French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups are a fun twist on the classic sandwich, packed with tender roast beef, melted cheese, and a burst of savory au jus flavor—all rolled up in a soft tortilla. They have a great mix of chewy and melty textures, making each bite a little treat that’s both hearty and easy to eat.
I love making these roll ups for a quick snack or a casual get-together because they’re so simple to put together but feel special enough to impress. Plus, dipping them into au jus is always the highlight—it turns every bite into a little moment of yum. I usually make extra dip so there’s plenty to dunk!
Serving these roll ups warm straight from the oven is my favorite, especially when everyone’s gathered around chatting and sharing. They’re easy to hold and full of flavor, which makes them perfect for parties or a cozy movie night. I think you’ll find they disappear pretty fast once you start passing the platter around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour tortillas: Soft, large tortillas work best for rolling the filling without tearing. If you prefer gluten-free, corn tortillas might work but can be less flexible—warm them first to avoid cracking.
Roast beef: Thinly sliced or shredded roast beef gives a tender texture and true French dip flavor. Leftover roast beef or deli-style works well, too.
Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: These melt nicely and create a gooey, tasty inside. If you want a sharper bite, swap cheddar for pepper jack or provolone for a milder touch.
Onions: Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth but are optional. If you skip them, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or dried thyme for extra flavor.
Au jus: The dipping sauce is essential. Use store-bought au jus or make your own from beef broth with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for richness.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy, Melty Roll Ups?
The key step is browning your rolled tortillas before baking—they develop a crispy outside that contrasts with the melting cheese inside.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat and place roll ups seam side down to seal them.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
- Transfer to a baking sheet, add extra cheese on top, and bake to finish melting the cheese and crisp up the tortillas.
- Don’t skip warming the tortillas first if they feel stiff; flexible tortillas roll easier and crisp nicely.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for caramelizing onions and browning the roll ups evenly.
- Baking sheet – to finish melting the cheese and crisping the tortillas in the oven.
- Spatula or tongs – handy for flipping roll ups gently without unrolling them.
- Mixing bowl (optional) – if you want to toss roast beef with garlic powder or thyme before assembling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roast beef for thinly sliced turkey or chicken for a lighter twist that still tastes great dipped in au jus.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers inside for extra veggies and a bit of sweetness.
- Try swiss or provolone cheese for a different melt and milder flavor.
- Mix in horseradish or Dijon mustard inside the roll up for a tangy kick that brightens the flavors.
How to Make French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Roll Ups:
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked, shredded roast beef (thinly sliced or shredded works best)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
- Au jus or beef broth, warmed, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, including sautéing onions and browning the roll ups, plus 8-10 minutes baking time. Overall, you’ll have warm and gooey French Dip Roll Ups ready in roughly 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season lightly with salt, then set aside.
2. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Lay each flour tortilla flat on your work surface. Spread an even layer of shredded roast beef over the tortillas, leaving space around edges. Add the caramelized onions on top if you like. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Roll up each tortilla tightly from one edge into a cylinder shape.
3. Brown and Bake:
In the skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the skillet to seal and cook, flipping carefully, until golden brown on all sides and the cheese begins to melt, about 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary.
Transfer the browned roll ups to a baking sheet lined with parchment or greased lightly. Sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese on top of each roll. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes to let the cheese fully melt and tortillas crisp up.
4. Serve Your Roll Ups:
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. Serve immediately with warm au jus or beef broth on the side for dipping. Enjoy the warm, melty goodness of these French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups!
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef?
Yes! Just make sure the roast beef is completely thawed before assembling. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then shred or slice as usual.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the roll ups a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. When ready to eat, brown them in the skillet and bake as directed for the best melty, crispy results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to help keep the tortillas crispy and cheese melted.
What Can I Substitute for Au Jus?
If you don’t have au jus, warm beef broth works well too. You can boost the flavor by adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to mimic that savory richness.
