How To Make Arby's Roast Beef Sliders At Home Easily

The allure of Arby’s roast beef sliders has captivated many, with their thinly sliced roast beef and soft, toasted buns. Replicating these at home might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can easily craft your own version that rivals the originals. The key lies in a combination of tender roast beef, the right seasonings, and a bit of patience.
Understanding the Original
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to understand what makes Arby’s roast beef sliders so beloved. The core components include thinly sliced roast beef, often made from top round, the soft and lightly toasted bun, and the subtle flavor enhancements from seasonings and sauces. To replicate this at home, you’ll need to focus on achieving tender, flavorful roast beef and pairing it with a bun that’s toasted to perfection.
Cooking the Perfect Roast Beef
The foundation of a great Arby’s-style roast beef slider is, without a doubt, the roast beef itself. To achieve this, you’ll want to start with a good cut of beef. Top round is an excellent choice due to its leanness and natural tenderness. Here’s a basic approach to cooking your roast beef:
Ingredients:
- 1 (2-3 pound) beef top round
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This low and slow approach will help keep the roast beef tender.
- Season the beef: Rub the olive oil all over the beef, then sprinkle the thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly over both sides of the beef.
- Sear the beef (optional): For added flavor, you can quickly sear the beef in a hot skillet on all sides before placing it in the oven. This step is optional but recommended for a nice crust on the beef.
- Roast the beef: Place the beef in a roasting pan and put it in the oven. Roast for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the beef reaches your desired level of doneness. For thinly sliced roast beef, you’re aiming for medium-rare to medium, which is usually around 130°F to 140°F (54°C to 60°C) internally.
- Let it rest: Once the beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making the beef more tender and easier to slice thinly.
Assembling the Sliders
With your roast beef ready, it’s time to assemble the sliders. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced roast beef (from the recipe above)
- Soft, small buns (you can use dinner rolls or small sandwich buns)
- Mayonnaise or your preferred sauce
- Cheese (optional, but American, cheddar, or provolone work well)
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles, or any other toppings you enjoy
Instructions:
- Slice the roast beef: Thinly slice the rested roast beef against the grain. You’re aiming for slices that are about 1⁄8 inch thick.
- Toast the buns: Lightly toast the buns. You can do this by placing them in the oven for a few minutes or by grilling them lightly.
- Assemble the sliders: Place a few slices of the roast beef onto each bun. Add a dollop of mayonnaise or your preferred sauce, followed by any cheese or toppings you like.
- Serve and enjoy: Your homemade Arby’s-style roast beef sliders are now ready to be devoured.
Tips for the Perfect Slider
- Use a meat slicer: If you have access to a meat slicer, use it to get the thinnest, most uniform slices possible.
- Keep it simple: While it’s tempting to load up your sliders with toppings, sometimes less is more. Let the roast beef be the star.
- Experiment with sauces: Arby’s has a distinctive sauce, but don’t be afraid to try different mayos, mustards, or even a horseradish sauce to give your sliders a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best cut of beef for roast beef sliders?
+Top round is highly recommended for its tenderness and flavor. However, other cuts like round tip or rump roast can also work well.
How thin should I slice the roast beef?
+Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. This will mimic the thin slices found in Arby's roast beef sliders.
Can I cook the roast beef in a slow cooker?
+
Creating your own version of Arby’s roast beef sliders at home is not only possible but can also be incredibly rewarding. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can craft sliders that are not only delicious but also impressively close to the original. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of making something truly special in the comfort of your own kitchen.