Description
French Dip Tortilla Rollups are an easy and flavorful beefy appetizer featuring tender roast beef, caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese rolled inside warm flour tortillas. Served with a rich homemade au jus dipping sauce, these rollups are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large yellow onions, peeled & thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- â…› tsp black pepper
Rollup Filling
- 1 lb thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 8-10 large flour tortillas (10-inch diameter)
- 8-10 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Butter for Brushing
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Au Jus Dipping Sauce
- 4 cups good quality beef broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup beef consommé
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- ½ tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (optional for thickening)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Caramelized Onions: Thinly slice 2 large yellow onions. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions, ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes (or up to an hour) until deeply caramelized, soft, and sweet. Set aside.
- Make Au Jus Dipping Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups beef broth, ½ cup beef consommé, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon crushed dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly. For optional thickening, whisk in the cornstarch slurry (½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust salt as needed. Keep warm.
- Assemble Rollups: Briefly warm 8-10 large flour tortillas to make them pliable. If desired, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a creamy spread. In a separate bowl, toss 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Spread the optional mayo-Dijon mixture evenly on each tortilla. Layer one slice of provolone cheese, a generous portion of seasoned roast beef, and a good amount of the caramelized onions on each tortilla, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Roll and Slice: Tightly roll each tortilla from one end, tucking in the filling as you go. Place seam-side down to seal. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice each rolled tortilla into 6-8 pinwheels about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Arrange sliced rollups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cook Rollups: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and, using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops and sides of each rollup. Bake for 12-18 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispness, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, pan-fry the rollups in a large skillet with olive oil or butter for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Arrange hot rollups on a serving platter and serve immediately with warm au jus dipping sauce in individual or communal bowls. Encourage guests to dip generously into the au jus for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For gluten-free options, substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- The mayonnaise and Dijon mustard spread is optional but adds creamy tanginess that complements the beef.
- Caramelizing onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the rollups.
- Adjust seasoning in the au jus according to your salt preference; low sodium broth is recommended.
- Rollups can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
