French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups – A Savory Twist on a Classic Favorite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the elegance of a French dip and makes it effortless and fun. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and works perfectly as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. The combination of melty cheese, savory roast beef, and buttery toasted tortillas is irresistible—and the warm au jus for dipping makes every bite complete.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Flour tortillas – Soft, flexible tortillas work best for rolling. Choose medium-size ones for easy handling and even baking.

Deli roast beef – Thinly sliced roast beef gives that classic French dip flavor and stays juicy after baking.

Provolone cheese – Melts beautifully and adds mild creaminess that balances the savory beef. You can substitute with Swiss or mozzarella for variety.

Butter – Brushed on the tortillas before baking, it creates a crisp, golden finish.

Garlic powder – Adds subtle aromatic flavor that complements the beef and cheese.

Beef broth – Used as the base for the au jus dipping sauce, rich and savory.

Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the flavor of the au jus, giving it that signature umami kick.

Onion powder – Enhances the broth with a hint of sweetness and depth.

Black pepper – Balances the richness of the sauce and adds mild spice.

Fresh parsley – Optional but adds a fresh, vibrant finish after baking.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface. Place a few slices of roast beef and a slice of provolone cheese on each tortilla. Roll them tightly, securing the seam side down on the baking sheet.

Melt butter in a small bowl and stir in garlic powder. Brush the tops of each roll-up generously with the garlic butter mixture.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden and crispy, and the cheese has melted. While they bake, prepare the au jus dipping sauce.

In a small saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until slightly reduced.

Once the roll-ups are ready, slice them in half if desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with the warm au jus on the side for dipping.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 roll ups, serving about 3–4 people as a meal or 6–8 as appetizers. Preparation takes 10 minutes, and baking takes about 12 minutes, making this a 25-minute recipe from start to finish.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. To freeze, wrap each roll individually in foil, then reheat directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Variations and Customizations

Cheesy Mushroom Melt – Add sautéed mushrooms inside each roll for an earthy flavor twist.

Spicy Kick – Spread a thin layer of horseradish or spicy mustard inside the tortilla before rolling.

Onion Lover’s Version – Add caramelized onions for sweetness and depth.

Italian Style – Use mozzarella and add a drizzle of marinara sauce for a French dip–meets–Italian sub twist.

BBQ Beef Roll Ups – Swap au jus for barbecue sauce for a smoky, Southern-style version.

Garlic Herb Butter – Mix herbs like rosemary or thyme into the butter before brushing for added aroma.

Mini Appetizer Version – Cut tortillas in half before rolling to make bite-sized party snacks.

Low-Carb Option – Use low-carb tortillas or cheese wraps for a lighter alternative.

Double Cheese – Combine provolone and Swiss for a richer, creamier filling.

Vegetarian Twist – Substitute roast beef with sautéed portobello mushrooms and onions for a meaty texture without the meat.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover roast beef instead of deli meat?

Yes, leftover roast beef works great—just slice it thin before using.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the roll-ups, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving.

3. Can I use corn tortillas?

It’s best to stick with flour tortillas; corn tends to crack when rolled.

4. What cheese melts best for this recipe?

Provolone and Swiss are top choices for their mild flavor and smooth melt.

5. How do I keep the roll-ups from unrolling while baking?

Place them seam side down on the baking sheet or secure with a toothpick.

6. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, thinly sliced bell peppers, onions, or spinach make great additions.

7. How do I make the au jus richer?

Add a teaspoon of beef bouillon or a splash of soy sauce for more depth.

8. Can I cook them in an air fryer?

Absolutely—air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 6–8 minutes until golden.

9. Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?

Yes, shredded provolone or mozzarella works just as well.

10. What sides go best with French Dip Roll Ups?

Try serving them with a simple salad, fries, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups are a clever, handheld twist on the beloved French dip sandwich. Crispy on the outside and gooey inside, each bite delivers comforting flavors of roast beef, melted cheese, and rich au jus. They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and ideal for serving a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party or simply craving something hearty and satisfying, these roll-ups are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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