Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches – Arby’s copycat! Recipe

If you’re craving that melt-in-your-mouth, saucy, cheesy sandwich just like the one from your favorite fast-food joint, you’re in for a treat with this recipe for Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches – Arby’s copycat! This dish takes the iconic flavors of Arby’s roast beef sandwich and elevates them with tender slow-cooked chuck roast, rich cheddar cheese sauce, and tangy Arby’s sauce, all nestled inside a soft onion roll. It’s the perfect weekend comfort meal that’s effortlessly made in your slow cooker, letting the flavors develop while you go about your day. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever bought that sandwich instead of making your own at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need to make these sandwiches taste fantastic are a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building deep flavors, adding beloved seasonings, or creating that creamy, cheesy finish.

• 2-3 pound chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred.
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion: Adds a subtle onion flavor that complements the meat wonderfully without overpowering it.
• 1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning: Provides a blend of spices that enhances the beef with savory, aromatic notes.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings tanginess and a mild umami boost that deepens the overall flavor.
• 1 ½ cups Arby’s sauce: The signature tangy and slightly sweet sauce that makes this recipe a true copycat.
• 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce: I love using Ricos brand for its creamy texture and sharp cheddar taste, but feel free to pick your favorite.
• 6 onion rolls: These rolls add subtle sweetness and a little crunch, making every bite of your sandwich absolutely perfect.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches – Arby’s copycat!

Step 1: Prepare the Chuck Roast

Start by placing your 2-3 pound chuck roast at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. This is the base of your dish, where all the magic begins as the meat slowly cooks to tender perfection.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of dried minced onion and 1 teaspoon of Montreal steak seasoning evenly over the roast. These dry seasonings infuse the meat with layers of flavor while it cooks, making every shred delicious.

Step 3: Pour Worcestershire Sauce

Next, drizzle 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce over the top. This sauce adds a tangy, savory depth, balancing the sweetness you’ll get from the Arby’s sauce later on.

Step 4: Add Arby’s Sauce

Pour 1 ½ cups of Arby’s sauce evenly over the roast. This is your sandwich’s signature tangy, slightly sweet flavor, and it’s what really sets this dish apart.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Beef

Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. This slow cooking process breaks down the meat fibers, making the chuck roast ultra-tender and flavorful as it soaks up all the sauce.

Step 6: Shred the Beef

Once your roast is tender and falling apart, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded beef into the sauce to make sure every bite is soaked with that irresistible flavor. Switch the slow cooker to WARM to keep it ready for serving.

Step 7: Heat the Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Warm the cheddar cheese sauce in the microwave just before serving. This melted, creamy sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, giving you that classic cheesy goodness you’ll love.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches

Layer generous piles of shredded beef on your onion rolls, then drizzle or pour on the heated cheddar cheese sauce and a little extra Arby’s sauce on top. The contrast of tender meat, rich cheese, and tangy sauce takes these sandwiches to the next level.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches – Arby’s copycat!

Garnishes

To elevate your sandwiches even further, add some crisp pickles or thinly sliced red onions on top. They bring a refreshing crunch and a bright contrast to the rich meat and cheese.

Side Dishes

Serve these sandwiches with classic sides like crispy French fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. The fries echo the original fast-food experience, while the salad or slaw offers a fresh, palate-cleansing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try pulling apart the sandwiches for a grab-and-go style party platter or use slider-sized onion rolls to create mini versions perfect for entertaining. You can also serve the shredded beef and cheese as a dip alongside toasted bread for a cozy appetizer vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover beef and cheddar mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the sandwiches separate from the cheese sauce to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the shredded beef mixture (without the rolls or cheese sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the beef mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, then add fresh cheddar cheese sauce on top right before serving for that perfect melty finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness, you can use brisket or a bottom round roast as alternatives. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the cheddar cheese sauce with a dairy-free cheese sauce or opt for a flavorful dairy-free cheese spread to keep this sandwich friendly for those avoiding dairy.

Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

You can simmer the roast gently in a covered pot on the stove for about 3-4 hours until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Slow cooker is just more hands-off and convenient!

What brand of Arby’s sauce should I use for authenticity?

The bottled Arby’s sauce found in grocery stores works perfectly and captures that signature tang and sweetness essential for this copycat recipe.

How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Toast the onion rolls lightly before assembling your sandwiches; it helps create a barrier so they hold up better against the juicy beef and sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a homemade Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches – Arby’s copycat! tender, smoky roast beef layered with lovingly melted cheddar cheese and that tangy Arby’s sauce all wrapped in a soft onion roll. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make and perfect for any day you crave something comforting and indulgent. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how this copycat recipe can become a staple in your kitchen!

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