Easy French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups

Last Tuesday, I found myself staring at leftover roast beef from Sunday dinner and a random package of tortillas, half contemplating ordering takeout until I remembered how my sister used to wrap everything in tortillas when we were broke college kids. These roll ups came together in this desperate, happy accident of a moment, and now they are the most requested thing at every game night.

My husband walked into the kitchen when I was testing these and literally stood over the stove eating them straight from the baking sheet, burning his fingers because he could not wait for them to cool down. Now he requests them every time we have people over for football.

Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas: The 10 inch size is perfect because they roll up neatly without tearing and hold all the filling without bursting
• 8 oz thinly sliced roast beef: Ask for it sliced thin at the deli counter, it melts into the cheese better than thick cuts
• 4 slices provolone cheese: This melts beautifully and has just enough mild flavor to complement without overpowering the beef
• 1 medium onion: Yellow onions caramelize into the perfect sweet and savory contrast to the salty beef
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Use unsalted so you can control the seasoning, especially important with the salty broth later
• 1 tbsp olive oil: This prevents the butter from burning while giving you that nice golden color on the onions
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Distributes evenly better than fresh garlic would in this quick cook time
• 2 cups low sodium beef broth: Low sodium is crucial here because the Worcestershire and soy sauce add plenty of saltiness
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient that gives the au jus that classic restaurant depth

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment, this saves you from scrubbing baked on cheese later

Caramelize those onions:

Melt the butter and oil together in a skillet over medium heat, add your sliced onions and let them cook slowly, stirring every few minutes until they are deep golden and smell sweet, about 8 to 10 minutes, then season them well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme

Build the roll ups:

Lay each tortilla flat and layer on the roast beef, a generous spoonful of those golden onions, and a slice of provolone cheese, then roll them up as tight as you can without tearing the tortilla

Bake until golden:

Place the roll ups seam side down on your prepared baking sheet, optionally brush the tops with a little olive oil for extra crunch, then bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they are golden and crisp

Make the au jus while they bake:

Combine the beef broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small saucepan, bring to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly reduced

Serve them hot:

Let the roll ups cool for just a couple of minutes so you can handle them, slice them in half if you want easier dipping, and serve immediately alongside that hot, fragrant au jus

Save

These became my go to comfort food during a particularly stressful month at work, something about dunking that crispy, cheesy roll up into the warm broth just makes everything better for a few minutes.

Making Ahead

You can assemble these roll ups up to 24 hours in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic, and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time since they will be cold.

Freezing Instructions

Wrap each baked and cooled roll up individually in foil, then place them all in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes until hot throughout and crispy again.

Serving Ideas

I like to serve these with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, and they are perfect alongside some crispy oven fries.

• Pair with a light lager or a glass of Pinot Noir to complement the beef
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the onion mixture for extra vegetables
• Use Swiss cheese instead of provolone if you prefer a sharper flavor

Save

These roll ups have this magical way of making everyone feel cozy and taken care of, exactly the kind of food that turns a regular Tuesday into something special.

Recipe FAQs

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

Provolone cheese melts beautifully, offering a mild and creamy profile, but Swiss can also be used for a nuttier flavor.

→ How do I get the onions perfectly caramelized?

Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat with butter and olive oil, stirring occasionally for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and soft.

→ Can I prepare the au jus in advance?

Yes, the au jus can be simmered ahead of time and reheated gently before serving to maintain its rich flavor.

→ What is the purpose of brushing olive oil on the tortillas before baking?

Brushing olive oil helps achieve a crispy, golden exterior on the tortillas when baked.

→ Is there a low-carb alternative for tortillas?

Low-carb tortillas can be used as a substitute to lower carbohydrate content without compromising the dish’s structure.