French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups combine the flavors of juicy roast beef, melted cheese, and a touch of horseradish sauce all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. These little bites are like a handheld version of the classic French dip sandwich, perfect for snacking or serving at a party. The beef is tender and flavorful, and when you dip them in the warm au jus, they become extra delicious.
I love making these roll ups because they come together quickly and are always a hit with friends and family. Sometimes, I like to add a little extra cheese or a hint of garlic powder to the beef before rolling. It’s a simple trick that makes the flavors pop even more. Plus, since they’re easy to eat with your hands, they’re perfect for casual gatherings or game day.
When I serve these, I always have a small bowl of au jus on the side for dipping, which really brings out that rich, beefy goodness. They’re great warm or at room temperature, so you can make them ahead of time and keep them ready for whenever hunger strikes. These roll ups remind me of sharing snacks with friends around the couch, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite for you too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour tortillas: Use soft 8-inch tortillas for easy rolling. If you prefer, whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas work well too. Just pick ones that can roll without tearing.
Roast beef: Shredded cooked roast beef adds that juicy, meaty flavor. You can use deli roast beef slices or leftovers from a roast. For a budget-friendly twist, thinly sliced steak works great.
Swiss cheese: This melts beautifully and pairs nicely with beef. Provolone or mozzarella are good alternatives that melt well and taste great.
Au jus: This dipping sauce is key for soaking up the flavors. If you don’t have beef au jus, make simple beef broth flavored with garlic and herbs, or use store-bought au jus mixes.
Horseradish sauce (optional): Adds a tangy kick that brightens the roll ups. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use Dijon mustard for a milder zing.
How Do You Get Crispy, Melty French Dip Roll Ups Without Falling Apart?
The trick is in how you roll and bake them. Here’s what I recommend:
- Brush the tortillas well with the butter and oil mix to get a golden, crispy outside.
- Don’t overfill—use a moderate amount of beef and cheese to keep rolls tight and easy to handle.
- Roll tightly and tuck in the sides gently if you can, so the filling stays in place.
- Place them seam side down on the baking sheet to keep rolls closed while baking.
- Bake until crispy and cheese is bubbling, usually 12-15 minutes at 400°F. Watch closely towards the end so they don’t burn!
These steps help your roll ups hold their shape and come out crispy outside and melty inside, ready for dipping in the rich au jus. Enjoy every bite!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – for baking the roll ups evenly and getting them crispy.
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray – stops the roll ups from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread the butter and oil mix evenly on the tortillas.
- Sharp knife – for shredding the roast beef if needed and cutting roll ups if you want smaller pieces.
- Small mixing bowl – to combine the butter, oil, and spices before brushing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roast beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter version that still tastes great with the cheese and au jus.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss for a little spicy kick and gooey meltiness.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions inside for extra flavor and texture.
- Spread a thin layer of horseradish mayo or Dijon mustard on the tortilla before adding fillings for an extra tangy layer.
French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups cooked roast beef, shredded
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or provolone)
- 1 cup beef au jus (for dipping)
For the Butter Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes and Add-Ons:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Horseradish sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, so in total plan for roughly 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish to whip up when craving something warm and cheesy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so your roll ups won’t stick.
2. Mix Butter and Seasonings:
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will add amazing flavor and help the tortillas crisp nicely.
3. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Lay one flour tortilla flat on your workspace. Using a brush, spread a generous amount of the butter mixture evenly over the tortilla. Next, place a handful of shredded roast beef in the center. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded cheese over the beef. If you like, add a dollop of horseradish sauce for a little kick.
4. Roll and Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides if needed to keep everything inside. Place the roll seam side down on the prepared baking sheet to hold its shape. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Brush and Bake:
Brush the tops of the assembled roll ups with the remaining butter mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until tortillas are golden brown and cheese has melted.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the roll ups from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve warm with a cup of beef au jus for dipping. Dip each roll up to enjoy the rich, juicy flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for These Roll Ups?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the roast beef is fully thawed and shredded before assembling the roll ups to ensure even heating and the best texture.
Can I Prepare French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the roll ups and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh when ready to serve for the best crispiness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep them crispy.
What Can I Use Instead of Au Jus?
If you don’t have beef au jus, a good-quality beef broth or consommé heated with a little Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder can make a tasty dipping sauce substitute.
