French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups

When I first tried swapping my usual French dip sandwich for these tortilla roll ups I was amazed at how quickly they became our new comfort food go to The roll ups capture the savory flavors and beefy goodness of the original sandwich but with an irresistible cheesy twist that makes them fun for any occasion

My family now asks for these every time we host a movie night Once you dip one of these warm melty roll ups into the au jus you will understand why they disappear so fast

Ingredients

• Large flour tortillas: provide a soft and sturdy wrap Choose fresh tortillas for easier rolling and best texture
• Deli roast beef: is the classic filling Try to get it sliced thin and look for a good marbled cut for maximum flavor
• Shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and adds that signature pull Cheese from the block will melt creamier than pre-shredded
• Butter dressed with garlic and onion powder: boosts the tortilla flavor and ensures a crisp golden finish Melted unsalted butter works great for even coverage
• Au jus gravy mix: creates that rich savory dipping sauce Look for a packet with real beef stock if possible
• Water: is needed to prepare the au jus
• Optional chopped parsley: brightens the finished dish and adds a fresh note

Instructions

Prepare and Preheat:

Set your oven to bake at 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C and get your baking dish ready with a light greasing or line a baking sheet to prevent sticking

Fill the Tortillas:

Place each tortilla flat on a clean surface Arrange the roast beef evenly across the surface of each tortilla spreading almost but not quite to the edges This helps keep everything wrapped up tight

Add Cheese:

Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese over the roast beef on each tortilla Let some cheese reach the edges to ensure every bite gets melty perfection

Roll Up Tight:

Starting from one side roll the tortilla up firmly but gently to keep the filling inside Place each rolled tortilla seam side down in your prepared dish so they do not unroll

Brush with Flavor Butter:

In a small bowl stir together melted butter garlic powder and onion powder Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of each roll up ensuring the edges get extra buttery for crispness

Bake to Golden:

Place the dish in the preheated oven Bake for 18 to 22 minutes watching for the tortillas to turn golden brown and checking that the cheese is fully melted and bubbly

Make Au Jus Dip:

While the roll ups bake prepare the au jus Use a small saucepan to mix the packet with water then heat gently while whisking until it simmers and thickens into a savory dipping sauce

Serve and Slice:

Remove the roll ups from the oven Let them cool for a minute then slice in half for easy dipping Sprinkle with optional chopped parsley and serve warm with the au jus on the side

Shredded provolone is my personal favorite for this recipe since it melts to the perfect gooey consistency I first made a batch for my dad who loves French dips and he called it hands down the best movie snack he ever had

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until the roll ups regain their crisp edge and warm chewy center Wrap individual roll ups in foil to keep them from drying out in the refrigerator For packed lunches roll ups travel best if sliced and wrapped tightly in parchment to prevent leaks

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use thin sliced turkey or ham for a lighter twist Swiss or cheddar work as alternative cheeses but you may want to add a pinch of extra seasoning to boost the savory notes Whole wheat tortillas add a hearty healthy upgrade without losing that soft rolled texture

Serving Suggestions

Arrange sliced roll ups on a platter with small bowls of au jus for easy dipping at parties Pair with crunchy pickles or a tangy slaw to balance the rich cheesy beef flavor Serve alongside oven fries or a tossed salad for a complete meal

Cultural and Historical Context

French dip sandwiches come from early 1900s Los Angeles with a simple combo of roast beef dipped in savory jus This playful roll up version keeps the spirit but adds a modern twist perfect for families and gatherings The act of dipping warm bread into rich broth has roots in many food cultures Rolling the filling in tortillas makes it both accessible and portable

Seasonal Adaptations

Add sautéed mushrooms and baby spinach for a fall version Fresh arugula or roasted peppers brighten up the roll ups for summer picnics Try leftover holiday roast meats thinly sliced for special occasions

Handy Recipe Notes

This recipe is easy to double for a crowd Can be frozen pre baked then thawed and cooked fresh The dipping sauce is delicious on roasted potatoes too

Success Stories

Kids love assembling their own roll ups and customizing with favorite cheeses I have made these for friends recovering from illness since they re comforting and easy to eat Everyone from teens to grandparents has called these roll ups the best savory snack

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze assemble the roll ups and brush with butter then freeze on a tray until solid Once frozen transfer to a zip top bag and label When ready to enjoy bake directly from frozen adding five to ten extra minutes and prepare au jus fresh Sauce may be made ahead and frozen in a small container

These cheesy beefy roll ups bring all the goodness of a classic French dip in handheld form Try them for your next family night or gathering and they are sure to disappear fast

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep the roll ups from unrolling while baking?

Place the tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish to help them stay rolled. The melted cheese also acts as a binder.

→ What type of cheese works best for these roll ups?

Provolone and mozzarella both melt smoothly and pair wonderfully with roast beef. Choose your favorite or combine both for extra flavor.

→ Can you use homemade roast beef instead of deli slices?

Absolutely. Thinly slice homemade roast beef for a more personalized flavor and texture.

→ How do you make the au jus for dipping?

Prepare the au jus by mixing the provided gravy packet with water according to the package instructions, then serve warm alongside the roll ups.

→ Is it possible to prepare these roll ups ahead of time?

You can assemble the roll ups in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add the butter topping just before baking for best results.

→ What side dishes pair well with these roll ups?

A fresh green salad, crispy potato wedges, or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments.