Get ready to indulge in a crowd-pleasing twist on copycat Arby's roast beef sliders that taste like a gourmet version of the classic deli roast beef sandwich, yet are easy enough for a cozy weeknight or lively game-day spread. These mini sandwiches capture the legendary Arby’s beef and cheddar experience—rosemary-infused, buttery slider buns packed with tender roast beef, melty cheddar, and a tangy Arby’s sauce-inspired kick. They offer the ultimate mash-up of deli roast beef recipes, top sirloin roast recipes, and roast beef gravy luxuries—all elevated to slider form. Whether you're craving canned roast beef recipes or dreaming of dry aged beef sandwiches, this recipe stands out with its big flavor and simple execution.
Tender Roast Beef Sliders with Arby’s Flavor
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Roasting pan with rack essential for even cooking; alternately, a Dutch oven also works.
Meat Thermometer precision matters when cooking top sirloin roast recipes or blade roast recipes.
Small mixing bowls for sauce and gravy, though these are optional.
Basting brush for buttery, rosemary-topped buns.
Sharp knife for slicing the roast beef thinly (think: deli-style roast beef).
saucepan to carry out the roast beef gravy recipe, if desired.
For the Roast Beef Sliders
- 2 lb top sirloin roast trimmed of excess fat; you can also use beef blade roast or even a budget-friendly roast beef cut
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Beef Gravy (optional, for dipping)
- Pan drippings from roast beef
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth or drippings with added water
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Sauce (Arby’s Sauce-Inspired)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of sugar
Slider Assembly
- 12 slider buns king’s Hawaiian style or plain
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese sliced (or greased cheddar slices)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp dried rosemary optional garnish
Seasoning the Roast
Pat the roast dry. Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Massage evenly over the roast. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or ideally overnight) — this deepens flavor, drawing from the spirit of dry aged beef resting techniques.
Roasting the Beef
Preheat oven to 325 °F (163 °C). Position the roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer into the thickest part. Roast until internal temperature reaches 130 °F (54 °C) for medium-rare—about 1 hour, then let rest until 135 °F (57 °C). Total resting and carryover cooking adds flavor and juiciness, just like deli roast beef recipes promise.
Making the Arby’s Sauce-Inspired Spread
While the roast rests, whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon, vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and sugar until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill until ready to assemble.
Preparing the Gravy (Optional Dipper)
Pour off excess fat from roast drippings, reserving 2 tbsp. Heat drippings in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add beef broth, whisking until thickened and smooth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm for serving.
Carving the Roast Beef
Once rested, slice the roast paper-thin with a sharp knife. Thin slices make each slider mimic authentic Arby’s roast beef sandwich layers.
Assembling the Sliders
Split buns and arrange the bottoms in a baking dish. Layer on roast beef slices, top with cheddar, then spread a generous coating of the Arby’s sauce-inspired dressing on inside of top buns. Place tops over the cheese.
Baking the Sliders
Brush exterior of buns with melted butter and sprinkle rosemary if using. Cover with foil and bake at 350 °F (177 °C) until cheese is melted and buns are warmed, about 10–12 minutes. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp tops.
Serving
Serve sliders hot with a side of roast beef gravy for dipping—channeling that roast beef gravy recipe essence. Add sides like crinkle fries, pickle chips, or onion rings to recreate the full Arby’s vibe at home.
Pairings
- Crispy Shoestring Fries topped with garlic powder and Parmesan—perfect with the beef’s savory depth.
- Tangy Coleslaw: mayo-plus-vinegar-based slaw adds crunch and brightness.
- Pickle Chips or Bread & Butter Pickles: offer a crisp, acidic counterpoint.
- Craft Beer (IPA or Amber Ale): the hops and malt complement the rich roast beef flavors and sharp cheddar.
- Iced Sweet Tea or Cola: these classic diner beverages pair perfectly with the sliders’ tang and savory bite.
FAQs
1. What cut of beef should I use—breast, thigh, top sirloin, blade roast?
For best tender results, use top sirloin roast or blade roast. These cuts balance flavor, texture, and affordability. While brisket-style cuts could work for canned roast beef recipes, they require different cooking methods.
2. Can I use deli sliced roast beef or canned roast beef for convenience?
Yes, for a shortcut you can use high‑quality deli or canned roast beef. Just heat it gently before stacking in sliders. Flavor will differ from slow-roasted fresh beef, but you’ll still get that Arby’s flavor profile.
3. Should I choose sharp cheddar or another cheese?
Sharp cheddar gives classic Arby’s beef and cheddar flavor. However, Swiss, Provolone, or Pepper Jack are great substitutes if you want a sharper bite or a spicy twist.
4. Do I need the gravy step?
Nope, the gravy is optional but elevates the sliders to jersey-shore sauce dunking madness. It turns these into a luxe twist on classic beef sandwich recipes.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven for 8–10 minutes, covered with foil. To crisp the buns, unwrap for the last 2 minutes. This restores the melty cheese and slider integrity.
