Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Tender shredded beef soaked in rich barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with melty cheddar on a toasted bun. This recipe takes just a few simple steps and lets the slow cooker do all the work.

Ingredients
- 3 lbs. beef chuck roast
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 1 cup Arby’s barbecue sauce (or any barbecue sauce)
- Hamburger buns
- Arby’s sauce (or any barbecue sauce)
- Horsey sauce (or horseradish mayo)
- Cheddar cheese slices (or nacho cheese sauce or Cheez Whiz)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the chuck roast to the slow cooker and sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Pour Worcestershire sauce over the roast.
- Step 2: Place the sliced onion rings on top of the roast, then pour the barbecue sauce over everything.
- Step 3: Cook on low for 9 hours until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
- Step 4: Remove the beef onto a plate and shred with two forks, discarding any fat. Remove all but about ½ cup of the cooking juices from the slow cooker; you may leave the onions if you like. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker juices. If the sauce is greasy, skim the fat using a paper towel.
- Step 5: Toast the hamburger buns if desired for extra texture and flavor.
- Step 6: Pile the shredded beef and onions onto the buns, then top with cheddar cheese slices, Arby’s sauce, and horsey sauce.
- Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, comforting sandwiches!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce before cooking.
- Use different cheeses like pepper jack or Swiss for a unique flavor twist.
- If you don’t have Arby’s sauces, mix barbecue sauce with a little mayo and horseradish for a similar taste.
- Leftover meat can be used in tacos or salads for a quick next-day meal.
Storage
Store leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the beef in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can substitute beef chuck roast with brisket or bottom round, but chuck roast remains the most tender and flavorful choice for slow cooking.
Can I cook this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Use the sauté function to brown the meat first, then cook under high pressure for about 60 minutes with a natural release for similar results in less time.
PrintSlow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches Recipe
Delicious and tender Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches featuring slow-cooked chuck roast seasoned with aromatic spices, onions, and a tangy barbecue sauce, served on toasted hamburger buns with cheddar cheese and classic Arby’s-style sauces for a comforting and hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs. beef chuck roast
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 1 cup Arby’s barbecue sauce (or any barbecue sauce)
- Hamburger buns
- Arby’s sauce (available at most grocery stores, or use any barbecue sauce)
- Horsey sauce (available at most grocery stores, or use horseradish mayo)
- Cheddar cheese slices (or nacho cheese sauce, or Cheez Whiz)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add the chuck roast to the slow cooker and evenly sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar over the meat. Pour Worcestershire sauce on top to add deep umami flavor.
- Add Onions and Barbecue Sauce: Slice the white onion into rings and layer them on top of the beef. Pour the barbecue sauce over the entire mixture, ensuring the meat and onions are well coated.
- Slow Cook the Roast: Cover and cook on low setting for 9 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and infused with the spices and sauce.
- Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the beef onto a plate and shred it with two forks, discarding any excess fat. Leave about ½ cup of cooking juices and the onions in the slow cooker and add the shredded beef back in, stirring well. If the sauce is too greasy, remove excess grease with a paper towel.
- Toast the Buns: Optionally, toast the hamburger buns to enhance texture and flavor before assembling the sandwiches.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Layer the shredded beef and onions on the toasted buns, then top with cheddar cheese slices, Arby’s sauce, and horsey sauce as desired for a classic taste reminiscent of Arby’s beef sandwiches.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the hearty, flavorful slow-cooked beef sandwiches.
Notes
- You can substitute Arby’s barbecue sauce and sauces with your preferred barbecue or horseradish mayo sauces if unavailable.
- To degrease the sauce further, refrigerate the cooking juices first, then remove solidified fat before mixing with shredded beef.
- This recipe works well with leftover or different cuts of beef roast if chuck roast is unavailable.
- Cheddar cheese slices can be replaced with nacho cheese sauce or processed cheese spreads like Cheez Whiz according to taste.
- Toasting buns is optional but adds texture and prevents sogginess from the sauce.
Keywords: slow cooker beef sandwiches, beef chuck roast recipe, slow cooked beef, cheddar beef sandwich, Arby’s style sandwich, barbecue beef sandwich, easy slow cooker recipes

