Arby’s roast beef sandwich is a fast-food classic, offering a satisfying combination of tender, seasoned roast beef piled high on a soft bun. Its simplicity, yet savory richness, has made it a favorite among fast-food lovers. However, making a copycat version at home not only brings a sense of pride but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients, tailoring the flavors to your personal preference. This guide will walk you through the process of recreating Arby’s roast beef sandwich from scratch, ensuring that every bite feels just as satisfying as the original.
The History of Arby’s and its Roast Beef Sandwich
Arby’s, founded in 1964 by Forrest and Leroy Raffel, has carved out a unique space in the fast-food world. While McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s dominated the hamburger scene, Arby’s introduced a different concept—roast beef sandwiches. They saw an opportunity to provide high-quality, slow-roasted beef to the masses, and the “Arby’s Classic Roast Beef Sandwich” became the brand’s signature item.
The original roast beef sandwich was designed to offer a higher quality option than the typical fast-food fare. Arby’s slogan, “We Have The Meats,” speaks to its commitment to providing tender, flavorful roast beef, sliced thinly, and served on a soft, toasted bun. Over the years, Arby’s has expanded its menu, but the roast beef sandwich remains at the heart of the brand’s identity.
The Secret to Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich: Quality Ingredients
To create a true copycat version of the Arby’s roast beef sandwich, the key lies in choosing the right ingredients. Each component must come together to mimic the iconic taste of the original. The good news is that recreating the sandwich at home doesn’t require a long list of fancy ingredients. Instead, focus on sourcing high-quality roast beef, fresh buns, and condiments.
- Roast Beef: Arby’s roast beef is known for being thinly sliced, moist, and tender. For the most authentic taste, opt for high-quality roast beef, either from your local butcher or from a grocery store deli. A roast beef that has been slow-cooked and seasoned well will give you the flavor and texture that resembles the Arby’s version. Ideally, choose a top round or sirloin cut for the best results.
- Buns: The bread plays an important role in the sandwich’s overall appeal. Arby’s uses a soft, lightly toasted bun that doesn’t overpower the filling. When making your own copycat version, choose soft sandwich buns, preferably ones that are slightly sweet or neutral in flavor. Toasting them lightly ensures they maintain their structure when loaded with the tender roast beef.
- Condiments: Arby’s is known for serving its roast beef sandwich with minimal condiments. A classic choice would be just a touch of Arby’s signature Horsey Sauce and classic au jus. These condiments add a creamy, tangy flavor to balance the richness of the roast beef without overshadowing it. You can easily replicate these sauces at home to match the original’s flavor profile.
Recreating Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich at Home
While making the roast beef from scratch requires patience and some culinary skill, assembling the sandwich itself is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put it all together.
Step 1: Slow-Roast the Beef
The key to achieving that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture is slow-roasting the beef. If you have a slow cooker, this step becomes even easier. To prepare the roast, start by seasoning the beef generously. A mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a simple yet effective seasoning blend.
- Ingredients for Seasoning:
- 2 lb roast beef (top round or sirloin)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Sear the Beef: In a hot pan, sear the beef on all sides for 2-3 minutes to lock in the flavors.
- Slow Cook: Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker, add a bit of beef broth or water, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This process ensures the roast beef becomes tender and easy to slice thinly.
- Rest and Slice: After cooking, allow the beef to rest for 15 minutes before slicing it as thinly as possible. Thin slices replicate the texture and feel of the Arby’s sandwich.
Step 2: Prepare Horsey Sauce
Arby’s signature Horsey Sauce adds a tangy kick to the roast beef. This sauce is easy to make at home and pairs perfectly with the savory beef.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more horseradish if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 3: Make Au Jus
Arby’s serves its roast beef sandwich with a side of au jus for dipping. This savory broth enhances the beef’s flavor, creating a juicy, mouthwatering experience.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Arby’s roast beef sandwich uses soft, toasted buns to hold the tender beef. Toasting the buns ensures that they don’t become soggy when filled with the juicy roast beef. Simply cut your buns in half and toast them lightly in the oven or on a griddle until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Now comes the fun part: assembling your sandwich!
- Place a generous amount of sliced roast beef on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Drizzle the Horsey Sauce over the beef for that signature tangy flavor.
- If desired, spoon some au jus on the side for dipping.
- Top with the other half of the bun, and your copycat Arby’s roast beef sandwich is ready to enjoy!
Tips for Perfecting Your Copycat Roast Beef Sandwich
- Slicing the Beef: Thin slices are crucial for replicating the texture of Arby’s roast beef. If you have a meat slicer, use it to get the perfect thickness. Otherwise, use a sharp knife and slice as thinly as possible.
- Adjusting the Sauces: Arby’s Horsey Sauce can be quite spicy. Adjust the amount of horseradish to match your preference. If you prefer a milder sandwich, reduce the horseradish or replace it with a different creamy sauce.
- Bread Choices: While the traditional sandwich uses a soft sandwich bun, feel free to experiment with different types of bread. A brioche bun, for instance, adds a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the rich roast beef.
Why Make a Copycat Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich?
Making your own version of the Arby’s roast beef sandwich at home offers numerous benefits. First, it allows you to customize the sandwich to your taste, adding more or less seasoning or sauce as you prefer. Second, you can ensure that only the best ingredients go into your sandwich, creating a fresher and more satisfying meal. Finally, making the sandwich from scratch can be a fun and rewarding cooking project, especially when shared with friends and family.
Healthier Alternative with Homemade Roast Beef Sandwich
One of the significant advantages of making your own copycat Arby’s roast beef sandwich is the control you have over the ingredients. Commercial fast food often contains preservatives, additives, and excessive amounts of salt and fat. By making the sandwich at home, you can ensure that only the freshest ingredients are used, leading to a healthier option. You can opt for leaner cuts of meat or lower-sodium broths to reduce the fat and salt content. Additionally, choosing whole grain buns or incorporating healthier condiments gives you the flexibility to tailor the sandwich to your dietary needs. This homemade version can easily be a better choice for individuals who are conscious of their health but still want to enjoy a flavorful, hearty meal.
Customization Options: Add Your Personal Touch
One of the great things about making your own version of the roast beef sandwich is the ability to experiment and add your unique twist. For instance, while Arby’s keeps it simple with just roast beef and sauces, you can introduce new flavors and textures. Consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms for a richer, more complex taste. You could also swap out the traditional Horsey Sauce for something like a tangy barbecue sauce or a spicy chipotle mayo if you enjoy a little heat. Adding pickles, cheese, or even a fried egg on top can turn this simple sandwich into a gourmet creation. This level of customization not only makes the sandwich your own but allows you to try different combinations and perfect your recipe.
A Fun Family Cooking Project
Recreating a fast-food favorite at home can be a fun and educational experience, especially when cooking with family or friends. Kids can help with simple tasks like mixing sauces, assembling the sandwich, or toasting the buns. They’ll enjoy getting their hands involved in the cooking process, which can also spark a conversation about healthy eating and where ingredients come from. Plus, sharing a homemade meal made from scratch adds a sense of accomplishment and connection. Cooking together fosters creativity, teamwork, and can make mealtime feel even more special.
Cost-Effective and Convenient
Eating out at fast-food chains can add up over time, especially for families or individuals who eat out regularly. Making a copycat version of Arby’s roast beef sandwich at home can be significantly more cost-effective. The ingredients for a homemade version can be bought in bulk, allowing you to create several sandwiches at once, thus reducing the cost per meal. Additionally, the convenience of being able to make this sandwich at home eliminates the need to wait in lines or deal with drive-thru delays. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or want a homemade dinner that delivers big flavors, this recipe offers both time and money savings.
Conclusion
Arby’s roast beef sandwich has earned its place in fast-food history, and with this copycat recipe, you can enjoy it anytime without stepping foot in a drive-thru. By focusing on quality ingredients, slow-roasting the beef to perfection, and recreating the signature sauces, you can craft a sandwich that rivals the original. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Arby’s or trying this sandwich for the first time, this homemade version offers all the flavor with none of the preservatives.