Tender Roast Beef Sliders

This tender roast beef sliders recipe transforms your favorite deli sandwich into a crowd-pleasing party dish. The combination of juicy rare roast beef, creamy homemade cheddar sauce, and a tangy copycat Arby's sauce creates mini sandwiches that rival the restaurant version but with even more flavor and personality.

I first made these for a Sunday football gathering at our house, and they've become the most requested item whenever we host. My brother-in-law now refuses to watch games anywhere else because of these sliders.

Ingredients

• Shaved rare roast beef provides the perfect tender texture and absorbs the flavorful broth beautifully
• Beef broth creates the moisture and depth these sliders need to stay juicy
• Worcestershire sauce adds that umami richness that makes these taste restaurant-quality
• Butter forms the base of both the cheese sauce and adds richness to the rolls
• All-purpose flour helps create the perfect thick cheese sauce texture
• Whole milk creates a silky smooth cheese sauce with just the right consistency
• Sharp white cheddar brings bold flavor that stands up to the beef perfectly
• Slider rolls provide the perfect bread to filling ratio for each bite
• Everything bagel seasoning creates an irresistible aromatic crust on top
• Homemade Arby's sauce adds that signature sweet and tangy flavor profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef Broth

Combine beef broth and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan. This creates the flavorful bath that will warm and season your roast beef. Allow your meat to come to room temperature while you prepare other components. This ensures even warming when you add it to the hot broth.

Create the Cheese Sauce

Start by making a roux with butter and flour in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 2 minutes until it becomes lightly golden and smells nutty. Gradually whisk in hot milk to prevent lumps. Add all seasonings including salt, white pepper, dry mustard and nutmeg. These small amounts of spices make a huge difference in the final flavor profile. Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring constantly until completely smooth and velvety.

Prepare the Beef

Heat your broth mixture until it reaches a gentle boil. Add your room temperature roast beef to the hot broth and immediately remove from heat. The goal is to warm the beef without cooking it further. Strain the beef using a mesh strainer, allowing excess liquid to drain away. This quick bath infuses flavor while keeping the meat moist and tender.

Assemble the Sliders

Arrange slider roll bottoms in a 9×13 baking dish. Spread a generous layer of Arby's sauce on each bottom roll. This creates a moisture barrier and adds that distinctive flavor. Layer warm beef evenly across all rolls. Spoon cheese sauce over the beef, allowing it to cover completely. Place roll tops over the cheese sauce to complete the sliders.

Bake to Perfection

Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. This allows everything to heat through without drying out. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until tops are golden. For extra color and flavor, broil for 1 minute and brush with remaining butter immediately after removing from oven.

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My favorite component is definitely the homemade cheese sauce. The first time I made it, my daughter declared it "liquid gold" and now helps me make it every time. There's something special about watching simple ingredients transform into something so decadent and delicious.

Make-Ahead Magic

These sliders work wonderfully as a prepare-ahead meal for busy gatherings. You can complete all components up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply add an extra 5-7 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure they heat all the way through. The cheese sauce might thicken slightly in the refrigerator but will return to the perfect consistency during baking.

Sauce Secrets

While the recipe includes a copycat Arby's sauce, you can absolutely use store-bought for convenience. For homemade, combine 1 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. The sauce develops even better flavor when made a day ahead and refrigerated overnight, allowing the spices to fully meld.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these sliders into a complete meal by pairing them with crispy potato wedges and a simple vinegar-based coleslaw. The tangy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sliders. For a more elegant presentation, cut each slider in half diagonally and arrange on a serving platter with small dishes of extra cheese sauce and Arby's sauce on the side. Garnish the platter with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Buttery Roll Variations

The everything bagel seasoning adds wonderful texture and flavor to these sliders, but you can easily customize the topping to suit your taste. Try melted butter mixed with garlic powder and fresh parsley for a more traditional garlic bread approach. Alternatively, a mixture of butter, grated parmesan, and Italian seasoning creates a wonderful savory crust. For heat lovers, add a pinch of cayenne to your butter mixture before brushing on the rolls.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought roast beef for these sliders?

Yes, deli-sliced rare roast beef works perfectly for these sliders. Look for thinly shaved beef for the most authentic texture. The key is warming it gently in the beef broth mixture to maintain tenderness while adding flavor.

→ What is Arby's sauce and can I substitute it?

Arby's sauce is a tangy, slightly sweet barbecue-style sauce. You can use store-bought Arby's sauce or substitute with a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. BBQ sauce with a splash of vinegar can work in a pinch.

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

You can prepare components ahead of time: make the cheese sauce, prepare the beef, and assemble just before baking. For best results, assemble no more than 2 hours before baking and keep refrigerated until ready to bake.

→ What can I serve with these sliders?

These sliders pair wonderfully with crispy potato chips, french fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a complete spread, add pickles and extra dipping sauces on the side.

→ How do I reheat leftover sliders?

To reheat leftover sliders, cover them loosely with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the rolls soggy and the beef tough.

→ Can I freeze these sliders?

While you can freeze assembled unbaked sliders, the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze without the cheese sauce and add freshly made sauce when reheating.