Recreate the flavors of Arby’s in the comfort of your kitchen! This recipe gives you tender, flavorful roast beef topped with melty provolone cheese and tangy Arby’s sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. beef roast (eye of round or sirloin)
Tip: Eye of round is closest in texture to Arby’s roast beef, but sirloin works well for extra flavor. - 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika ️
Paprika adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the roast beef flavor. - 1 cup beef broth
This keeps the roast moist during cooking. - 4 sandwich buns (or hoagie rolls)
- Sliced provolone cheese (optional)
- Arby’s sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low and slow approach will help tenderize the meat and develop deep flavors.
2. Season the Roast
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika.
- Rub the seasoning mix generously over the entire surface of the beef roast, pressing it in to help it adhere.
3. Sear the Roast for Extra Flavor
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil if desired.
- Sear the roast on all sides until it’s browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds a savory crust that enhances the flavor of the roast.
4. Roast the Beef
- Place the seared roast in a baking dish or Dutch oven.
- Pour the beef broth around the roast. Cover tightly with foil or a lid to keep the steam inside.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
5. Shred the Beef
- Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to retain its juices.
- Use two forks to shred the beef. If you prefer a thinner, more “shaved” roast beef texture, use a sharp knife to slice thin pieces.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Slice the sandwich buns in half. Pile the shredded beef on the bottom half of each bun.
- Add a slice of provolone cheese, if desired, for a melty layer of creamy goodness.
- Drizzle generously with Arby’s sauce (recipe below).
- Serve warm, alongside curly fries or your favorite sides!
Homemade Arby’s Sauce
Add the authentic taste with this simple homemade Arby’s sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Whisk until smooth and fully blended.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more Worcestershire for depth or hot sauce for spice.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips for Success
- Thinly Slice for Authenticity: If you prefer a true Arby’s-style texture, chill the roast after cooking, then slice it as thin as possible with a sharp knife.
- Make It Juicier: Reheat the shredded beef in a pan with some extra beef broth for ultra-tender, juicy meat.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sandwich buns for a warm, slightly crispy base that holds up to the saucy beef.
Popular Questions & Answers for Homemade Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich :
Q: What’s the best cut of beef to use for this recipe?
A: The ideal cut is an eye of round roast, which closely mimics the tender, thinly sliced beef in an Arby’s sandwich. Sirloin roast also works well if you’re looking for a bit more flavor and juiciness.
Q: Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?
A: Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, season and sear the beef as directed, then place it in the slow cooker with the beef broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender and shreds easily.
Q: How do I get the beef to slice really thin, like Arby’s?
A: For thin, deli-style slices, let the roast chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours after cooking. Use a sharp knife to slice it as thinly as possible, or use a meat slicer if you have one.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes! The shredded beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat with a bit of beef broth to keep it moist.
Q: Is there a substitute for Arby’s sauce?
A: If you’re in a hurry, bottled BBQ sauce mixed with a bit of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce makes a decent substitute. For a more authentic flavor, try making the homemade Arby’s sauce recipe provided!
Q: Can I use other cheeses besides provolone?
A: Definitely! Swiss, cheddar, or even American cheese all work well. Provolone is recommended for its mild, creamy flavor, but feel free to choose your favorite.
Q: Any sides that go well with this sandwich?
A: Curly fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a side salad pair perfectly. For the full Arby’s experience, consider making seasoned curly fries!
Q: How can I make this sandwich spicier?
A: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the Arby’s sauce, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the beef broth. Pepper jack cheese is also a great spicy cheese option.
Q: How do I keep the beef from drying out during roasting?
A: Covering the dish with foil or using a Dutch oven traps moisture in, keeping the beef tender. Adding a bit of extra beef broth halfway through cooking can also help.
