Copycat Arby’s Roast Beef Classic Sandwich Recipe
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| Pile warm, savory roast beef onto a soft sesame bun and bring home that familiar fast food flavor with a cozy copycat sandwich worth craving. |
If you have ever had a craving for that thin-sliced, warm roast beef piled on a soft sesame seed bun, this easy copycat Arby’s Roast Beef Classic Sandwich recipe is for you. It has that same simple, comforting feel that makes the original so popular, but you can make it right at home with everyday ingredients and no drive-thru line.
This sandwich is all about balance. The beef is savory and tender. The bun is soft and slightly sweet. Add a little Arby’s-style sauce or creamy horseradish, and every bite hits that familiar mix of tangy, meaty, and cozy. The best part? This homemade version is easy enough for a weeknight lunch or dinner.
A Little Background on Arby’s and Why This Sandwich Is So Iconic
Arby’s has been a well-known fast food chain in the USA for decades, and it built its name around one thing: roast beef sandwiches. While other places leaned heavily into burgers, Arby’s carved out its own lane with stacks of warm sliced beef served on soft buns.
The Classic Roast Beef sandwich became the face of the brand for a reason. It is simple, but it works. You get tender, paper-thin beef with a lightly seasoned, beefy flavor. The bun is fluffy and soft, almost like a pillow holding everything together. It is not overloaded with toppings, which lets the roast beef stay front and center.
That simplicity is exactly what makes it memorable. It smells savory the second it warms up. The meat is juicy without being messy. The bun has a light chew with a gentle sweetness. It is the kind of sandwich that feels familiar after the first bite.
This is a copycat recipe inspired by Arby’s Roast Beef Classic Sandwich. We are not affiliated with Arby’s, and this is not their official recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
- Easy to make with simple grocery store ingredients
- Budget-friendly compared to buying sandwiches for the whole family
- Great for lunch or dinner
- Customizable with sauce, cheese, or bun options
- Beginner-friendly with no fancy cooking skills needed
I love recipes like this because they remind me that not every homemade meal has to be complicated. Sometimes a warm sandwich and a bag of chips can feel like a real treat, especially on a busy day.
Ingredients
Serves: 4 sandwiches
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
- 1 pound deli-sliced roast beef, very thinly sliced
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Optional for serving:
- Arby’s-style barbecue sauce
- Creamy horseradish sauce
- Sliced cheddar cheese, if you want a cheesy twist
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Tongs
- Small spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet or toaster oven tray
- Knife for slicing buns if needed
You do not need a deli slicer, smoker, or special sandwich press for this one. That is part of what makes this such a practical copycat roast beef sandwich recipe.
How to Make Copycat Arby’s Roast Beef Classic Sandwich
Step 1: Warm the buns.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spread softened butter on the inside of each bun. Place them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Toast them in the oven for about 3 to 5 minutes, just until they are warm and slightly golden around the edges. You do not want them crunchy. This sandwich should stay soft.
Step 2: Make the warming broth.
In a large skillet or saucepan, pour in the beef broth and water. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set the pan over low heat. The goal is to create a flavorful bath for the roast beef, not a hard boil.
Step 3: Heat the roast beef gently.
Add the thin-sliced roast beef to the warm broth mixture. Use tongs to separate the slices so they heat evenly. Keep the heat on low and warm the beef for about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir gently now and then.
This step matters more than you might think. If deli roast beef gets too hot, it can turn dry and tough fast. Think of it like warming a blanket, not blasting it with a hair dryer. Low and slow keeps it tender.
Food safety note: if you are reheating pre-cooked roast beef, heat it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A quick-read thermometer is helpful, especially for beginners.
Step 4: Drain just enough.
Once the beef is hot, use tongs to lift it from the broth. Let any extra liquid drip off for a second or two. You want the meat moist, but you do not want the bun soggy.
Step 5: Build the sandwiches.
Pile the warm roast beef generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Don’t press it down too much. A loose, fluffy stack gives that classic look and texture.
If you are using sauce, spread a little on the top bun or serve it on the side for dipping. Add the top bun and serve right away while the sandwich is warm and soft.
Tips for the Best Homemade Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
- Use very thin deli roast beef. Thick slices will not give you the same texture.
- Warm the meat gently. High heat can make deli beef rubbery.
- Toast the buns lightly. Keep them soft, not crusty.
- Don’t skip the broth. It adds moisture and boosts that savory flavor.
- Serve immediately. This sandwich is best hot and fresh.
If you want the closest fast food feel, keep the toppings minimal. The beauty of this sandwich is that it does not need much dressing up.
Easy Sauce Ideas
One thing many people love about Arby’s is the sauce. If you want the full experience, try one of these easy pairings:
- Barbecue-style sauce: Use your favorite bottled smoky barbecue sauce, or mix ketchup with a little brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of garlic powder.
- Creamy horseradish sauce: Stir together mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, a tiny squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Cheese sauce: Not classic for this sandwich, but very tasty if you want a richer version.
Time-Saving Shortcuts and Home Kitchen Options
If you want to make this easy roast beef sandwich recipe even simpler, here are a few shortcuts:
- Microwave method: Place the roast beef and broth in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot.
- Slow cooker method: Put the broth and roast beef in a small slow cooker on the warm setting for parties or game day. This works well if people will be building their own sandwiches over time.
- Toaster oven: Great for warming the buns without heating the whole kitchen.
- Meal prep shortcut: Keep buns, roast beef, and sauce ready in the fridge, then heat the beef fresh when you want a sandwich.
For busy families, the slow cooker trick is especially handy. It keeps the meat warm without much effort, which is perfect when everyone eats at slightly different times.
Allergy-Friendly and Preference-Based Modifications
One nice thing about making a homemade Arby’s Roast Beef Classic Sandwich is that you can tailor it to your needs. Here are some helpful swaps.
Gluten-Free
- Use your favorite gluten-free hamburger buns or sandwich rolls.
- Double-check the deli roast beef label, since some brands may contain gluten-based flavorings.
- Use a certified gluten-free beef broth.
- Be careful with bottled sauces, since some may include hidden gluten.
Dairy-Free
- Skip the butter or use a dairy-free butter substitute on the buns.
- Choose dairy-free sauces.
- If adding cheese, use a plant-based cheese slice or leave it off.
Low-Carb or Keto
- Serve the warm roast beef in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
- Use a low-carb bun if you prefer a more traditional sandwich feel.
- Pair with horseradish sauce that has no added sugar.
Lower-Sodium
- Look for low-sodium deli roast beef and low-sodium beef broth.
- Reduce or skip added salt in the broth mixture.
- Use sauces sparingly, since they can add a lot of sodium quickly.
Vegan or Vegetarian
- Use thinly sliced plant-based deli “roast beef” or seasoned roasted mushrooms.
- Warm the plant-based slices in vegetable broth with the same seasonings.
- Serve on a soft bun with vegan horseradish sauce or barbecue sauce.
Paleo
- Skip the bun and serve the warm roast beef in large lettuce leaves.
- Make sure your deli meat has clean ingredients with no fillers or added sugar.
- Use a simple homemade horseradish sauce made with paleo-friendly mayo.
For kids or picky eaters
- Keep it plain with roast beef and bun only.
- Serve sauce on the side for dipping.
- Use slider buns to make smaller portions.
What to Serve with Roast Beef Sandwiches
Need some easy sides? Try these:
- Curly fries for the full fast food vibe
- Regular oven fries or air fryer fries
- Potato chips
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Fresh fruit for a lighter plate
If you are feeding a crowd, set out a tray with buns, warm beef, sauces, cheese, pickles, and chips. It turns into a fun build-your-own sandwich meal with almost no extra work.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
These numbers are estimates and will vary based on the brand of roast beef, buns, and sauces used.
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover roast beef instead of deli meat?
Yes, absolutely. Slice it as thin as possible for the closest texture. If your leftover beef is thicker, warm it gently in broth so it stays moist.
What bun works best?
A soft sesame seed hamburger bun is the best choice if you want that classic fast food texture. Brioche buns are softer and slightly sweeter, which also works well.
Can I freeze these sandwiches?
It is better to freeze the meat separately if needed. Assemble the sandwiches fresh so the buns do not get soggy.
Can I make this for a party?
Yes. Keep the warmed roast beef in a slow cooker on low or warm and let guests build their own sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
This copycat Arby’s Roast Beef Classic Sandwich recipe proves that a simple sandwich can still be incredibly satisfying. It is warm, savory, soft, and full of that familiar roast beef flavor people love. Whether you make it for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a game day spread, it is the kind of recipe that disappears fast.
If you try this recipe, please share it with friends and family and leave a comment below. Did you go classic with just sauce, or did you add cheese and extras? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
Disclaimer
This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by the Roast Beef Classic Sandwich from Arby’s. It is not the original recipe, and no knowledge of Arby’s actual proprietary recipe is implied. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Arby’s.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also a participant in the Amazon Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
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