If you love the savory, melt-in-your-mouth flavor of a classic French Dip sandwich but want something a bit more fun and handheld, these Cheesy French Dip Tortilla Roll-Ups are about to become your new favorite. By swapping a heavy roll for a flour tortilla, you get a lighter, crispier bite that is absolutely perfect for dipping.
With tender roast beef, gooey melted cheese, and a flavorful au jus on the side, these roll-ups are fantastic for game day snacks, party appetizers, or a fast family dinner.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Savory and salty with a rich beefy depth, complemented by buttery garlic and tangy provolone.
- Texture: Crispy, golden-brown tortilla exterior with a warm, tender, and cheesy center.
- Time: 10 minutes prep, 12 minutes bake time.
- Difficulty: Very Easy.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need a baking sheet, some parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, and a small saucepan to simmer your dipping sauce. A pastry brush is helpful for getting that garlic butter evenly distributed over the tortillas.
Ingredient Notes
- Thinly Sliced Roast Beef: Head to your local deli counter for the best results. You want it sliced thin so it rolls easily without tearing the tortilla.
- Provolone or Swiss: Both of these cheeses have great melting points and a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with beef. Provolone offers a bit more stretch, while Swiss adds a classic nuttiness.
- Au Jus Mix: Most packets require water, but using beef broth instead of water in your sauce adds an extra layer of richness.
- Flour Tortillas: Medium (taco-sized) tortillas work best for rolling. Make sure they are at room temperature so they don’t crack when you roll them up.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Caramelized Onions: Adding these inside the roll-up gives it that “French Onion” vibe.
- Jalapeños: If you like a little heat, add a few thin slices to the beef before rolling.
- Cheddar: For a sharper flavor, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar inside with the provolone.
- Dip Variety: If you aren’t a fan of au jus, these are also delicious dipped in a creamy horseradish sauce.
How to Make Cheesy French Dip Tortilla Roll-Ups
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to ensure the cheese doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Place a slice of cheese in the center, followed by a generous portion of roast beef (about 2 oz per tortilla). Add any optional items like onions or jalapeños now.
- Roll and Place: Roll the tortillas tightly, just like a burrito, but leave the ends open. Place them seam-side down on the baking sheet to keep them from unrolling during the bake.
- Brush with Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush the tops of each roll-up generously. This is the secret to that golden, crispy finish.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted and the edges of the tortillas to turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Simmer the Sauce: While the rolls are in the oven, prepare the au jus dipping sauce. Combine the seasoning packet with water (or broth) in a small pan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until smooth.
- Serve: Slice each roll-up in halves or thirds on a diagonal and serve warm with the au jus for dipping.
Pro Tip: If you want a “super-crust,” sprinkle a tiny bit of extra parmesan cheese over the buttered tops before they go into the oven!
Recipe Tips
- Seam-Side Down: This is the most important step! Placing the “flap” of the tortilla against the pan ensures it seals shut as it bakes.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pile on the beef, but if they are too fat, they won’t stay rolled tightly.
- Watch the Heat: Every oven is different. Check them at the 8-minute mark to make sure the butter isn’t browning too quickly.
FAQs
- Can I use corn tortillas? It’s not recommended for this recipe as corn tortillas tend to crack when rolled this way unless they are very fresh or steamed. Flour provides the best “crunch.”
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven to get them crispy again the microwave will make them soggy.
- Is there a gluten-free option? Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free flour tortillas!
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: These pair perfectly with a simple green salad or some crispy potato wedges.
- Parties: If serving for a crowd, keep the au jus in a small slow cooker on the “warm” setting to keep it ready for dipping all night.
Cheesy French Dip Tortilla Roll-Ups
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 Roll-Ups 1x
Description
If you love the savory, melt-in-your-mouth flavor of a classic French Dip sandwich but want something a bit more fun and handheld, these Cheesy French Dip Tortilla Roll-Ups are about to become your new favorite. By swapping a heavy roll for a flour tortilla, you get a lighter, crispier bite that is absolutely perfect for dipping. With tender roast beef, gooey melted cheese, and a flavorful au jus on the side, these roll-ups are fantastic for game day snacks, party appetizers, or a fast family dinner.
Ingredients
The Roll-Ups
- 6 medium flour tortillas (taco-sized)
- 12–14 oz thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
The Au Jus Dip
- 1 packet au jus mix (or 1 1/2 cups beef broth)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions
- 6–8 thin jalapeño slices
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Assemble
Lay the tortillas flat on a clean work surface. Layer: Place one slice of cheese in the center of each, followed by a generous portion of roast beef (roughly 2 oz per roll). Add-Ins: If using onions, jalapeños, or extra cheddar, add them on top of the beef now.
Roll
Roll the tortillas tightly, keeping the ends open (like a cigar). Placement: Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to ensure they stay closed while baking.
Butter & Season
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush: Liberally brush the tops of each roll-up with the garlic butter. This creates a golden, crispy crust.
Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbling and the tortillas to reach a golden-brown crispness.
Simmer Sauce
While the rolls bake, prepare the au jus according to the packet instructions (using beef broth instead of water adds extra richness). Bring to a simmer in a small saucepan.
Serve
Slice each roll-up in half on a diagonal. Serve immediately with a small bowl of warm au jus for dipping.
Notes
Seam-Side Down: This is the “golden rule.” The weight of the roll-up on the pan seals the tortilla shut as it heats, so you don’t need toothpicks to hold them together.
Tortilla Temperature: If your tortillas feel stiff, microwave them for 10 seconds before rolling. This prevents them from cracking.
Pro Tip: For a “super-crust,” sprinkle a tiny bit of grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered tops before they go into the oven.
Reheating: If you have leftovers, avoid the microwave as it makes the tortillas rubbery. Use an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Roll-Up (with sauce)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: french dip roll ups, roast beef tortilla, au jus dipping sauce, easy party appetizers, 30 minute meals, cheesy roast beef, game day snacks
