This recipe for Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches is the Arby’s copycat you’ve been waiting for! Imagine low and slow cooked chuck roast, smothered in Arby’s sauce, topped with creamy cheese sauce, all piled high on a fluffy onion bun. It’s an easy and delicious way to recreate everyone’s favorite takeout at home, perfect for family dinners, game days, or any occasion where comfort food is needed.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Simply put your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax.
Rich Flavor: The combination of Worcestershire sauce and Arby’s sauce infuses the beef with amazing flavors that everyone will love.
Versatile Meal: These sandwiches are great for gatherings, parties, or even a cozy night at home. Serve them with fries or a side salad!
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty sandwich that offers both taste and satisfaction.
Easy Cleanup: With just one pot to manage, cleanup is quick and hassle-free.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your delicious slow cooker beef and cheddar sandwiches, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Forks (for shredding)
Microwave-safe container (for cheese sauce)

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This is essential for achieving tender meat that practically falls apart. It allows for low-and-slow cooking which enhances flavors.
Mixing bowl: A handy tool for combining sauces or seasoning your beef before it goes into the slow cooker.
Forks: You’ll need two forks to shred the beef easily once it’s cooked to perfection.
Microwave-safe container: Perfect for heating up cheese sauce quickly without fuss.

Ingredients

For the Beef

2-3 pound chuck roast
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ cups Arby’s sauce (plus more for topping)

For the Toppings

1 cup cheddar cheese sauce (I like Ricos brand)
6 onion rolls

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the Roast

Add the chuck roast to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Sprinkle the dried minced onion and Montreal steak seasoning evenly over the roast.

Step 2: Add Sauces

Pour the Worcestershire sauce over the top of the roast.
Pour in 1 ½ cups of Arby’s sauce, ensuring it covers the meat well.

Step 3: Cook It Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker with its lid.
Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until tender.

Step 4: Shred the Meat

Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the sauce.
Stir it well so that all pieces are coated with sauce.
Turn your slow cooker to WARM setting until ready to serve.

Step 5: Heat Cheese Sauce

While preparing sandwiches, heat your cheddar cheese sauce in a microwave-safe container according to package instructions.

Step 6: Assemble Sandwiches

Pile shredded beef onto each onion roll.
Top generously with heated cheese sauce and additional Arby’s sauce, if desired.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches! Perfectly seasoned, tender beef combined with melty cheese makes this dish irresistible!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Serving slow cooker beef and cheddar sandwiches is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a satisfying meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will elevate your dish.

Add Fresh Toppings

Sliced Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add fresh jalapeño slices on top of your sandwich.
Pickles: A few dill pickle slices can add a nice crunch and tanginess.
Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro can brighten up the sandwich with fresh flavors.

Pair with Sides

Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich beef.
Potato Chips: Serve with crispy potato chips for an easy, crunchy side.
Salad: A simple green salad can balance the meal and add freshness.

Enhance with Sauces

Additional Arby’s Sauce: Serve extra Arby’s sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Hot Sauce: For those who love heat, offer a variety of hot sauces.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

To make your slow cooker beef and cheddar sandwiches truly perfect, consider these helpful tips.

Use quality meat: Choosing a well-marbled chuck roast will ensure tender, juicy beef.
Let it rest: Allow the shredded beef to sit in the sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving to soak up more flavor.
Warm the rolls: Lightly toast or warm the onion rolls for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is classic, try adding pepper jack for some heat or provolone for a milder taste.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Pairing side dishes with slow cooker beef and cheddar sandwiches can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

French Fries: Crispy fries are a classic pairing that everyone loves. Serve them hot and crispy alongside your sandwiches.
Onion Rings: These crunchy rings add a fun twist and complement the flavors of the sandwich beautifully.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans provide a hearty side that works well with beef dishes.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds a fresh sweetness that brightens up your plate.
Macaroni Salad: Cold macaroni salad is creamy and delicious, offering a cool contrast to the warm sandwiches.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies can bring color and nutrition to your meal while balancing out the richness of the beef.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your slow cooker beef and cheddar sandwiches even better. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the roast properly can lead to bland sandwiches. Always sprinkle spices evenly over the meat.
Not using enough sauce: Using insufficient Arby’s sauce will compromise flavor. Make sure you pour enough over the roast for a rich taste.
Overcooking the beef: Cooking the beef too long on high can dry it out. Stick to the recommended times for juicy, tender meat.
Neglecting to shred properly: Not shredding the beef well leads to uneven portions. Use two forks to break it down into bite-sized pieces.
Ignoring bun quality: Using stale or low-quality buns can ruin your sandwich experience. Opt for fresh onion rolls for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Freeze the shredded beef and sauce separately from the buns.
Properly stored, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped in foil for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in increments of 30 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about slow cooker beef and cheddar sandwiches, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions:

How do I make Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches spicier?

You can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for extra heat.

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes! You can substitute chuck roast with brisket or round roast if you prefer.

What type of cheese works best?

While cheddar cheese sauce is traditional, you can experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.

Are Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and ensure your sauces are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

These slow cooker beef and cheddar sandwiches are perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. Their comforting flavors are sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize them with different toppings like jalapeños, sautéed onions, or even different cheeses to suit your taste!

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Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

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Author: Grace
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 sandwiches 1x

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Description

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches, a delectable copycat recipe inspired by your favorite Arby’s meal! This easy-to-make dish features tender, slow-cooked chuck roast bathed in zesty Arby’s sauce, topped with rich cheddar cheese sauce, and served on fluffy onion rolls. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or cozy evenings at home, these sandwiches are sure to become a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep time and effortless cleanup, you can enjoy a comforting meal without the stress.

Ingredients

Scale

2–3 pound chuck roast
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ cups Arby’s sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese sauce
6 onion rolls
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning

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Instructions

Place the chuck roast in a slow cooker and season with dried minced onion and Montreal steak seasoning.
Pour Worcestershire sauce and Arby’s sauce over the roast.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until tender.
Shred the beef using two forks in the sauce.
Heat cheddar cheese sauce according to package directions.
Assemble sandwiches by placing shredded beef on onion rolls, topping with cheese sauce and additional Arby’s sauce if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American