French Onion Beef Roll-Ups

If you’re looking for a meal that’s cozy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, French Onion Beef Roll-Ups are exactly what you need. Imagine tender beef rolled around rich, savory caramelized onions and melted cheese, all topped with a delicious sauce that just ties everything together. Each bite is a juicy, flavorful experience that’s hard to resist. Trust me, this one is a showstopper!

These roll-ups are everything you love about French onion soup, but in a more substantial, savory form. The caramelized onions bring the perfect touch of sweetness, and the gooey melted cheese adds that extra bit of indulgence that makes this dish feel like a special treat. Perfect for weeknights when you want to impress, or for a cozy dinner when you just want to enjoy a hearty meal.

You’re going to want to make these French Onion Beef Roll-Ups more often, so get ready to add this recipe to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love French Onion Beef Roll-Ups

  • Flavor Explosion: Each roll-up is packed with rich, caramelized onions, savory beef, and melted cheese. It’s like a bite of French onion soup, but better.
  • Easy Yet Impressive: These roll-ups look elegant on the plate, but they’re surprisingly easy to prepare—perfect for a weeknight or a dinner party.
  • Comforting and Hearty: Tender beef, melted cheese, and onions create a comforting, satisfying meal that’s filling and delicious.
  • Versatile: You can pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad to make a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table, whether it’s family or friends.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients that come together to make these French Onion Beef Roll-Ups absolutely irresistible:

For the Beef Roll-Ups:

  • Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: Tender and juicy, these cuts of beef are ideal for rolling and absorbing the delicious flavors of the filling.
  • Onions: Sweet, caramelized onions form the base of the filling, bringing that classic French onion soup flavor.
  • Cheese: A blend of Gruyère and mozzarella makes these roll-ups gooey and cheesy, just the way you want them.
  • Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and adding a touch of richness to the dish.

For the Sauce:

  • Beef Broth: Rich and savory, this will create a flavorful sauce that enhances the beef and onions.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce.
  • Thyme & Bay Leaves: These herbs give the sauce an aromatic depth that complements the beef perfectly.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A little splash of Worcestershire brings a savory, umami flavor to the sauce.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how you can make these delicious, savory roll-ups:

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by slicing the onions thinly. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden and caramelized. Stir in a pinch of salt and set the onions aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

While the onions are caramelizing, prepare the beef. Slice the sirloin or flank steak into thin strips (about 1/2-inch thick). Lay each piece flat, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Once the onions have cooled slightly, place a spoonful of the caramelized onions in the center of each piece of beef. Top with a generous amount of cheese, and then roll up the beef around the filling. Secure the roll-ups with toothpicks to keep them together.

Step 4: Sear the Roll-Ups

Heat a little more olive oil in the same skillet and sear the beef roll-ups on each side until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and scrape up any browned bits left from the beef. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Simmer the Roll-Ups

Return the beef roll-ups to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked through and tender.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the toothpicks from the beef roll-ups and serve them with the sauce. You can pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetable side.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving of French Onion Beef Roll-Ups:

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: 340 calories
  • Total Fat: 17g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 11g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Vitamin A: 6%
  • Vitamin C: 10%
  • Calcium: 15%
  • Iron: 20%

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve French Onion Beef Roll-Ups

These beef roll-ups pair wonderfully with various sides to create a complete meal:

  • With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  • With Rice: Serve these roll-ups over a bed of fluffy rice to absorb all the flavorful juices.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add a pop of color and balance the richness of the beef and sauce.
  • With a Simple Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the savory beef.

Additional Tips

  • Tenderize the Beef: If you’re using flank steak, it’s a good idea to tenderize the meat by pounding it with a meat mallet. This will help ensure it’s tender and easy to roll.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: To make sure your beef is cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer. Beef should be cooked to 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
  • Add Mushrooms: For even more umami flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms to the filling with the onions.
  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the roll-ups a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The flavors will develop even more!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef for these roll-ups?

A1: Yes! While sirloin or flank steak are ideal, you can use any tender cut of beef, such as ribeye or tenderloin, to make these roll-ups.

Q2: Can I prepare these roll-ups ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the roll-ups the day before, refrigerate them, and then cook them the next day.

Q3: Can I use a different cheese besides Gruyère?

A3: Yes! You can substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese, provolone, or mozzarella for a slightly different flavor.

Q4: How do I make these roll-ups spicier?

A4: If you want some heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onion mixture or using a spicier cheese like pepper jack.

Q5: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A5: While this recipe is centered around beef, you can try substituting the beef with a vegetable-based filling, like mushrooms or tempeh, for a vegetarian version.

Q6: How can I make these roll-ups gluten-free?

A6: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Check the labels on both!

Q7: Can I freeze these roll-ups?

A7: Yes! After cooking, let the roll-ups cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Q8: How do I reheat leftover roll-ups?

A8: Reheat leftover roll-ups in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Q9: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

A9: Yes! You can brown the beef roll-ups in a skillet, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 4-5 hours for tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.

Q10: What sides go best with French Onion Beef Roll-Ups?

A10: Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad make great sides to complement this rich dish.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef Roll-Ups are the ultimate comfort food—tender beef, gooey cheese, and rich caramelized onions wrapped up in a savory, flavorful dish. They’re easy to make, yet impressive enough for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, they’re sure to be a hit. So, go ahead and treat yourself to this mouthwatering dish—you won’t regret it!

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French Onion Beef Roll-Ups


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These French Onion Beef Roll-Ups are savory, tender beef rolls filled with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a flavorful French onion-inspired sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or as a special dish for guests, these roll-ups are packed with rich flavor and easy to make.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced into ½-inch strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ½ cup dry white wine (or additional beef broth)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or a combination)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef:
    • If your beef slices are not thin enough, use a meat mallet to gently pound them to about ½-inch thickness. Season the beef strips with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Caramelize the Onions:
    • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the onions become golden brown and caramelized. You may need to add a pinch of salt to help the onions release their moisture and caramelize evenly.
    • Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the thyme, and transfer them to a plate. Set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat.
    • Add the beef broth, white wine (or extra beef broth), Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the sauce reduce and thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the sauce from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Assemble the Roll-Ups:
    • Place the seasoned beef slices on a flat surface. On each piece of beef, layer a small spoonful of caramelized onions and a sprinkle of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
    • Roll the beef up tightly, securing the ends if necessary with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  5. Cook the Roll-Ups:
    • Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef roll-ups and cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to brown on all sides. You want the beef to be seared but not overcooked.
    • Once browned, pour the prepared sauce over the beef roll-ups and bring it to a simmer. Cover and let the roll-ups cook in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and the cheese has melted.
  6. Serve:
    • Remove the toothpicks or twine from the roll-ups and place them on a serving platter. Spoon any extra sauce from the skillet over the top of the roll-ups.
    • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve.
  7. Enjoy:
    • Serve these French Onion Beef Roll-Ups with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, you can use mozzarella or provolone cheese instead of Gruyère or Swiss.
  • If you prefer more caramelized onions, you can double the amount and cook them down more for a richer flavor.
  • If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy depth.
  • These roll-ups can be made ahead of time and reheated in the sauce before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Searing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: French-inspired, Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll-up (based on 4 servings)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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