Love Arby’s Beef and Cheddars? This slow cooker copycat delivers the same savory flavors with a touch less fuss. Using a tender chuck roast and real cheddar, it’s an easy, satisfying sandwich you can make at home.
Other sandwich-style slow cooker recipes we enjoy include slow cooker French dips, buffalo chicken, and Ohio chicken sandwiches.
This version doesn’t use hand-carved beef, but it does use ultra-tender shredded chuck roast. Cooked slowly with Arby’s-style barbecue sauce (and served with horsey sauce if you like), it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare.
Recipe Ingredients
- Chuck roast – A well-marbled chuck roast becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
- Arby’s sauce – If you can’t find it, regular barbecue sauce works fine.
- Onion – Sliced white onion cooks down and adds sweetness and texture.
- Seasonings – Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to boost flavor.
- For serving – Hamburger buns, cheddar cheese (or nacho cheese/Cheez Whiz), Arby’s sauce, and horsey sauce.
- The full recipe and quantities are in the recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Add the chuck roast to the slow cooker. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and brown sugar. Pour the Worcestershire sauce over the roast.
- Layer the sliced onion on top and pour the barbecue (Arby’s) sauce over everything.
- Cook on low for about 9 hours, or until the roast is fall-apart tender.
- Remove the beef to a plate and shred with two forks, discarding excess fat. Remove most of the juices from the slow cooker, leaving about 1/2 cup. You can leave the onions in the cooker if you like. Return the shredded beef to the cooker juices and stir to combine. If the sauce seems greasy, skim it with a paper towel.
How to Serve
- Toast hamburger buns (plain, onion, or sesame) if desired.
- Pile on the shredded beef and onions, then top with a slice of cheddar (or nacho cheese/Cheez Whiz).
- Finish with Arby’s sauce and/or horsey sauce before adding the top bun.
Recipe FAQs
Store shredded beef in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Searing is optional. The slow cooker produces tender, flavorful meat even without searing.
Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches
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Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. beef chuck roast
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 1 cup Arby’s barbecue sauce (or any barbecue sauce)
For serving:
- Hamburger buns
- Arby’s sauce (or extra barbecue sauce)
- Horsey sauce (or horseradish mayo)
- Cheddar cheese slices (or nacho cheese/Cheez Whiz)
Instructions
- Place the chuck roast in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and brown sugar. Pour Worcestershire sauce over the roast.
- Top with sliced onion, then pour the barbecue sauce over everything.
- Cook on low for 9 hours, until the meat is very tender.
- Transfer the beef to a plate and shred with two forks, discarding excess fat. Remove all but about 1/2 cup of the cooking juices from the slow cooker, leaving the onions if desired. Return the shredded beef to the remaining juices and stir to coat. If the sauce looks greasy, skim with a paper towel.
- Toast buns if you like. Assemble sandwiches with shredded beef, onions, cheese, Arby’s sauce, and horsey sauce.
- Enjoy!
Sarah’s Notes
- Nutritional values exclude cheese, buns, and toppings—these are for the meat only.
- Store shredded beef in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Searing the roast is optional; this recipe works well without searing.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 4 g |
Protein: 33 g |
Fat: 20 g
Nutrition info is auto-generated and is an estimate. If you follow a special diet, use your own calculations.
More Crockpot Sandwiches:
Tender beef and peppers make Crockpot Italian Beef Sandwiches a reliable, flavorful choice for an easy meal.
For a sweet, smoky option, try hearty BBQ Beef Sandwiches made entirely in the slow cooker.
Slow-cooked pot roast with bold whiskey flavor, like Jack Daniel’s Pot Roast, is rich, tender, and deeply satisfying.
Pulled Ham is juicy and easy to shred—great for piling onto buns or making wraps.
When you want warm bread loaded with beef and gravy, Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches hit the spot.
If you enjoy deli-style flavors, slow cooker pastrami offers tender, smoky beef you can make at home.