Why These French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups Are a Must-Try
If you love the flavors of a traditional French Dip sandwich but want something easier and a little more fun, these French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups are exactly what you need. They’re everything you crave — tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and crispy French fried onions — all wrapped up in a golden tortilla and served with a savory dipping sauce that ties it all together.
I adore making these on busy weeknights because they come together so quickly, yet feel like something special. The combination of the crispy tortilla exterior and the juicy, cheesy filling makes every bite satisfying. Plus, that warm au jus-style dip gives them a restaurant-quality finish right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect French Dip Roll Ups
The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Most of these are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.
Ingredients:
- 4 (12-inch) flour tortillas
- 4 slices provolone cheese (about 5 ounces)
- ½ lb deli sliced roast beef
- ¾ cup French fried onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consomme
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Everything here works together beautifully — the provolone melts into the roast beef, the fried onions add crunch and flavor, and the dipping sauce is rich and savory without being too salty.
Prepping Your Ingredients for Success
Before you start rolling, take a moment to organize everything. Lay your tortillas out flat on a clean counter or large cutting board. Tear the provolone slices into smaller pieces so the cheese can melt evenly across the tortilla. If your roast beef is in large slices, tear or cut it into smaller sections so it distributes better when rolling.
Having everything ready before you begin makes the process smooth — and ensures you don’t overstuff your tortillas (which makes rolling tricky).
Assembling the Roll Ups – The Right Way to Layer and Roll
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lay out one tortilla and scatter the provolone pieces evenly. Layer the roast beef right over the cheese, then sprinkle a generous handful of French fried onions for crunch.
To roll, fold in the sides of the tortilla first (this keeps the filling from falling out), then roll it tightly from the bottom up. When you reach the end, brush a little olive oil along the edge to help it seal. Place it seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas. Once they’re all rolled, brush the tops lightly with the rest of the olive oil — this helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Baking to Crispy, Golden Perfection
Bake your roll ups for about 10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and slightly blistered. You’ll start to smell that irresistible mix of toasted tortilla, melted cheese, and beef — that’s when you know they’re ready.
I like to rotate the pan halfway through baking to make sure they brown evenly. When they’re done, let them rest for a minute or two before slicing — this keeps the cheese from oozing out too much.
Making the Perfect French Dip Sauce
While the roll ups bake, it’s time to make that savory dipping sauce — the heart of any French Dip recipe.
In a small saucepan, combine the beef consomme, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Set over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. The aroma is rich and comforting — a mix of beefy depth with a hint of umami from the soy and Worcestershire.
Taste it before serving; if you prefer it saltier or more intense, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce slightly.
Serving Tips and Pairing Ideas
Once the roll ups are baked and your dipping sauce is ready, cut each roll in half on a slight diagonal — they look great that way and are easier to dip. Serve them warm with small bowls of the sauce on the side.
I love pairing these with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They’re also perfect party appetizers — you can make a big batch, slice them smaller, and serve with toothpicks and warm dipping sauce for guests.
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle a little extra shredded provolone or mozzarella over the top before baking for an extra gooey version.
Variations and Add-Ons for a Flavor Twist
You can easily customize these roll ups to your taste. Try adding caramelized onions or a thin layer of horseradish sauce inside before rolling for extra flavor. Swiss cheese works beautifully if you prefer a sharper taste, and a touch of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang.
For a spicy version, toss a few pickled jalapeños into the filling or use pepper jack cheese. You can even make a “Philly-style” version by adding sautéed bell peppers and onions.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have leftovers (though I rarely do!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture — microwaving can make the tortillas soft instead of crispy.
The dipping sauce can be stored separately in a jar or airtight container and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
If you’re meal prepping, you can assemble the roll ups ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake just before eating. They’re a great make-ahead lunch or quick dinner option.
Your French Dip Roll Up Questions, Answered
Can I use another kind of cheese?
Absolutely. Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone all melt beautifully and complement the roast beef flavor.
What can I use instead of French fried onions?
If you don’t have them, you can use crispy shallots or even crushed onion rings for texture.
Can I use leftover roast beef?
Yes — in fact, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers. Just slice it thinly before assembling.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free tortillas and check that your soy sauce and fried onions are gluten-free as well.
How can I make them more filling?
Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for an extra hearty bite.
Golden, melty, and perfectly dippable — these French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups bring all the comfort of a French Dip sandwich with a lighter, crispier twist. Whether you’re serving them as a quick dinner or party favorite, they’ll disappear in no time. I love how the flavors come together — simple, savory, and just a little indulgent — the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
