Copycat Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich Recipe
As Arby's parent company has closed a number of underperforming locations over the past couple of years, plenty of regulars have found themselves without a nearby drive-thru. This version rebuilds the two things that actually define the sandwich: thin-sliced roast beef gently warmed in a savory broth (never boiled, which would toughen it) and a toasted, slightly buttery bun that holds up to the au jus dip.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 4 buns kaiser or sesame seed buns
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 4 slices American or provolone cheese slices
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 416
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbs
- 36g
- Fat
- 19g
Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.
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Instructions
- 1In a medium saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- 2Add the sliced roast beef to the broth, separating the slices so they heat evenly. Reduce the heat to low and warm for 5-7 minutes, keeping the broth at a bare simmer rather than a boil.
- 3While the beef warms, split the buns and spread the cut sides with butter. Toast butter-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until golden.
- 4Lift the warmed roast beef out of the broth with tongs, letting the excess broth drip back into the pan, and pile it onto the toasted bun bottoms.
- 5Top with cheese if using, close the sandwiches, and serve right away with a small cup of the reserved broth (au jus) for dipping.
Tips & variations
- With several Arby's locations closing in recent years as the chain trims its footprint, this stovetop version is a reliable stand-in whenever the nearest drive-thru isn't an option.
- Make a horsey sauce for dipping by stirring 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish and a pinch of sugar.
- Swap the beef broth for the drippings from a weekend roast if there are leftovers on hand; it deepens the flavor of the dip considerably.
- For a bigger sandwich, double the beef per bun and use a larger kaiser roll or hoagie bun.
Storage & reheating
Store leftover beef and broth together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat just until warmed through; toast fresh buns rather than reheating already-assembled sandwiches, which turn soggy.
Tips from the Tulo kitchen
- Ask the deli counter to slice the roast beef as thin as possible, shaved rather than sliced, since that's what lets it heat through in minutes without drying out.
- If the broth reduces too much while the beef warms, add a splash of water or extra broth to keep enough liquid for a proper dipping cup.
FAQ
Why has Arby's been closing locations?
Inspire Brands, which owns Arby's, has closed a number of underperforming restaurants in recent years as part of routine lease reviews and portfolio trimming, a common practice across fast-food chains rather than a sign the brand itself is disappearing.
What makes Arby's roast beef taste different from regular deli roast beef?
Arby's beef is a specially formed and seasoned product cooked in-house, but warming ordinary thin-sliced deli roast beef in a broth seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire gets very close to that same savory, juicy bite.
Can I use a slow cooker to keep the beef warm for a crowd?
Yes. Keep the broth and beef on the low or warm setting, stirring occasionally, and pull servings directly from the slow cooker onto toasted buns as needed.
What's a good side for this sandwich?
Crinkle-cut fries or curly fries reheated in a hot oven until crisp round out the meal closest to the original.