Easy French Dip Roll Ups

The smell of caramelized onions hitting that sweet spot always pulls me into the kitchen, no matter what I was doing. I discovered these roll ups during a frantic weeknight when I needed something that felt special but came together fast. My husband actually ate three before I could even get the au jus on the table.

My friend Sarah brought these to a game day gathering last winter and they disappeared before I could even grab one. The way the cheese oozes out slightly when you bite into a warm roll up, then dip it into that rich broth it is exactly the kind of comfort food that makes people gather around the kitchen island.

Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas: The 10-inch size rolls perfectly without tearing and crisps up beautifully in the oven
• 8 oz thinly sliced roast beef: Deli counter quality works great here, just ask for it paper thin
• 4 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that mild creamy flavor we love
• 1 medium onion: Yellow onions caramelize into the perfect sweetness, which balances the savory beef
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Combines with olive oil to help those onions cook down into golden perfection
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruitiness
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Distributes evenly over the onions for consistent flavor throughout
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Optional but adds an earthy note that makes everything taste restaurant quality
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the layered flavors
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Starting low sodium lets you control the salt level in your au jus
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: That deep umami punch that makes the dipping sauce irresistible
• 1 tsp soy sauce: Adds richness and that gorgeous dark color to the au jus
• 1/2 tsp onion powder: Reinforces the onion flavor in the dipping sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Mirrors the garlic in the roll ups for harmony across the dish

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is effortless

Caramelize the onions:

Melt the butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add those sliced onions and cook them slowly for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden and sweet, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme halfway through

Build your roll ups:

Lay each tortilla flat and layer on the roast beef, those beautiful caramelized onions, and a slice of provolone, leaving a little space at the edges so nothing spills out when you roll

Roll them tight:

Starting from one side, roll each tortilla up firmly and place them seam side down on your prepared baking sheet, brushing the tops with a little olive oil if you want them extra crispy

Bake until golden:

Slide them into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the tortillas are crispy and golden with cheese bubbling slightly at the ends

Make the au jus:

While the roll ups bake, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes to meld all those flavors together

Serve them up:

Let the roll ups cool for just a minute so you can handle them, slice them in half if you want, and serve immediately with little bowls of that hot, fragrant au jus for dipping

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These became our go-to Friday night dinner after my daughter requested them for her birthday instead of a restaurant meal. Something about having your own dipable, handheld version of a sandwich makes everyone feel like a kid again.

Make Ahead Magic

I have learned to caramelize a big batch of onions on Sunday and keep them in the fridge, which makes weeknight assembly take about five minutes flat. The roll ups can be assembled earlier in the day and baked just before serving.

Cheese Swaps

Swiss works beautifully if you want something nuttier, or gruyere takes it to a whole new level of fancy. My brother in law loves pepper jack for a little kick that cuts through the rich beef.

Serving Ideas

A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances all that rich, savory goodness perfectly. I also like to set out some pickles and mustard for people who want to customize their dipping experience.

• Try them with a cold lager or light red wine
• Add sautéed mushrooms inside for extra earthiness
• Low carb tortillas work surprisingly well here

Save

There is something almost meditative about dipping these warm, crispy roll ups into that savory broth. Hope they bring as much easy comfort to your table as they have to mine.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What kind of cheese works best for these roll ups?

Provolone provides a mild, creamy melt, but Swiss cheese can be substituted for a nuttier flavor.

→ How do you caramelize onions properly?

Cook thinly sliced onions slowly in butter and olive oil over medium heat until golden and softened, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

→ Can I prepare the au jus in advance?

Yes, you can simmer the broth mixture ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve for easy dipping.

→ Are there alternatives to flour tortillas?

Low-carb tortillas or wraps can be used to lower carbohydrate content without compromising texture.

→ What are good beverage pairings with these roll ups?

A light lager or a Pinot Noir wine complements the rich beef and cheese flavors nicely.