French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups are a fun twist on the classic sandwich you know and love. They’re made with thinly sliced roast beef wrapped up in soft tortillas alongside melty cheese, and they come with a rich, flavorful au jus dipping sauce that’s perfect for dunking. The combination of tender meat, gooey cheese, and that savory sauce makes them impossible to resist.
I love making these roll ups because they’re so easy to eat and perfect for parties or casual snacks. I usually prepare the au jus ahead of time so it’s warm and ready for dipping, and it really brings all the flavors together. Plus, you can switch up the cheese or add some caramelized onions if you want to mix things up a bit. They always disappear quickly whenever I bring them out!
My favorite way to serve these is with a handful of crunchy pickles and a cold drink on the side. It balances everything out and makes for a satisfying little meal or appetizer. Whether you’re watching the game or having friends over, these roll ups are a total hit and surprisingly simple to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roast Beef: Thinly sliced roast beef is key for tender, flavorful roll ups. If you can’t find deli-style roast beef, shredded leftovers from a roast work great too. For a lighter twist, try turkey or chicken slices.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully for gooey pulls. Provolone is a good swap if you want a mild, creamy flavor. For more bite, try Swiss or even a mild cheddar.
Flour Tortillas: Soft, large tortillas hold all the ingredients well and crisp nicely when baked. If you prefer, whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas can be used—just watch baking times as they may brown faster.
Au Jus Sauce: The beef broth base with soy sauce and seasoning creates that rich dipping sauce. If you want it richer, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or minced garlic to deepen the flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy, Gooey Roll Ups?
Balancing crispy tortillas with melted cheese inside is the goal. Here’s how:
- Brush tortillas with melted butter to help them brown evenly and add extra flavor.
- Be sure to spread meat and cheese evenly down the center but not too thick—this helps rolling without tears.
- Place seam side down on the baking sheet so they hold together during broiling.
- Broil close to the heat source for 3-5 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning. The cheese should bubble and tortillas turn golden crisp.
This method delivers a warm, cheese-stretchy center with just the right crunchy tortilla outside. Serve hot with the au jus for easy dipping and amazing flavor every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for arranging the roll ups and crisping the tortillas evenly under the broiler.
- Small saucepan – to heat and simmer the au jus sauce gently without boiling over.
- Basting brush – makes it easy to spread melted butter on tortillas for a golden, crispy finish.
- Sharp knife – to slice roast beef thinly if not pre-sliced, and to chop parsley for garnish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roast beef for thinly sliced turkey or chicken for a lighter roll up.
- Add caramelized onions inside for a sweet, savory touch that pairs well with beef.
- Use provolone or Swiss cheese instead of mozzarella for a different melty flavor profile.
- Mix in some horseradish sauce with the beef for a spicy kick that balances the rich dip.
French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large flour tortillas
- 1 ½ cups thinly sliced roast beef (leftover or deli-style)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Au Jus Dip:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 5 minutes to cook, so around 15 minutes total. The au jus sauce simmers quickly while you assemble the roll ups, making this a fast and satisfying dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Au Jus Sauce:
In a small pot, mix together beef broth, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium until it simmers, then turn the heat down and keep it warm while you prepare the roll ups.
2. Prepare the Roll Ups:
Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface and brush each one lightly with melted butter. Place an even amount of roast beef down the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle the cheese on top of the beef. Roll up the tortillas tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep the filling inside.
3. Cook and Serve:
Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Broil or bake them for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese melts and the tortillas turn golden and slightly crispy. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with the warm au jus sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for These Roll Ups?
Yes, you can use frozen roast beef, but be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before assembling. This prevents extra moisture that could make the tortillas soggy.
Can I Make the Au Jus Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The au jus can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving to keep it warm and flavorful.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or under the broiler briefly to crisp the tortillas and melt the cheese again.
Can I Use Different Cheese or Bread?
Yes! Swap mozzarella for provolone, Swiss, or cheddar for different flavors. If you prefer, use hoagie rolls or sandwich bread instead of tortillas, but keep in mind the texture and cooking time may vary.
