This Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Sandwich is a crave-worthy slow cooker recipe that’s even better than the original. Tender shredded chuck roast is simmered in savory sauce and piled high on an onion bun with warm cheddar cheese sauce. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy days or game day gatherings!

copycat Arby's beef and cheddar sandwich on a serving board with curly fries and a bottle of Arby's sauce for serving.

If you love Arby’s Beef & Cheddar sandwiches but want a version that’s healthier, more flavorful, and easy to make at home, this recipe is for you. With tender, slow-cooked roast beef, melty cheddar cheese sauce, and tangy Arby’s-style sauce all piled on a soft onion bun, this copycat sandwich hits all the right notes — without the drive-thru. Made with real ingredients and no mystery meat, it’s a comfort food classic the whole family will devour. Best of all, it comes together in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it while your kitchen fills with delicious, savory aromas. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a game day crowd, this homemade Beef & Cheddar is a guaranteed hit.

Making your own Beef & Cheddar Sandwiches at home is surprisingly simple, thanks to the slow cooker. Just place the chuck roast in the bottom, sprinkle it with dried minced onion and steak seasoning, then pour over Worcestershire sauce and plenty of Arby’s-style sauce. Let it cook low and slow until the meat is fall-apart tender and full of flavor. Once it’s done, shred the beef and mix it back into the juicy sauce so every bite is packed with savory goodness. Right before serving, warm up the cheddar cheese sauce so it’s smooth and melty. Then just pile the shredded beef onto toasted onion buns, drizzle on the cheese sauce, and add an extra spoonful of Arby’s sauce if you’d like. It’s a fast-food favorite made better from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat Recipe

• This homemade version is healthier than the fast-food original, made with real ingredients and no preservatives.

• It’s incredibly easy to prepare thanks to the slow cooker—just set it and forget it.

• The chuck roast turns out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

• It tastes just like the classic Arby’s sandwich, but even better when made fresh at home.

• You can customize these sandwiches with your favorite buns, extra sauce, or even add toppings like pickles or crispy onions.

• It’s a comforting, satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients For Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Sandwich Recipe

2-3 lb. chuck roast

2 tsp. dried minced onion

1 tsp. steak seasoning

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 cups Arby’s sauce, plus more for topping

1 cup cheddar cheese sauce

6 onion buns, or preferred bun

How to Make a Homemade Beef & Cheddar Sandwich

Step 1: Spray a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and place roast in the bottom.

Step 2: Sprinkle dried onion and steak seasoning over roast.

Step 3: Pour Worcestershire sauce and Arby’s sauce evenly on top of roast.

Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Step 5: Once the roast has cooked, shred meat and stir it into the juice and sauce.

Step 6: Before serving, heat the cheddar cheese sauce. Pile beef onto the onion roll and to with cheddar cheese sauce and Arby’s sauce if desired. Enjoy!

close up photo of Arby's beef and cheddar held in a hand ready to be eaten.

What to Serve/Pair with Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar

If you’ve ever had Arby’s, then you know that curly fries are a must with this sandwich! You could also try these Easy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes or these Scalloped Potatoes. For something on the lighter side, try this Classic Macaroni Salad on the side. If you want something super easy, serve with a side of chips and some fruit.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to make it your own! If you don’t have chuck roast, you can use a different cut like rump roast or even pre-sliced deli roast beef in a pinch (just heat it in the sauce on the stovetop). Swap out the onion buns for brioche buns, pretzel rolls, or whatever you have on hand. Want to add a little crunch? Try topping your sandwich with crispy fried onions or sliced pickles. For a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a few pickled jalapeños. And if you’re cutting back on dairy, there are great non-dairy cheddar-style sauces that work just as well.

Storage & Leftovers

Leftovers store really well, making this a great make-ahead or meal prep option. Simply let the shredded beef cool completely, then transfer it (along with the sauce) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, warm the beef gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Keep the cheddar cheese sauce and buns separate for best results and assemble the sandwiches fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat FAQs

Can I use deli roast beef instead of a chuck roast?

Yes! If you’re short on time, deli-style roast beef works well. Just simmer it in the sauce on the stovetop until heated through for a quick shortcut.

What kind of cheese sauce should I use?

Any cheddar cheese sauce will work—store-bought, homemade, or even a simple blend of shredded cheddar and milk melted together on the stove

Can I cook the beef in the oven or Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Definitely. In the oven, cover the roast tightly and bake at 300°F for 3–4 hours until tender. In the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 60–70 minutes.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely. Freeze the cooked, shredded beef with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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