Growing up, I thought roast beef sandwiches only came one way – between two slices of bread with mayo and lettuce. That’s how we always had them at home, and I never questioned it. Then one day at a friend’s house, her mom served these rolled-up tortillas filled with roast beef, and my mind was blown.
Now these roast beef tortilla roll ups are my go-to when I need something quick for lunch or when I’m putting together a party platter. They’re easier to make than traditional sandwiches, and there’s something about that spiral shape that makes everyone reach for them first. Plus, my kids actually eat them without picking them apart – which is a win in my book.
Why You’ll Love These Roast Beef Roll Ups
- Quick preparation – These roll ups come together in just 20-30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute lunch prep.
- Simple ingredients – You’ll only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that you can grab at any grocery store – no fancy shopping trips required.
- Kid-friendly meal – The combination of melty cheese, tender roast beef, and crispy onions wrapped in soft tortillas is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Great for meal prep – You can make these ahead of time and reheat them when needed, plus they’re perfect for lunch boxes or quick dinners on the go.
- Customizable recipe – Feel free to swap out the cheese type or add your favorite vegetables – these roll ups are easy to adapt to your taste preferences.
What Kind of Roast Beef Should I Use?
For these roll ups, deli-sliced roast beef is your best bet – look for meat that’s sliced very thin, which makes rolling much easier. You can choose between regular roast beef or London broil from the deli counter, and either option works great. If you’re watching your sodium, ask for low-sodium roast beef, though keep in mind it might have a slightly different flavor profile. The key is making sure the slices aren’t too thick or they’ll make rolling difficult, so request your roast beef to be sliced on the thinner side (around a #1 or #2 setting on the deli slicer).
Options for Substitutions
Need to switch things up? Here are some easy swaps you can make for this recipe:
- Flour tortillas: You can use whole wheat tortillas or spinach wraps for a different flavor. Just make sure they’re large enough to roll. Gluten-free tortillas work too, but warm them slightly first to prevent cracking.
- Provolone cheese: Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or white American cheese are great alternatives. They all melt nicely and complement the roast beef well.
- Roast beef: Deli turkey or ham can work if you’re not a beef fan. If using turkey, consider adding a bit more Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Crispy fried onions: You can substitute with crushed potato chips, crushed crackers, or even toasted panko breadcrumbs for that needed crunch.
- Beef consomme: If you can’t find beef consomme, use beef broth or stock instead. For a richer taste, you might want to add an extra splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Worcestershire and soy sauce: For Worcestershire, you can use A1 sauce or additional soy sauce. For soy sauce, coconut aminos or tamari make good substitutes.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making roast beef roll ups is overfilling your tortillas, which can lead to messy eating and filling that falls out – stick to a single layer of each ingredient and leave a small border around the edges for secure rolling. Rolling these wraps too loosely is another common mistake that can make them fall apart when dipping, so make sure to roll them tightly while keeping the filling evenly distributed. When preparing the dipping sauce, avoid bringing it to a rapid boil as this can make it too reduced and salty – instead, maintain a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to blend while keeping the right consistency. For the best texture contrast, add the crispy fried onions just before rolling, as letting them sit in contact with other ingredients for too long will make them lose their satisfying crunch.
What to Serve With Roast Beef Roll Ups?
These savory roll ups are perfect for lunch or dinner, and they pair really well with a variety of simple sides. A crisp pickle spear and some kettle-cooked potato chips make this feel like the best deli sandwich you’ve ever had! For a healthier option, try serving them with a fresh coleslaw or a simple green salad dressed with ranch or Italian dressing. Since you’ve already got that tasty dipping sauce, you might want to add some extra veggies for dunking too – baby carrots, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips would work great here.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These roast beef roll ups are perfect for making ahead! Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dipping sauce can be stored separately in a sealed container for the same duration.
Make Ahead: You can prep these roll ups a day before your event or gathering. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. The au jus dipping sauce can also be made in advance – just warm it up when you’re ready to serve.
Serve Later: When you’re ready to enjoy them, take the roll ups out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off. If you’d like them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat or the cheese might get too melty and messy.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1500-1700
- Protein: 75-85 g
- Fat: 75-85 g
- Carbohydrates: 130-140 g
Ingredients
For the roll-ups:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb thinly sliced roast beef
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 3/4 cup crispy fried onions (I use French’s)
For the dipping sauce:
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins preferred)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 can beef consomme (Swanson brand recommended)
Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Roll-Ups
Preheat your oven to 425ºF.
Lay the 4 tortillas on a counter or work surface.
Tear the provolone cheese into smaller pieces and distribute them evenly over each tortilla.
Next, evenly layer the deli roast beef over the cheese, then sprinkle the French fried onions on top of the roast beef for added crunch and flavor.
Step 2: Assemble and Seal the Roll-Ups
Take one tortilla at a time and fold the sides inwards, then roll it tightly into a roll.
Brush a little bit of olive oil on the edge of the tortilla to help it stick closed, and place it seam side down on a baking sheet.
Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.
Step 3: Brush and Bake
Once all tortillas are rolled up and placed on the baking sheet, brush the remaining olive oil over the tops of the roll-ups.
This will help them brown nicely.
Bake the roll-ups in the preheated oven until they are browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
While the roll-ups are baking, make the dipping sauce by combining beef consommé, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic in a medium saucepan.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook until the mixture is warmed through.
Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the roll-ups are golden brown, remove them from the oven.
Allow them to cool slightly, then cut each roll-up in half for easier handling.
Serve the roll-ups with the warm dipping sauce on the side for a delicious and savory treat.
