French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups

This crave-worthy French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups recipe transforms the classic sandwich into a fun, handheld version that delivers all the savory flavors you love in every bite. The warm tortillas filled with tender roast beef and melty cheese paired with rich au jus for dipping creates a meal that's both comforting and impressive.

I first made these roll ups when looking for a creative way to use leftover Sunday roast beef. My family was skeptical at first but now requests these instead of traditional French dip sandwiches because they're easier to eat and so much fun to dip.

Ingredients

• Thinly sliced roast beef: gives this dish its hearty flavor choose quality deli meat or use leftover homemade roast for the best taste
• Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese: provides that essential gooey stretch when melted look for freshly shredded for better melting
• Large flour tortillas: create the perfect vessel for rolling up all the goodness choose the freshest ones for easier rolling
• Butter: adds richness and helps the tortillas brown beautifully use unsalted if you're watching sodium
• Garlic powder: infuses aromatic flavor without the bite of fresh garlic make sure yours is fresh for best flavor
• Onion powder: adds savory depth without texture pieces freshness matters here too
• Beef broth: forms the foundation of the au jus select low sodium to control saltiness
• Worcestershire sauce: provides that umami richness just a tablespoon transforms the dipping sauce
• Soy sauce: deepens the flavor profile of the au jus with minimal effort

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Sheet:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This temperature is ideal for getting golden tortillas while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.

Assemble The Roll Ups:

Lay each tortilla flat on your work surface. Distribute the roast beef evenly among the tortillas, placing it down the center but leaving about an inch of space on each side. This arrangement allows for proper rolling and sealing. Top the beef with a generous layer of shredded cheese, making sure it's evenly distributed for consistent melting.

Roll Tightly:

Starting from one edge, roll each tortilla tightly around the filling. The key is maintaining tension as you roll to keep everything compact. Place them seam side down on your prepared baking sheet to prevent unraveling during baking.

Season And Prepare:

Brush the tops of each roll up with melted butter, making sure to cover the entire surface for even browning. Sprinkle with the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley mixture. This seasoning blend adds flavor to the outside of the tortilla and creates a beautiful golden crust.

Bake To Perfection:

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You're looking for golden brown tortillas and cheese that has melted completely. The edges might get slightly crispy which adds wonderful texture contrast.

Create The Au Jus:

While the roll ups bake, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce for 5 to 7 minutes. This concentrates the flavors and creates the perfect dipping consistency.

Serve And Enjoy:

Remove the roll ups from the oven and let them cool for just 2 minutes before slicing each roll on a diagonal to create multiple pieces. Serve immediately with individual ramekins of the hot au jus for dipping. The contrast between the crispy exterior, warm filling, and savory dipping sauce is absolutely magical.

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My family's favorite part of this recipe is definitely the dipping experience. My youngest daughter calls it "dunking dinner" and gets so excited when she sees me preparing the beef broth. Something about the interactive nature of dipping each bite makes mealtime more engaging and fun for everyone at the table.

Make-Ahead Options

These roll ups are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble them completely up to 24 hours ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply brush with butter, add seasonings, and bake. The au jus can also be prepared days in advance and reheated when needed. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly but still want something that feels special.

Customizing Your Roll Ups

The basic recipe is delicious as is, but there are countless ways to make it your own. Try adding caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra depth of flavor. Horseradish cream spread thinly on the tortilla before adding beef creates a zingy counterpoint to the rich meat. For those who enjoy heat, pepper jack cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes changes the profile entirely. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is to your family's preferences.

Serving Suggestions

While these roll ups are satisfying on their own, they pair wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or crispy potato wedges. At parties, slice the roll ups into smaller pieces and provide toothpicks for an impressive appetizer that guests can enjoy while mingling. The casual elegance of this dish makes it suitable for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.

The History Behind French Dip

This modern twist has roots in a classic American sandwich. The original French Dip was reportedly created accidentally in Los Angeles in the early 1900s when a sandwich roll was inadvertently dropped into meat juices. The customer loved the soggy sandwich so much that others began requesting the same "dipped" preparation. These roll ups honor that happy accident by transforming the concept into a convenient, modern format while maintaining the essential flavors that have made the French Dip an enduring favorite for over a century.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the roll ups up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, brush with the butter mixture and bake. The au jus can also be made ahead and reheated. For best results, bake just before serving to ensure crispy tortillas.

→ What's the best beef to use for these roll ups?

Thinly sliced deli roast beef works perfectly for quick preparation. Look for medium-rare roast beef for the juiciest results. Alternatively, leftover homemade roast beef sliced very thin is excellent. For best flavor, choose good quality beef without excessive additives.

→ How can I make these roll ups gluten-free?

To make these gluten-free, substitute regular flour tortillas with gluten-free corn or cassava flour tortillas. Also ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (many brands contain malt vinegar) and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Always check your beef broth ingredients as some may contain gluten as a stabilizer.

→ What sides pair well with French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups?

These roll ups pair beautifully with crispy french fries, a simple green salad, coleslaw, or potato chips. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a cup of tomato soup. They're substantial enough to stand alone as an appetizer or light meal.

→ Can I freeze these roll ups?

Yes, these freeze well! Prepare and bake as directed, then allow to cool completely. Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, unwrap and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. The au jus can be frozen separately in airtight containers.

→ How do I keep the tortillas from unrolling?

To prevent unrolling during baking, place the roll ups seam-side down on the baking sheet. The melted cheese inside will also help seal them as they bake. If needed, you can secure each roll with a toothpick before baking, just remember to remove them before serving.