How Arby’s Roast Beef is Made: The Real Process Explained

Arby’s roast beef sandwiches are legendary in the fast food world, but have you ever wondered how that signature roast beef is actually made? There’s plenty of speculation and even a few myths floating around. In this article, we’ll break down the real process behind Arby’s roast beef, from the ingredients to the preparation, and answer some of the most common questions about this iconic menu item.

What Exactly Is Arby’s Roast Beef?

Let’s start with the basics: Arby’s roast beef is made from beef, just like you’d expect. However, it isn’t your typical oven-roasted beef from a Sunday dinner. Instead, Arby’s uses a special process to create their uniquely tender and flavorful meat.

The main ingredient is beef, specifically from the round roast. This cut is known for being lean yet flavorful, making it ideal for slicing thin and piling high on a sandwich.

How Is Arby’s Roast Beef Prepared?

Arby’s roast beef doesn’t arrive at each restaurant as a raw piece of meat. Instead, it’s pre-cooked at a processing facility, then shipped to each location in airtight, vacuum-sealed bags. Here’s how the process works:

1. Preparation at the Plant: The beef is seasoned and cooked at a USDA-inspected facility. The cooking process involves roasting the beef slowly to lock in flavor and tenderness.
2. Vacuum Sealing: After cooking, the meat is sealed in vacuum-packed bags to keep it fresh and safe during transport.
3. Shipping: The sealed roast beef is shipped to Arby’s restaurants across the country in refrigerated trucks.
4. Reheating at the Restaurant: Once it arrives, employees reheat the beef in its bag using a water bath or steamer. This method ensures the meat stays juicy and doesn’t dry out.
5. Slicing: After reheating, the roast beef is sliced ultra-thin using a commercial meat slicer right before it’s served. This gives Arby’s sandwiches their signature texture and taste.

What Ingredients Are in Arby’s Roast Beef?

While the main ingredient is beef, Arby’s roast beef also contains a few other components to maintain its quality and flavor throughout processing and shipping. According to Arby’s, the ingredients are:

• Beef
• Water
• Salt
• Sodium phosphates (to help retain moisture and tenderness)

No fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives are used in the roast beef itself. The simple ingredient list is part of what makes Arby’s roast beef stand out.

Debunking Myths: Is Arby’s Roast Beef “Liquid Meat”?

You might have heard rumors that Arby’s roast beef starts as a liquid or paste before being shaped into meat. This simply isn’t true! The myth likely began because of how the meat looks inside its vacuum-sealed bag—soft and moist before slicing. But rest assured, Arby’s roast beef is made from whole cuts of real beef that are cooked, not reconstituted from liquid or powder.

Why Is Arby’s Roast Beef So Thinly Sliced?

The thin slicing isn’t just for show—it makes a big difference in taste and texture. Slicing the beef ultra-thin allows each bite to be tender and easy to chew while maximizing flavor. This method also helps pile more meat onto each sandwich without making it tough or chewy.

How Does Arby’s Achieve That Signature Flavor?

The classic Arby’s taste comes from the slow roasting process and simple seasoning. By cooking the beef slowly at low temperatures, it stays moist and tender. The addition of salt and water helps enhance juiciness, while sodium phosphates ensure that every slice remains soft even after reheating.

Is Arby’s Roast Beef Healthy?

Arby’s roast beef is relatively lean compared to many other fast food meats, but it does contain sodium due to the seasoning and processing methods. A regular Arby’s Classic Roast Beef sandwich contains about 360 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 970 milligrams of sodium. If you’re watching your sodium intake or calorie count, consider choosing smaller sandwich sizes or pairing with lighter sides like a salad.

How to Enjoy Arby’s Roast Beef at Its Best

• Freshly Sliced: Ask for your sandwich to be made fresh if you want that just-sliced taste.
• Add Your Favorite Sauces: Arby’s signature sauces like Horsey Sauce or Arby’s Sauce complement the savory roast beef perfectly.
• Customize Your Sandwich: Add cheese, extra meat, or swap out buns for something different—Arby’s offers plenty of customization options.
• Try Different Sizes: From sliders to giant sandwiches like the Half Pound Roast Beef, there’s an option for every appetite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Arby’s roast beef made from real beef?

Yes! It comes from whole cuts of round roast beef that are cooked and sliced thinly for sandwiches.

Does Arby’s use fillers or artificial ingredients?

No fillers or artificial flavors are added to the roast beef itself—just beef, water, salt, and sodium phosphates.

Is the roast beef ever frozen?

The roast beef is shipped refrigerated—not frozen—to maintain its texture and flavor.

Can you buy Arby’s roast beef by itself?

You can order extra meat on your sandwich or ask for it on the side at most locations. Some stores even offer “meat by the pound.”

How long does it take to prepare at the restaurant?

The reheating process takes about three hours in a water bath before it’s ready to be sliced and served throughout the day.

Is there gluten in Arby’s roast beef?

The roast beef itself does not contain gluten; however, always check with your local restaurant regarding cross-contamination risks if you have allergies.

The Bottom Line

Arby’s roast beef is beloved for its savory flavor and tender texture—and now you know exactly how it gets that way! Made from real cuts of round roast beef, slow-cooked for maximum tenderness, and sliced fresh for every sandwich, it’s no wonder this menu item has stood the test of time. Next time you bite into an Arby’s classic, you can appreciate not just the taste but also the care that goes into every slice!