredients

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

Optional ingredients & substitutions

• Use provolone for a slightly sharper bite, or Monterey Jack for a creamier melt.
• Swap flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas to make the recipe gluten-free.
• For a lower-sodium version, choose low-sodium beef broth and reduced-sodium roast beef or use less soy sauce.
• Add a smear of horseradish sauce, Dijon mustard, or a thin layer of caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay tortillas flat on a clean surface.
3. Season the roast beef lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. In a bowl, toss the roast beef with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder (these seasonings are optional but add depth).
4. Divide the roast beef and shredded cheese evenly among the 4 tortillas, placing the fillings down the center of each tortilla in a long strip.
5. Roll each tortilla tightly, tucking the ends under, and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush each roll-up with melted butter, then sprinkle the tops with dried parsley and an extra pinch of garlic and onion powder for color and flavor.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
8. Meanwhile, prepare the au jus: in a small saucepan combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 5–7 minutes to concentrate the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning.
9. Remove roll-ups from the oven; allow them to rest for 1–2 minutes. Slice each roll into bite-sized pieces (or serve whole if preferred). Serve warm with au jus for dipping.

Practical tips

• Don’t overfill the tortillas—overfilling makes rolling difficult and can cause leaking.
• Brush the tortillas evenly with butter for consistent browning.
• If tortillas crack while rolling, warm them briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to make them more pliable.
• Taste the au jus as it simmers and adjust Worcestershire or soy sauce to your preference.

Best Pairings

• Classic pairing: Serve with warm au jus in small bowls for dipping—each piece is best enjoyed dunked.
• Dipping sauces: Offer horseradish cream, spicy mustard, or a smoky chipotle mayo for variety.
• Sides: Crisp coleslaw, a simple garden salad, or roasted potato wedges complement the savory roll-ups.
• Beverages: A robust iced tea, light beer, or a full-bodied red wine pairs well with the beefy flavors.
• For a brunch twist: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and roasted tomatoes for a heartier morning spread. You might also enjoy pairing with other roll-up concepts—try inspiration from this fresh vegetable version: fresh vegetable tortilla roll-ups.

Shelf Life & Storage

• Room temperature: Do not leave perishable roll-ups at room temperature for more than 2 hours (follow food safety guidelines).
• Refrigeration: Store cooled roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer until heated through to retain crispiness.
• Freezer: Wrap individual roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Chef’s Advice

• Use high-quality thinly sliced roast beef: deli-style or leftover roast beef sliced thin ensures tender bites without toughness.
• Cheese selection matters: choose a cheese that melts smoothly—mozzarella, provolone, or a young Colby jack work best.
• Keep an eye on browning: ovens vary; check roll-ups at 10 minutes to avoid over-browning.
• Make au jus richer: reduce the broth slightly or add a drizzle of beef concentrate (or a splash of dry red wine) for deeper flavor.
• Presentation: bake seam-side down and brush the tops just before baking for uniform color and to keep seams sealed.

Creative Twists

• Vegetarian option: Replace roast beef with seasoned and grilled portobello strips or marinated seitan and use vegetable broth for the dipping sauce.
• Spicy BBQ: Mix shredded beef with a little barbecue sauce before rolling, use smoked gouda, and serve with a smoky BBQ-au jus hybrid (add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a splash of BBQ sauce to the broth).
• Italian-style: Swap roast beef for thinly sliced roast pork or turkey, use provolone and a sprinkle of Italian herbs, and serve with a warm marinara for dipping.
• Healthy swap: Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas, lean roast beef, reduced-fat cheese, and low-sodium broth to cut calories and sodium.

All Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes—assemble and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving. For longer storage, freeze unbaked roll-ups and bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.

Q: What can I use instead of beef broth for the au jus?
A: Beef consommé or a concentrated beef bouillon dissolved in water works well. For a vegetarian option, use a rich vegetable broth and omit the beef.

Q: How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
A: Don’t over-soak with butter or fillings; bake on a parchment-lined sheet to allow air circulation. Reheating in an oven or air fryer restores crispness better than a microwave.

Q: Can I make smaller appetizer-sized roll-ups?
A: Yes—use smaller tortillas or cut large rolls into bite-sized pieces after baking. Secure with toothpicks if serving whole.

Q: Any tips for lowering the sodium content?
A: Choose low-sodium roast beef (or use fresh cooked roast), low-sodium broth, and reduced-sodium soy sauce; flavor with more fresh herbs and lemon to compensate.

Conclusion

These French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups combine approachable technique with bold, comforting flavor—perfect for feeding a crowd or elevating a weeknight dinner. If you want variations and inspiration from other home cooks, check out this trusted recipe roundup for another take on the dish: French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups – Taste and Tell Blog. For an easy, cheesy snack perspective and serving ideas, this guide offers practical tips and playful presentation options: French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups | Easy Cheesy Roast Beef Snack.

If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear how you served it—share your photos and notes so we can all learn and celebrate great food together.