Introduction
Hey there, fellow foodies! Ready to transform humble chuck roast into a restaurant-quality masterpiece? This Copycat Arby’s Slow Cooker Beef & Cheddar recipe is your ticket to melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness without the fancy restaurant price tag. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone begging for seconds (and thirds!).
Why This Works
This recipe nails the Arby’s flavor profile perfectly, but with the added bonus of being incredibly easy to make! The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and soak up all those amazing spices. Plus, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight – minimal effort, maximum flavor!
Key Ingredients
- 🥩 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥫 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed beef broth
- 🥫 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
- 🧂 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🧂 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 🧀 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 🍔 Hamburger buns
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Roast: Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Place the seasoned beef roast on top.
4️⃣ Liquid Base: Pour the beef broth, diced tomatoes and green chilies, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano over the beef.
5️⃣ Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
6️⃣ Shred & Stir: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
7️⃣ Cheese Please: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
8️⃣ Serve it Up: Serve the shredded beef on hamburger buns and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, sear the beef roast in the skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. Just a quick sear on all sides will add a nice depth of flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking! If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If your slow cooker is on the smaller side, you may need to shred the beef in a separate bowl before returning it to the slow cooker.
Heat Control
The slow cooker does all the work, keeping the beef at a consistently low temperature for hours. This gentle cooking method ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender without drying out. Adjusting the cooking time based on your slow cooker and desired tenderness is key.
Crunch Factor
While the beef itself is incredibly tender, the slight crunch from the hamburger bun provides a nice textural contrast. You can also add some crispy fried onions for extra crunch, if desired!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) for optimal tenderness.
- For a richer flavor, use a good quality beef broth.
- Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the slow cooker for a hint of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This makes an amazing gift! Package individual servings in attractive containers with a side of your favorite chips or coleslaw. Tie it up with a ribbon and a cute tag.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a jalapeño pepper to the slow cooker for extra heat.
🌟 BBQ: Stir in 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
🌟 Cheesy Jalapeño Popper: Add chopped jalapeños and cream cheese along with the cheddar cheese.
🌟 Mushroom Swiss: Add 8oz of sliced mushrooms with the onions and top with Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
Troubleshooting
- Beef is tough: Make sure you’re using a chuck roast, which is best for slow cooking. Also, ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
- Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce uncovered for 15-20 minutes after shredding the beef to reduce it to your desired consistency.
- Not enough flavor: Adjust the spices to your liking, or add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of soy sauce.
FAQ
- Can I use a different cut of beef? While chuck roast is ideal, you can try other cuts like brisket or short ribs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- Can I make this in a pressure cooker? Yes! Follow the same ingredient list, but adjust the cooking time according to your pressure cooker’s instructions. Usually around 30 mins at high pressure.
- Can I freeze this? Yes! Allow the beef to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the ultimate comfort food, ready to be devoured! This Copycat Arby’s Slow Cooker Beef & Cheddar is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your delicious creations with us – we can’t wait to see your amazing photos! Happy cooking!
Arby's Beef & Cheddar? Nailed It! (Slow Cooker Recipe)
A delicious homemade version of the classic Arby's Beef & Cheddar sandwich, made easily in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cheddar cheese slices
- 4 onion sandwich rolls
- 1/4 cup Arby's sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix the onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, then pour it over the roast.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
- Step 4: Remove the beef, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker to soak in the juices.
- Step 5: Toast the onion rolls, then assemble the sandwiches by placing shredded beef on the bottom half, adding a slice of cheddar cheese, and drizzling with Arby's sauce.
- Step 6: Top with the other half of the roll and serve immediately.
Tips
- For extra flavor, sear the beef roast in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese for a different taste.