The smell of warm, tender roast beef mingling with melted cheese and a hint of horseradish wrapped snugly in a soft tortilla takes me right back to cozy family dinners. Honestly, I first whipped up these savory French dip tortilla roll ups on a hectic weeknight when I needed something quick, satisfying, and a little different from the usual. After trying countless sandwich combos, this recipe stuck around because it’s not just dinner—it’s comfort food wrapped in a tortilla, ready in a flash. Plus, the dipping au jus sauce? Game changer.
Now, I’ve made these roll ups more times than I can count, tweaking the seasonings and cheese blends to get it just right. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, craving something hearty after a long day, or just want a fun twist on a classic French dip sandwich, these roll ups fit the bill. They’re perfect for busy families or anyone who loves a savory, juicy bite without the fuss. This savory French dip tortilla roll ups recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share why it could become a favorite in yours, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 25 minutes, these roll ups save you from slaving over the stove.
- Simple Ingredients: No need for specialty stores—just common fridge and pantry staples.
- Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: Hands-on prep is minimal, so you can get dinner on the table fast.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike can’t get enough—they’re fun to eat and packed with flavor.
- Unbelievably Delicious: Juicy roast beef, melted cheese, and that rich au jus combine for a mouthwatering experience.
What sets this savory French dip tortilla roll ups recipe apart is the way it embraces the classic French dip flavors but delivers them in a handheld, mess-free format. No need to wrestle with soggy sandwich bread or giant slices—these roll ups are neat, portable, and perfect for dipping. Plus, I blend in a little garlic and onion powder into the au jus for a depth of flavor that’s just right—not overpowering, but enough to make you pause and savor.
And honestly, after making this recipe a dozen times, I can say it’s comfort food with a smart twist: delicious, fast, and just different enough to keep dinner exciting. It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes with the first bite, knowing you nailed it.
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together to create a bold, satisfying flavor and texture combo without any fuss.
- For the Roll Ups Batter:
- Flour tortillas (8-inch size recommended for easy rolling)
- Thinly sliced roast beef (about 8 ounces; deli-style or leftover roast works great)
- Provolone cheese slices (6-8 slices, for that melty goodness)
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted for brushing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- For the Au Jus Dipping Sauce:
- Beef broth (2 cups, low sodium preferred)
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon, adds savory depth)
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
I usually pick flour tortillas from brands I trust for softness and flexibility—Mission is my go-to for these. For the roast beef, I love using thin deli slices from the butcher counter or even leftover roast from a Sunday dinner; it keeps things easy and tasty. If you prefer a sharper cheese, swapping provolone for Swiss works beautifully, too.
If you want to keep the au jus rich but lighter, using a homemade beef broth (if you have it on hand) amps up the flavor. Otherwise, a good quality store-bought broth does just fine. And if you’re avoiding Worcestershire sauce due to dietary restrictions, soy sauce or tamari can step in as a nice alternative.
Equipment Needed
- Large non-stick skillet or griddle (for warming the roll ups evenly)
- Small saucepan (to prepare the au jus sauce)
- Basting brush (for melting butter and brushing tortillas)
- Sharp knife (for chopping parsley and slicing if needed)
- Measuring spoons and cups (to keep those au jus proportions spot-on)
If you don’t have a skillet, a griddle or even a flat pan works just fine to heat the roll ups without burning. When I was starting out, I simply used my trusty cast-iron skillet, and it delivered great results—just keep the heat moderate. For the basting brush, a silicone one is my favorite because it’s easy to clean and holds butter well.
Preparation Method
- Preheat your skillet: Set it over medium heat to warm gradually while you assemble the roll ups.
- Prepare the au jus sauce: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low.
- Assemble the roll ups: Lay out one 8-inch (20 cm) flour tortilla on a clean surface. Brush lightly with melted butter (about 1 teaspoon). Layer 2-3 ounces (60-85 g) of thinly sliced roast beef evenly over the tortilla, then top with 1-2 slices of provolone cheese.
- Roll it tight: Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla firmly but gently so the filling stays inside without squeezing out. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings.
- Warm the roll ups: Place the roll ups seam-side down on the preheated skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese inside has melted. Use a spatula to flip carefully.
- Serve hot: Arrange the warm roll ups on a platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
- Enjoy with the au jus: Pour the warm au jus into small dipping bowls. Dip each roll up as you eat for that classic French dip experience.
Quick tip: If you find your tortillas are getting too crispy before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two. This traps heat and helps melt the cheese perfectly without burning.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
One of the trickiest parts is getting the roll ups golden without drying out the meat inside. I learned early on that brushing the tortillas with melted butter before cooking makes a huge difference—crispy outside, soft inside.
Also, don’t skimp on the cheese! Provolone melts beautifully and adds that creamy texture that makes the roll ups irresistibly gooey. If your roast beef slices are thick, you may want to warm them briefly before assembling so they’re not cold inside.
When making the au jus, simmer gently rather than boiling hard. That keeps the broth tasting fresh and rich without concentrating too much saltiness.
Multitasking tip: While the au jus simmers, assemble your roll ups and preheat the pan. This way, you’re not waiting around, and dinner comes together smoothly.
Variations & Adaptations
- Low-Carb Version: Swap flour tortillas for low-carb or keto wraps—just be gentle to avoid tearing.
- Cheese Options: Switch provolone for mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace roast beef with seasoned mushrooms or grilled tempeh slices for a savory plant-based twist.
- Spicy Au Jus: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dipping sauce for those who like heat.
- Personal Favorite: I sometimes add caramelized onions inside the roll ups for a sweet contrast that balances the savory beef beautifully.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve these savory French dip tortilla roll ups hot with the au jus on the side for dipping. They’re perfect paired with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to round out the meal.
If you have leftovers (and sometimes there are none!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a skillet over low heat, covered, until warmed through and the cheese re-melts. Microwave reheating works too but can sometimes make the tortillas a bit chewy.
Fun fact: letting them sit overnight in the fridge actually deepens the flavors, especially the au jus, making for a tastier lunch the next day.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Each savory French dip tortilla roll up contains approximately 300-350 calories, with a good balance of protein from the roast beef and cheese, moderate fat, and carbs mostly from the tortilla. Using lean roast beef helps keep saturated fat in check.
The beef provides iron and B vitamins, which are great for energy, while the broth-based au jus is low in calories and adds flavor without excess fat. For gluten-free eaters, just swap the flour tortilla for a gluten-free wrap to enjoy this dish safely.
From a wellness perspective, this recipe strikes a nice balance between comfort food and nutrition, making it a guilt-free meal option that still satisfies those hearty dinner cravings.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, these savory French dip tortilla roll ups pack all the rich, juicy flavors of a classic French dip sandwich into a fun, easy-to-eat package. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something tasty and quick, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Feel free to make it your own—swap cheeses, add some spice, or try a veggie version to suit your tastes. I love how versatile and forgiving this recipe is, which makes it a keeper in my kitchen.
Give it a try, and let me know how you customize your roll ups! Drop a comment or share your version—I’m always excited to hear how you make this recipe your own. Here’s to yummy dinners made simple and delicious!
FAQs About Savory French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking. Just warm them up in a skillet before serving.
What type of cheese works best?
Provolone is classic for meltiness and mild flavor, but Swiss and mozzarella are great alternatives. Pepper jack adds a spicy twist.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I freeze the roll ups?
You can freeze assembled but uncooked roll ups for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
How do I make the au jus more flavorful?
Simmer the broth with a splash of red wine or add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a richer au jus experience.
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Savory French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These savory French dip tortilla roll ups combine tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and a flavorful au jus dipping sauce for a quick, comforting dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8-inch flour tortillas
- 8 ounces thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover roast)
- 6–8 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your skillet over medium heat to warm gradually while you assemble the roll ups.
- In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low.
- Lay out one 8-inch flour tortilla on a clean surface. Brush lightly with about 1 teaspoon melted butter.
- Layer 2-3 ounces of thinly sliced roast beef evenly over the tortilla, then top with 1-2 slices of provolone cheese.
- Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla firmly but gently so the filling stays inside without squeezing out. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings.
- Place the roll ups seam-side down on the preheated skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese inside has melted. Use a spatula to flip carefully.
- Arrange the warm roll ups on a platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Pour the warm au jus into small dipping bowls. Dip each roll up as you eat.
Notes
Brush tortillas with melted butter before cooking for a crispy outside and soft inside. If tortillas crisp too fast before cheese melts, lower heat and cover skillet briefly to trap heat and melt cheese. Use gluten-free tortillas and gluten-free beef broth for gluten-free adaptation. Roast beef can be warmed briefly before assembling if slices are thick or cold. Au jus can be enhanced with a splash of red wine or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 20
Keywords: French dip, tortilla roll ups, roast beef, au jus, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food
