Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches are a perfect comfort food for busy days. Tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked with spices and barbecue sauce makes an irresistible filling for soft buns topped with cheddar and tangy sauces. This easy recipe lets the slow cooker do the work so you can come home to a delicious meal.

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. Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar evenly over the meat. Pour the Worcestershire sauce on top.
- Step 2: Slice the white onion into rings and arrange them on top of the roast. Pour the barbecue sauce over everything.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 9 hours until the beef is tender and shreddable.
- Step 4: Remove the beef from the slow cooker onto a plate and shred it with two forks, discarding any fat. Carefully remove all juices from the slow cooker except about ½ cup; you may leave the onions if you like. Return the shredded beef to the juices and mix well. If the sauce looks greasy, skim the fat with a paper towel.
- Step 5: Toast the hamburger buns if desired.
- Step 6: Assemble the sandwiches by piling shredded beef and onions onto the buns. Top with cheddar cheese slices, Arby’s sauce, and horsey sauce to taste.
- Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful, tender beef sandwiches!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sear the chuck roast in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Substitute horseradish mayo with regular mayonnaise or spicy mustard for a different kick.
- Use nacho cheese sauce instead of cheddar slices for a creamy, melty option.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of garlic and onion powders slightly.
Storage
Store any leftover shredded beef and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep the meat moist. Assemble fresh sandwiches after reheating to avoid soggy buns.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, other cuts like brisket or short ribs can work well in the slow cooker, but cook times may vary slightly based on the cut and size. Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked.
What if I don’t have Arby’s sauce or horsey sauce?
You can easily substitute with your favorite barbecue sauce or horseradish mayo. Many grocery stores carry similar sauces, or you can make a quick horseradish mayo by mixing mayonnaise with prepared horseradish and a little lemon juice.
PrintSlow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked chuck roast seasoned with savory spices, onions, and barbecue sauce, piled high on toasted hamburger buns with melty cheddar cheese and Arby’s-style sauces for a hearty, flavorful sandwich perfect for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Slow Cooking
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 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 into rings
- 1 cup Arby’s barbecue sauce (or any barbecue sauce)
Sandwich Components
- Hamburger buns
- Arby’s sauce (available at most grocery stores, or any barbecue sauce)
- Horsey sauce (available at most grocery stores, or 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. Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar evenly over the meat. Pour Worcestershire sauce on top to add flavor and moisture.
- Add onions and barbecue sauce: Place the sliced onion rings over the roast. Pour the barbecue sauce over the onions and meat to create a rich base for slow cooking.
- Slow cook the beef: Cover and cook on low heat for 9 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and absorb the flavors fully.
- Shred the beef and prepare the sauce: After cooking, remove the beef onto a plate and shred it using two forks, discarding any excess fat. Remove all the cooking juices from the slow cooker except about ½ cup, leaving the onions if you prefer. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker juices. If the sauce appears greasy, use a paper towel to remove the excess grease.
- Toast the buns (optional): Toast the hamburger buns lightly to add texture and prevent sogginess when assembling the sandwich.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place the shredded beef and onions on the buns. Top with slices of cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese option), then add Arby’s sauce and horsey sauce to taste.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the shredded beef sit in the juices for a few minutes before serving.
- To make cooking faster, you can cook on high for about 5 hours, but low and slow is preferred for tenderness.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with nacho cheese sauce or Cheez Whiz for a creamy texture.
- Horsey sauce can be replaced with a mixture of horseradish and mayonnaise if not available.
- To reduce fat content, skim off excess grease from the sauce before assembling.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat before serving.
Keywords: slow cooker beef sandwiches, beef and cheddar sandwiches, shredded beef sandwich, slow cooked beef, Arby’s style sandwich, barbecued beef sandwich

