French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups are a fun twist on the classic sandwich, featuring tender roast beef, melty cheese, and a flavorful au jus sauce all wrapped up in soft tortillas. They’re super easy to make and perfect for when you want something tasty but not too heavy. The combination of gooey cheese and juicy beef makes every bite satisfying.
I love making these roll ups because they’re so quick to prepare and great for sharing. I usually use horseradish sauce or a bit of mustard inside to add a little extra zing. One tip I’ve learned is to warm up the au jus for dipping—it really brings out the flavor and makes these roll ups feel special, even on a busy day.
These roll ups are perfect for a casual lunch, game day snack, or even a light dinner. I like serving them with a side of crunchy pickles or a simple salad to balance out the richness. Every time I make them, they vanish quickly, which says a lot about how much everyone enjoys them around my house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roast Beef: Thinly sliced or shredded roast beef is key for tender, juicy roll ups. Leftover roast beef works great, or deli-style roast beef if short on time. You can also try shredded steak or even cooked shredded chicken for a twist.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are perfect because they’re soft and flexible. If you want something lighter, whole wheat or spinach tortillas add a nice touch. Corn tortillas are not ideal here since they’re less pliable and can break when rolled.
Cheese: Provolone melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that pairs well with beef. Mozzarella is a good stand-in, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese for a different taste.
Au Jus Sauce: This beef broth-based dipping sauce brings all the flavors together. If you can’t find au jus, beef broth mixed with a little soy sauce and Worcestershire adds great depth. Keep it warm for easy dipping.
How Do You Get the Perfect Golden Crisp on These Roll Ups?
The secret to crispy, golden roll ups is brushing them with melted butter before broiling. Here’s how I do it:
- Warm the tortillas to make them flexible and easy to roll without cracking.
- After rolling, brush each tortilla roll lightly with melted butter. This helps them brown beautifully.
- Place them seam side down to keep them from unrolling during broil time.
- Broil 3-5 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning. The goal is a crispy outside and melted cheese inside.
Taking these small steps makes the rolls taste fresh and gives them a great texture contrast to enjoy with the dipping sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding roll ups while broiling evenly.
- Brush or pastry brush – helps you spread melted butter easily for a golden finish.
- Microwave or skillet – to warm tortillas and make them flexible for rolling.
- Sharp knife – great for slicing the roll ups cleanly after cooking.
- Small bowl – to heat and serve au jus sauce for dipping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roast beef for shredded chicken to create a lighter version that still tastes great with au jus.
- Add caramelized onions inside the roll ups for a sweet and savory touch.
- Mix shredded cheddar with provolone for extra sharpness and gooey texture.
- Sprinkle some fresh thyme or rosemary on the beef before rolling for a fragrant herbal boost.
How to Make French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb cooked roast beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 cup Au Jus sauce (beef broth-based dipping sauce)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these roll ups takes about 10 minutes for assembling and warming your tortillas, plus 3 to 5 minutes under the broiler. In all, expect around 15 minutes total for a delicious and quick meal or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Broil and Warm the Tortillas:
First, preheat your oven broiler or set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds, or heat each side in a dry skillet for about 10 seconds to make them flexible and easy to roll.
2. Add Filling and Roll:
Lay each warm tortilla flat and spread a good layer of thinly sliced or shredded roast beef down the center. Sprinkle shredded provolone cheese generously over the beef. Then, roll the tortillas up tightly around the filling to hold everything securely inside.
3. Butter and Broil:
Brush the outside of each roll-up lightly with melted butter. This step helps get a delicious golden and crispy crust. Place them seam side down on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and broil for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye so they brown nicely without burning, and until the cheese inside is melted.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, give them a minute to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve the roll ups warm with a small bowl of heated Au Jus sauce for dipping. Each bite combines tender beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tortilla with rich dipping flavors—delicious and fun!
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for These Roll Ups?
Yes, you can use frozen roast beef, but make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before assembling. This helps keep the texture tender and ensures even heating inside the roll ups.
What Can I Substitute for Au Jus Sauce?
If you don’t have au jus, beef broth mixed with a splash of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce makes a great alternative. Warm it up before serving to enjoy that signature dipping flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover roll ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the tortilla crisp, or microwave briefly and then crisp in a skillet if needed.
Can I Make These Roll Ups Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble them up to a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Just brush with melted butter and broil right before serving to get that crispy finish and melted cheese.
