These French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups combine thinly sliced roast beef, provolone cheese, and caramelized onions wrapped in flour tortillas. After baking to achieve a golden crisp exterior and melty interior, they are paired with a warm, flavorful au jus made from beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. This satisfying dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a tasty main course or snack, offering a delicious twist on classic flavors.
The smell of caramelized onions hitting hot butter still stops me in my tracks every single time. My roommate walked in while I was making these roll ups last Tuesday and actually asked if we were having guests for dinner. Nope, just Tuesday night cravings turned into something that felt restaurant worthy.
Last time I made these for game day, my brother claimed he could eat six of them. He stopped at four but kept dipping the halves into that warm beef broth until his fingers were stained. Now nobody lets me show up without a tray.
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas: Large flour tortillas fold beautifully around fillings without tearing. I have learned the hard way that smaller ones make rolling frustrating.
- 8 oz thinly sliced roast beef: Thinly sliced roast beef from the deli counter works perfectly here. Ask for it shaved thin if you want it to melt into the cheese.
- 4 slices provolone cheese: Provolone melts beautifully and adds just the right mild creamy flavor. Swiss works too if that is what you have on hand.
- 1 medium onion: Yellow onions caramelize into sweet golden perfection. Red onions work but give a sharper bite.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter gives those onions that rich flavor you cannot get from oil alone.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil keeps the butter from burning too quickly while still letting those onions get golden brown.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder infuses the onions with savory depth without burning like fresh garlic might.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Dried thyme adds an earthy note that plays so well with beef. Leave it out if you are not feeling it.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season those onions generously. They are the flavor engine of this whole recipe.
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth: Low sodium beef broth lets you control the salt level in your au jus. Regular broth can make it too salty too fast.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce gives the dipping sauce that deep umami punch.
- 1 tsp soy sauce: Just enough soy sauce adds depth without making the aujus taste like stir fry.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Onion powder reinforces that onion flavor in every single dip.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder in the au jus ties everything together beautifully.
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. That parchment saves you from scrubbing melted cheese off metal later.
- Caramelize those onions:
- Melt butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook stirring occasionally until golden about 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt pepper garlic powder and thyme.
- Build your roll ups:
- Lay tortillas flat and layer roast beef caramelized onions and provolone on each one. Do not overstuff or rolling becomes a battle.
- Roll them tight:
- Tightly roll each tortilla and place seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with olive oil if you want extra crispiness.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until tortillas are crisp and cheese has melted into everything. That golden color tells you they are ready.
- Make the au jus:
- Combine beef broth Worcestershire soy sauce onion powder and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes and taste for seasoning.
- Serve and dip:
- Let roll ups cool slightly then slice in half if you want. Serve warm with that hot au jus for dipping while everyone leans over their plates.
These have become my go to when someone says they are coming over last minute. One batch feeds four people happily and nobody believes how fast they came together.
Making Them Your Own
Sometimes I throw in sauteed mushrooms or bell peppers if I have them hanging out in the crisper drawer. They add extra texture and stretch the filling further.
Serving Suggestions
A cold lager cuts through all that rich beef and cheese perfectly. If you prefer wine pour a light pinot noir and thank me later.
Storage And Make Ahead Tips
You can assemble these up to a day ahead and bake right before guests arrive. Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes.
- Wrap unbaked roll ups tightly in plastic if storing overnight
- Au jus keeps for 3 days in the fridge and actually tastes better
- Freeze baked roll ups for up to a month and reheat from frozen
Hope these become your new easy weeknight win too.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese is best for these roll ups?
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Provolone cheese melts well and complements the roast beef, but Swiss can be substituted for a milder taste.
- → How can I make the onions caramelize evenly?
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Cook sliced onions slowly in butter and olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until golden and soft—about 8-10 minutes.
- → Can I prepare the au jus in advance?
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Yes, the au jus can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving to maintain its rich flavor.
- → What is a good alternative for flour tortillas to reduce carbs?
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Low-carb or whole wheat tortillas can be used as alternatives without compromising texture.
- → How should I store leftovers to keep crispness?
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to restore crisp edges before serving.