There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a saucy roast beef sandwich—especially when it mimics the flavors of your favorite fast-food classic.

I first made these slow cooker Arby’s roast beef sandwiches for a game night, and they were gone before halftime. T

he chuck roast turns fall-apart tender, soaking up all that zesty Arby’s sauce, while the melted cheddar adds pure comfort. One bite, and you’ll never crave the drive-thru again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sandwiches are incredibly easy to prep—just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away.

The combination of Arby’s sauce, Worcestershire, and steak seasoning gives the beef a rich, tangy, smoky flavor.

And let’s not forget the warm cheddar sauce and soft onion rolls—this is next-level comfort food.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Chuck Roast – This cut becomes ultra-tender in the slow cooker, perfect for shredding.

Dried Minced Onion + Montreal Steak Seasoning – Adds deep savory flavor with zero effort.

Arby’s Sauce – The star of the show! Bold, sweet, and tangy.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce – A creamy layer that pulls it all together.

Onion Rolls – Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for holding that saucy meat.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Sear the roast first if you want a richer, caramelized flavor (optional but worth it).

Don’t skip shredding the meat back into the sauce—it’s what makes it ultra juicy.

Warm the onion rolls slightly before serving for the best texture.

How to Make Slow Cooker Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwiches

Step 1. Load Up the Slow Cooker

Place the chuck roast at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 2. Season the Roast

Sprinkle the dried minced onion and Montreal steak seasoning evenly over the top.

Step 3. Add the Sauces

Pour the Worcestershire sauce over the meat, followed by the Arby’s sauce.

Make sure everything is coated well.

Step 4. Let It Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and shreddable.

Step 5. Shred and Soak

Once done, use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker. Stir the meat into the sauce and switch the cooker to WARM.

Step 6. Warm the Cheese Sauce

Heat your cheddar cheese sauce in the microwave until smooth and pourable.

Step 7. Assemble the Sandwiches

Pile shredded beef onto onion rolls, top with warm cheddar cheese sauce and a drizzle of extra Arby’s sauce.

Serve immediately!

What to Serve It With

Serve alongside seasoned curly fries, coleslaw, potato wedges, or even a simple green salad for balance.

Variations / Substitutions

Use horseradish mayo instead of cheese sauce for a tangy twist.

Sub kaiser rolls or brioche buns if onion rolls aren’t available.

Add banana peppers or pickles for an acidic pop.

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftover meat (with sauce) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warm.

Assemble fresh sandwiches as needed.

You can also freeze the shredded beef (without rolls) for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make this with another cut of beef?
Yes, brisket or bottom round will also work well in the slow cooker.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not really—it’s more tangy than spicy, but you can add hot sauce if desired.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can add everything to the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Just start it in the morning.

What if I don’t have Arby’s sauce?
You can find copycat recipes online using ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and spices—or sub BBQ sauce in a pinch.

How do I keep the sandwiches from getting soggy?
Don’t over-saturate the rolls with sauce and serve immediately after assembling.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to fit everything.

What cheese works best?
I love classic cheddar cheese sauce (like Ricos), but provolone or white American slices work well too.

Final Thoughts

These slow cooker Arby’s roast beef sandwiches are everything I love in a comfort meal: warm, juicy, and packed with nostalgic flavor.

Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a hearty dinner, this recipe is a winner every time.

The Boat Shed Kitchen

Slow Cooker Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwiches

These slow cooker Arby’s roast beef sandwiches are tender, juicy, and packed with that classic savory flavor. With minimal prep and a long, slow cook, you’ll get melt-in-your-mouth beef perfect for piling high on onion rolls with cheese sauce and extra Arby’s sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 –3 pound chuck roast
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 1½ teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ cups Arby’s sauce plus more for topping
• 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce I like Ricos brand
• 6½ onion rolls

Method

 

1. Place the chuck roast into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle dried minced onion and steak seasoning evenly over the roast.
3. Pour Worcestershire sauce and Arby’s sauce over the top.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
5. Once tender, shred the meat with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
6. Keep the slow cooker on WARM while heating cheddar cheese sauce in the microwave.
7. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/slow-cooker-arbys-roast-beef-sandwiches/

Notes

For extra richness, toast the onion rolls before serving.

You can substitute provolone or mozzarella if you don’t want cheese sauce.

This beef also works well for wraps, sliders, or over baked potatoes.