What Kind of Roast Beef Does Arby’s Really Use?

When you think about Arby’s, one menu item probably comes to mind before anything else: their classic roast beef sandwich. It’s a fast-food staple that’s been around for decades, loved for its tender, thinly sliced beef piled high on a soft bun. But have you ever wondered what kind of roast beef Arby’s actually uses? Let’s take a friendly, in-depth look at the meat behind the legend, how it’s prepared, and what makes it so popular.

What Kind of Roast Beef Does Arby’s Use?

Arby’s roast beef isn’t just any old cut of meat. The chain uses top round beef, which comes from the upper leg of the cow. This cut is known for being lean but still flavorful, making it ideal for roasting and slicing thin. Top round is less fatty than other cuts like brisket or chuck, but when prepared correctly, it stays juicy and tender—just like the roast beef you get at Arby’s.

Why Top Round?

Top round is a popular choice for deli-style roast beef because:

• It’s lean: Less fat means a cleaner bite and a lighter sandwich.
• It slices beautifully: The grain of top round holds together well, even when sliced paper-thin.
• It absorbs flavor: Marinating or seasoning top round brings out its best qualities.

How Is Arby’s Roast Beef Prepared?

Arby’s roast beef starts as a whole muscle cut (not processed or ground), which is then seasoned and cooked. Here’s a step-by-step look at the process:

1. Seasoning: The beef is seasoned with a special blend of spices. While the exact recipe is a secret, it usually includes salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder.
2. Roasting: The seasoned meat is slow-roasted in ovens until it reaches the perfect level of doneness. This slow cooking helps keep it tender and juicy.
3. Slicing: Once cooked and rested, the beef is sliced ultra-thin using commercial slicers. This thin slicing is key to the signature Arby’s texture.
4. Serving: The sliced roast beef is kept warm until it’s piled onto buns for your sandwich.

Is Arby’s Roast Beef Real Meat?

This is a common question! Despite some rumors, Arby’s roast beef is made from real beef. It’s not formed from scraps or made with fillers. It’s simply top round beef that’s been seasoned, roasted, and sliced. The only processing involved is the seasoning and slow-roasting to lock in flavor and tenderness.

Does Arby’s Roast Beef Come Pre-Cooked?

The answer is yes—and no. Arby’s receives their roast beef in vacuum-sealed bags that have already been cooked at a central facility. This ensures food safety and consistency across all locations. When it arrives at each restaurant, it’s reheated in ovens before being sliced fresh for your order. This method helps maintain the quality and juiciness you expect from an Arby’s sandwich.

What About the Ingredients?

If you’re curious about what goes into Arby’s roast beef, here’s a general breakdown:

• Beef (top round)
• Water
• Sodium phosphates (to help retain moisture and tenderness)
• Sugar
• Sodium erythorbate (a preservative to maintain color)
• Sodium nitrite (another preservative for freshness)
• Salt
• Pepper and other spices

The use of sodium phosphates and preservatives is standard in most deli meats to keep them safe and tasty during transport and storage.

How Does Arby’s Roast Beef Taste So Good?

The secret to Arby’s famous flavor isn’t just the cut of meat—it’s also about their preparation technique and seasoning blend. Slow-roasting brings out a deep, savory flavor without drying out the meat, while the thin slicing gives each bite a melt-in-your-mouth feel. Combine that with their signature sauces (like Horsey Sauce or Arby’s Sauce), and you’ve got an unbeatable combination.

Is Arby’s Roast Beef Healthy?

Like all fast food, moderation is key. Arby’s roast beef is relatively lean compared to other fast-food meats because it uses top round. A classic roast beef sandwich contains around 360 calories, with about 14 grams of fat and 23 grams of protein. However, sodium content can be high due to the curing process and preservatives—something to keep in mind if you’re watching your salt intake.

Can You Buy Arby’s Roast Beef for Home?

If you love Arby’s roast beef and want to enjoy it at home, you have a couple of options:

• Catering trays: Some locations offer bulk trays of sliced roast beef for parties or events.
• Deli counters: While you can’t buy official Arby’s meat at grocery stores, you can ask your deli for thinly sliced top round roast beef to make your own sandwiches at home.

How Can You Make an “Arby’s-Style” Roast Beef Sandwich at Home?

If you want to recreate that iconic flavor in your own kitchen, here are some tips:

1. Select top round beef: Ask your butcher for this cut.
2. Marinate or season generously: Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of sugar.
3. Roast slowly: Cook at a low temperature until medium-rare for maximum tenderness.
4. Chill before slicing: This makes it easier to get ultra-thin slices.
5. Serve on a soft bun: Add your favorite sauce (try making your own Horsey Sauce with mayo and horseradish).

Frequently Asked Questions About Arby’s Roast Beef

Is Arby’s roast beef processed?

No, it comes from whole muscle top round beef—not formed or ground meat. It does contain some preservatives for freshness.

Why does Arby’s roast beef look so smooth?

The ultra-thin slicing gives it a uniform appearance. The meat is also tightly packed when cooked and shipped, which adds to its smooth texture.

Can people with food allergies eat Arby’s roast beef?

The roast beef itself doesn’t contain major allergens like wheat, dairy, or soy—but always check with your local restaurant for ingredient updates or cross-contamination risks.

Is there MSG in Arby’s roast beef?

No, MSG is not listed as an ingredient in their roast beef.

Is Arby’s roast beef gluten-free?

The meat itself is gluten-free, but always be cautious about buns or sauces if you have gluten sensitivities.

The Bottom Line

Arby’s classic roast beef sandwich remains a favorite thanks to its quality top round beef, careful preparation, and signature flavor. Whether you’re grabbing lunch on the go or trying to recreate that taste at home, now you know exactly what goes into every delicious bite!