Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches – Arby’s Copycat!

If you’ve ever craved the savory, melty goodness of an Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwich, then this Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches recipe is for you! Made at home with tender, slow-cooked beef, tangy cheddar cheese, and a flavorful sauce, these sandwiches are the perfect copycat version of the famous fast-food classic. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work, making this an easy and convenient meal that the whole family will love.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches are a great way to recreate the beloved Arby’s classic right in your own kitchen. The beef is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. Paired with melted cheddar cheese and a tangy, savory sauce, this sandwich is bursting with flavor. Plus, the slow cooker makes the process easy, so you can set it and forget it, leaving you with a delicious meal without much effort. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or for a party, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 sandwich buns (preferably soft, like brioche)
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the buns, optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Place the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the beef.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
3. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the juices and onions.
4. While the beef is cooking, toast the sandwich buns (optional) by spreading a thin layer of butter on the cut sides and toasting them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
5. To assemble the sandwiches, place a generous portion of the shredded beef onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese, then place the top bun over the cheese.
6. For extra flavor, drizzle the sandwiches with barbecue sauce if desired before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 sandwiches
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms with the onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture in your sandwich.
• Spicy Version: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a spicier twist.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Use Different Meat: Swap the beef chuck roast for a leaner cut, such as sirloin or flank steak, but keep in mind that the beef may not be as tender without the slow cooking process.
• Add Pickles: For a bit of tanginess, top the sandwiches with dill pickles or pickled jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The shredded beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the beef in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Serve it on freshly toasted buns with melted cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use a different cut of beef like sirloin or round roast. However, the chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and shreddable. If using a leaner cut, you may need to adjust cooking time and monitor the tenderness.

2. Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the shredded beef ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze the beef for future meals.

3. How do I keep the sandwiches from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, consider toasting the buns before assembling the sandwiches. This will help them hold up better to the juicy beef and sauce.

4. Can I make these sandwiches in the oven instead of the slow cooker?

If you prefer to use the oven, you can slow roast the beef at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The slow cooker method is more hands-off, but the oven works just as well.

5. How do I store the leftover beef?

Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the beef in a pan with a little bit of the cooking juices or broth.

6. Can I add cheese while the beef is cooking?

You can add cheese to the beef in the slow cooker during the last 10 minutes of cooking, but it will melt into the juices. For a more traditional sandwich experience, it’s better to add the cheese directly onto the sandwiches just before serving.

7. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the slow cooker with the beef to enhance the flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and add them at the start of the cooking process.

8. Can I use other sauces for a different flavor?

Yes, you can experiment with other sauces, such as a creamy horseradish sauce, a tangy barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha sauce for a different twist on this sandwich.

9. What kind of buns should I use?

Soft sandwich buns, like brioche or sandwich rolls, work great for this recipe. You can also use hoagie rolls or other sturdy buns that can hold up to the shredded beef.

10. Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! If you want to speed up the process, you can use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Cook the beef on high pressure for about 60 minutes, then shred it and continue with the recipe as directed.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches are a simple, yet incredibly satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of an Arby’s classic at home. The tender, juicy beef combined with the melted cheddar cheese and flavorful sauce creates a sandwich that is sure to impress. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd. Try this delicious copycat version today and enjoy a satisfying, homemade sandwich that’s packed with flavor!