French Onion Beef Roll-Ups Recipe

French Onion Beef Roll-Ups are a savory, indulgent dish combining tender beef, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and flaky crescent rolls. This recipe takes the rich flavors of French onion soup and transforms them into a comforting handheld delight. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these roll-ups are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan – for caramelizing onions and searing beef
• Sharp chef’s knife – to slice steak thinly and evenly
• Cutting board – sturdy and large enough for prep
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine – to secure the roll-ups while cooking
• Tongs – for turning the beef roll-ups without tearing
• Baking dish or oven-safe skillet – to finish the roll-ups in the oven
• Small saucepan – if making homemade French onion gravy or au jus

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover roast beef)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

For the Roll-Ups

• 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Melt Butter: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
2. Add Onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Sprinkle with sugar and salt to help them caramelize.
3. Cook Low and Slow: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the onions for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and softened.
4. Season: Add garlic powder and thyme, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the Roll-Ups

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles.
3. Layer Ingredients: On the wide end of each crescent triangle, place a slice or two of roast beef, a spoonful of caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
4. Roll and Seal: Roll the dough tightly around the filling, starting from the wide end and tucking the point under. Place the roll-ups on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.

Step 3: Bake the Roll-Ups

1. Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the tops of the roll-ups with melted butter. Sprinkle with dried parsley if desired.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Cool Slightly: Allow the roll-ups to cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Optional Garnish: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for added color and flavor.
2. Pair with Dip: These roll-ups pair wonderfully with a warm bowl of au jus or beef broth for dipping.
3. Serving Suggestions: Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or pair with a side salad for a satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations

• Cheese Options: Gruyère is classic, but mozzarella or provolone work well too for a melty, gooey filling.
• Make Ahead: Caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to save time.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a veggie-friendly version.
• Crescent Roll Substitute: Use puff pastry sheets cut into triangles for a flakier texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Look for gluten-free crescent roll dough to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispness.
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked roll-ups on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.

Cooking Tips

• Use thinly sliced steak like flank or sirloin to make rolling easier.
• Caramelize onions slowly over low heat for a rich, sweet flavor.
• Add a splash of beef broth or red wine to deglaze the pan and deepen the flavor.
• Secure each roll tightly with toothpicks or twine before searing.
• Finish in the oven or covered skillet to fully cook and melt cheese, if used.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Onion Roll-Ups – Add provolone, mozzarella, or Swiss inside each roll.
• Creamy Mushroom Twist – Add sautéed mushrooms and a splash of cream to the onions.
• French Onion Gravy – Serve with a homemade or store-bought gravy made from beef broth, butter, and caramelized onion.
• Spicy Version – Add crushed red pepper or pepper jack cheese.
• Stuff with Veggies – Add wilted spinach or roasted bell peppers before rolling.

FAQs

• Can I prep this ahead of time?
  Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• What kind of steak works best?
  Flank, skirt, or very thin sirloin steaks are ideal.
• How do I keep them from unrolling?
  Secure with toothpicks or twine before cooking and remove before serving.
• What can I serve this with?
  Mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, or a fresh side salad pair perfectly.
• Can I grill them?
  Yes! Sear briefly on the grill, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.

Make It Fit Your Diet

• Low-Carb/Keto: Skip any flour-based gravy and serve with cauliflower mash.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure cheese and seasoning are GF-friendly.
• Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use a dairy-free substitute for melting inside.
• Whole30/Paleo: Use ghee instead of butter, and skip any processed cheese.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef Roll-Ups bring the heartiness of a classic French onion soup into a convenient and delicious form. With their rich caramelized onions, savory beef, and melty cheese wrapped in buttery crescent rolls, they’re a hit at gatherings or as a quick family dinner. Serve them warm and watch them disappear in no time!