This Arby’s roast beef copycat recipe brings that iconic fast-food classic right into your own kitchen, and honestly, it’s shockingly simple. All you need is thinly sliced deli roast beef, a little broth, and the right sauces to make a sandwich that tastes just like the one we all grew up ordering. After moving away from easy Arby’s access, this recipe became my go-to fix, and it hits the spot every single time. If you love homemade versions of your fast-food favorites, this one is about to become a weekly regular.
If you love homemade fast food, you'll also love this easy Homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza!
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Why You'll Love This Arby's Roast Beef Copycat Recipe
A Copycat Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich is affordable, quick, easy, and only takes a few ingredients. Making it the perfect weeknight meal for a busy family. Plus, who doesn't love a roast beef sandwich?
Just be sure to make some Homemade Arby's Sauce and a Copycat Arby's Horsey Sauce, and you're good to go!
Ingredients for an Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich
Meat: All you'll need is some ultra-thinly sliced deli roast beef. This can be prepackaged or from your deli, whichever you prefer.
Beef Broth: Just some regular beef broth or stock will do. Nothing fancy.
Buns: I like to serve my homemade Arby's roast beef on sesame seed buns that can be found at any local grocery store.
Sauces: Of course, you cannot go without the Arby's Sauce and Horsey Sauce!
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Love Copycat Recipes? Take a look at these Homemade Copycat Crunchwraps!
How to Make an Arby's Roast Beef Copycat Sandwich
1. Heat the Beef Broth
In a medium saucepan, begin by boiling beef broth. The amount of broth that you boil depends on how many sandwiches you're making. As does the amount of roast beef and buns, obviously.
2. Warm the Thinly Sliced Roast Beef
Add the roast beef slices to the boiling beef broth for about 2 minutes, until they're thoroughly heated and slightly wilted.
3. Add Arby's Sauce and Horsey Sauce
Place the boiled roast beef on sesame seed split-top buns, top with Homemade Arby's Sauce and Homemade Horsey Sauce.
4. Assemble the Sandwich and Serve
Press the top bun on and serve hot with Arby's Curly Fries and extra sauces or ketchup for serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Copycat Arby's Sandwich
- Be careful not to overcook the roast beef when boiling it. If you see it is starting to wilt, it's time to take it out. The main purpose here is to add some extra beefy flavor and heat the meat, not cook it.
- I like to stay true to split-top sesame seed buns. However, sometimes these are a bit more pricey. So, if you really want to be budget-conscious, grab a bag of plain hamburger buns.
- Toasting the buns can also add a different element to the sandwiches. But past that, I recommend just sticking to the classic sauces.
- If you want to be as close to Arby's as possible, a regular Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich has 3 ounces of meat. The double is... well... 6 ounces. So you can weigh the roast beef into piles if you'd like.
- Hold off on adding the sauces to get your Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich even closer to the real deal. Place the top bun on and wrap the entire sandwich in foil. Allow it to steam in that foil for about three minutes. Open it back up, and then add your sauce.
FAQ: Arby's Roast Beef Copycat Recipe
Arby’s uses a processed, ultra-thin roast beef that’s cooked low and sliced paper-thin. For home cooking, Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Roast Beef is most like Arby's when looking for an at-home alternative to the fast food chain.
Their super-thin slicing combined with gentle warming creates that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Simmering—not boiling—your meat in broth mimics that perfectly.
Yes. You can warm the beef in a covered skillet with broth, or even steam it briefly, but boiling for 1–2 minutes gives you the closest Arby’s-style texture.
Sesame seed split-top buns match the original, but regular hamburger buns work when you’re keeping it budget-friendly.
You can prep the beef and sauces ahead, but assemble the sandwich just before serving so the bun doesn’t get soggy.
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📖 Recipe
Roast Beef Sandwich (Arby's Copycat)
Ingredients
- 48 oz Thinly Sliced Roast Beef
- 32 oz Beef Broth
- 8 Sesame seed split top buns
Instructions
- Boil Beef Broth
- Measure out 6 ounces of thinly sliced roast beef and make piles on a plate.
- Boil the piles of roast beef in the broth for about 2 minutes.
- Place the boiled roast beef on the buns and top with Arby's Sauce, Horsey Sauce, and Serve.
Video
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the roast beef when boiling it. If you see that it is starting to wilt at all, it's time to take it out. The main purpose here is to add some extra beefy flavor and heat the meat, not cook it.
- I like to stay true to split top a sesame seed bun. However, sometimes these are a bit more pricey. So, if you really want to be budget-conscious, grab a bag of plain hamburger buns.
- Toasting the buns can also add a different element to the sandwiches. But past that, I recommend just sticking to the classic sauces.
Curt says
Nailed it. The simmering in broth got exactly the right texture, taste, and temperature. I looked this up because Arby's Sauce is now for sale in grocery stores. I used the Hillshire Farms ultra-thin roast beef. A seven ounce package makes basically two sandwiches. Thanks so much. You unlocked the part I could never figure out on my own.
Jeremy says
Hey Curt! So glad they turned out for you! It's so quick and easy and you can have way more at a fraction of the price. It's a win-win all the way around.
Vicki Wiechel says
What kind of roast beef? I would like to make the roast myself! Best beef cut for this. You really need to bake your own beef!
Jeremy says
Hey Vicki! Thank you so much for checking out Chicken Fried Kitchen! I used thinly sliced deli roast beef from the grocery store. You could certainly make your roast beef and then slice it with an extremely sharp knife or a meat slicer. I would use a round roast if I were to go that route. Now, this is just my personal opinion, but it seems like that would be a lot of work for something that can be made so quickly. Especially for a budget and time friendly recipe such as this. If you do make them with your own roast beef I would love to know more about how they turn out and how you prepared them! I hope to hear back from you soon.
Ty says
Why no hyperlinks to your sauces?
Jeremy says
Hey Ty! I really wish I had a good answer as to why that is...but I don't. SO, good lookin' out...aaand I'm gonna get that fixed up here right quick!
Jeremy says
Done & Done! Thank you again!