Arby's Style Roast Beef Recipe: Slow-Cooked Tender Slices With Smoky Sauce

This Arby's-style roast beef recipe delivers the same tender, slow-cooked slices and smoky sauce you crave, but with a home-cooked twist. The secret lies in brining the beef overnight to lock in moisture, then slow-roasting it to perfect medium-rare before slicing against the grain for that signature tenderness.

I’ve perfected this method over years of testing—no shortcuts, just restaurant-quality results at home.

What sets this apart is the two-step cooking process: a low-and-slow oven roast followed by a quick sear to develop flavor, paired with a simplified horseradish cream sauce that’s tangy, creamy, and packed with that signature kick.

The beef stays juicy, the sauce balances heat and richness, and the toasted sesame seed rolls add that classic Arby’s texture. This isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners or game-day spreads.

By the time you’re done, you’ll have slices so tender they nearly melt, a sauce that’s creamy yet sharp, and all the classic sides—pickles, fries, or coleslaw—to complete the experience.

The key is patience: brining, slow cooking, and precise slicing ensure every bite is as close to the original as possible. No fancy equipment needed, just time and attention to detail.

Serve this with toasted rolls, crisp pickles, and your choice of sides for the full Arby’s vibe. The sauce can be made ahead, and the beef reheats beautifully, making this a foolproof recipe for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Let’s get started—your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients for arby's style roast beef

Eight ingredients transform into melt-in-your-mouth beef, tangy sauce, and toasted rolls for that Arby's vibe.

The beef is everything—center-cut chuck roast with visible marbling is non-negotiable. Costco or local butcher shops carry the best cuts, often pre-trimmed for convenience. If buying whole, trim excess fat to 0.25-inch thickness—this renders beautifully during cooking. The kosher salt matters too: Diamond Crystal dissolves more easily than Morton's, so you get better flavor distribution. For the horseradish, grab the fresh root—prepared horseradish loses its punch fast. Trader Joe's often has it pre-peeled, saving you time.

No fresh horseradish? Prepared horseradish at half the amount works, but the flavor won't be as bright. Substituting mayo? Greek yogurt plus 1 tbsp oil mimics the richness. The beef broth can be beef stock in a pinch, but add 1 tsp soy sauce to mimic depth. For the rolls, store-bought sesame seed buns (like those at Kroger) save time—just toast them in butter until golden. The searing butter? European-style unsalted (like Plugrá) browns better than American brands.

Brined beef keeps 3 days in the fridge—use the rest for sandwiches or tacos. The horseradish sauce stays fresh for 5 days covered in the fridge, or 3 months frozen in ice cube trays. For the rolls, toast them fresh or reheat wrapped in foil for 10 minutes at 300°F. I always make double sauce—it disappears fast. The beef reheats best sliced thin over medium heat with a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.

Step-by-step instructions for Arby's style roast beef

Here's how to create that signature tender, slow-cooked beef with smoky depth—just like the classic sandwich.

Pat the 4 lb Beef Chuck Roast dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for that crispy crust later. In a small bowl, combine the 0.5 cup Kosher Salt and 2 tbsp Black Peppercorns (freshly cracked for maximum flavor). Rub this mixture all over the beef, pressing firmly so the seasoning adheres. Then, using a sharp knife, make shallow slashes about ¼ inch deep in a diamond pattern across the surface—this helps the marinade penetrate deeper and creates those classic Arby's-style slices.

Next, place the roast in a large resealable plastic bag and add the 8 cloves Garlic Cloves (smashed with the side of your knife) and 0.5 cup Fresh Horseradish Root (grated). Seal the bag and massage it gently to distribute the flavors evenly. Let the roast marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum tenderness. This slow infusion is what transforms tough chuck into melt-in-your-mouth slices.

Preheat your slow cooker to Low. Remove the roast from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later) and place it fat-side up in the slow cooker. Pour the 1 cup Beef Broth into the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the reserved marinade. The broth will help keep the beef moist and infuse it with additional flavor.

Cover and cook for 8-10 hours on Low (or 4-5 hours on High), until the beef is fork-tender and easily pulls apart with minimal resistance. Here's the thing—don't rush this step. The low-and-slow method breaks down the connective tissue, creating that signature tender texture. If you check it early and it's not tender, resist the urge to speed it up. Patience here is everything.

While the beef cooks, prepare the sauce by combining the 1 cup Mayonnaise, 0.5 cup Sour Cream, 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce, and 1 tbsp Honey in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Then, stir in the 0.25 cup Fresh Dill and 0.25 cup Sesame Seeds (toasted lightly in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant). Set the sauce aside while you finish the beef.

Once the beef is tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes—this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice stays moist. Meanwhile, strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes. This concentrated broth will deepen the sauce's flavor.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter. Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully place the roast back into the skillet, fat-side down. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until the edges are deep golden brown and crispy. This step adds that classic Arby's texture contrast—tender inside, crispy outside.

Slice the beef against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter, drizzle generously with the reduced cooking liquid, and spoon the prepared sauce over the top. Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds and fresh dill for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sandwich rolls or crusty bread for dipping.

Serving suggestions for arby's style roast beef

Classic Sandwich Assembly

Toast your sesame seed rolls in a skillet with 1 tbsp butter until golden brown—this adds that signature Arby's crunch. Cut each roll lengthwise and layer with 3-4 slices of beef, a generous spoonful of the horseradish cream sauce, and a few dill pickle spear slices.

Fold the sandwich in half and secure with a toothpick for easy handling. For extra authenticity, add a thin layer of mayonnaise between the beef and roll. 🥪

Game-Day Spread Setup

Transform this into a full spread by arranging sliced beef on a large platter with the sauce in a small bowl at the center. Surround it with crispy potato fries (baked at 425°F for 25 minutes) and a side of creamy coleslaw.

Add individual cups of sauce and small pickle spears for guests to customize their sandwiches. This setup is perfect for tailgates or parties—just pre-slice the beef and keep it warm in a 200°F oven for up to 2 hours. 🏈

Deconstructed Plating

For a modern twist, plate the beef slices on a bed of arugula with a drizzle of sauce, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Serve with warm rolls on the side for dipping.

This approach highlights the beef's tenderness while keeping the Arby's flavors intact. Garnish with a few pickle chips for that tangy crunch. 🌿

Meal Prep Strategy

Prep ahead by slicing the beef and storing it in airtight containers with a thin layer of reduced cooking liquid to keep it moist. Pack the sauce in small jars and toast the rolls separately when ready to serve.

Assemble sandwiches fresh for the best texture, but you can store components in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm the beef in a skillet with a splash of beef broth for 2-3 minutes—this restores juiciness. 📅

Kid-Friendly Adaptations

Make it fun for kids by cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces and serving it with soft pretzel rolls instead of sesame buns. Let them assemble their own mini sandwiches with the sauce and pickles.

For picky eaters, offer the beef plain or with just a smear of mayo. This keeps the flavors familiar while making it interactive. 🧒

Sauce Variations

Want to experiment? Swap the horseradish cream for a garlic aioli by mixing ½ cup mayo, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.

For heat lovers, add 1 tsp sriracha to the original sauce. Both versions pair perfectly with the beef while keeping that Arby's vibe. 🌶️

Frequently asked questions