Copycat Arbys Sauce Recipe

This copycat Arby’s sauce recipe recreates the tangy, slightly sweet red sauce that makes an Arby’s roast beef sandwich so good. It takes just a few pantry ingredients and about 10 minutes to make, so you can keep a jar in the refrigerator instead of hoarding extra sauce packets.

I grew up absolutely smothering my Arby’s sandwiches in this sauce, so getting the flavor balance right mattered to me. Ketchup creates the familiar tomato base, Worcestershire adds savory depth and a little Tabasco supplies just enough tang and heat without making the sauce truly spicy.

A quick simmer brings everything together and gives it a smoother, more finished flavor.

Use this homemade Arby’s sauce on roast beef sandwiches, burgers and chicken sandwiches, or serve it as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries. If you are an extra-sauce person like me, you will love having an entire batch at your disposal.

Why This Copycat Arby’s Sauce Recipe Works

My favorite part of an Arby’s roast beef sandwich has always been the sauce. I wanted this homemade version to capture that distinctive sweet, tangy and savory flavor without requiring a long ingredient list or complicated method. Here is why it works:

• It uses everyday ingredients. The sauce is made with ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco and a few simple seasonings you may already have.
• The flavor is well balanced. It is tomato-forward and slightly sweet, with savory depth and a gentle vinegary kick rather than the smoky flavor of traditional barbecue sauce.
• A quick simmer makes a difference. Five minutes on the stove dissolves the brown sugar, mellows the seasonings and brings the flavors together.
• You control the heat. One teaspoon of Tabasco provides subtle warmth without making the sauce particularly spicy. Add more or less according to your preference.
• It is ready in about 10 minutes. Make it while assembling roast beef sandwiches, then allow it to cool before serving.
• One batch goes beyond roast beef. Use it on homemade Beef ’n Cheddar sandwiches, burgers and chicken sandwiches or as a dipping sauce for fries and onion rings.

What Is Arby’s Sauce?

Arby’s sauce is a thin, tomato-based condiment best known for being served with the restaurant’s roast beef sandwiches. Although it looks similar to barbecue sauce, it is less smoky and has a tangier, more savory flavor.

What Does Arby’s Sauce Taste Like?

Arby’s sauce tastes tangy, slightly sweet and savory, with a mild peppery kick. Ketchup provides the tomato base, while Worcestershire sauce adds depth and Tabasco contributes acidity and gentle heat. It is not especially spicy, so you can add plenty without overpowering the roast beef.

Recipe Ingredients

Ketchup – Ketchup creates the smooth tomato base and provides much of the sauce’s sweetness and tang. Use your favorite brand because its flavor will come through in the finished sauce.

Water – A tablespoon of water thins the ketchup slightly, giving this homemade Arby’s sauce its characteristic pourable consistency.

Brown sugar – A small amount balances the tangy and savory ingredients without making the sauce overly sweet. Light or dark brown sugar will work.

Worcestershire sauce – This adds the savory depth that keeps the sauce from tasting like seasoned ketchup. If you love its bold flavor as much as I do, add an extra splash.

Tabasco sauce – Tabasco supplies acidity and a mild peppery kick. One teaspoon does not make the sauce particularly spicy, but you can add more for additional heat.

Seasonings – Onion powder and garlic powder add flavor without changing the smooth texture of the sauce. Add salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind that ketchup and Worcestershire sauce already contain sodium.

How To Make Arby’s Sauce

This homemade Arby’s sauce recipe makes approximately 1½ cups and comes together in about 10 minutes using one small saucepan.

1. Combine the ingredients. Add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to a small saucepan. Stir until well combined.
2. Simmer the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. The brown sugar should dissolve completely and the flavors will blend together.
3. Cool and serve. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. It will thicken slightly as it cools but should remain thinner and more pourable than traditional barbecue sauce.

Slather it on roast beef sandwiches, burgers or chicken sandwiches, or serve it as a dipping sauce with air fryer steak fries or curly fries.

Recipe Notes

• Simmer gently. Once the sauce reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low. Stir frequently to prevent the ketchup and brown sugar from scorching.
• Avoid over-simmering. Five minutes is enough to dissolve the brown sugar and bring the flavors together. Cooking it longer can make the sauce too thick.
• Check the consistency. The finished sauce should be thinner and more pourable than traditional barbecue sauce. If it becomes too thick, stir in water 1 teaspoon at a time.
• Let it cool. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. For the best flavor, cool it completely before serving or refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend.

Arby’s Sauce Variations

• Make it spicier. Add extra Tabasco sauce a few drops at a time until it reaches your preferred heat level.
• Add more tang. Stir in 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar after simmering. Taste before adding more.
• Give it smoky flavor. Add a small pinch of smoked paprika. Use a light hand since classic Arby’s sauce is tangy rather than smoky.
• Make it sweeter. Add an additional teaspoon of brown sugar.

Ways To Use Homemade Arby’s Sauce

You do not need deli-thin roast beef to put this homemade Arby’s sauce to good use. Its sweet, tangy flavor works with all kinds of sandwiches, meats and appetizers.

• Slather it on roast beef, turkey or other deli sandwiches.
• Spoon it onto burgers, grilled chicken or Instant Pot chicken breasts.
• Add it to a homemade Beef ’n Cheddar.
• Serve it as a dipping sauce for French fries, curly fries, onion rings or potato chips.
• Use it as a dunking sauce for chicken nuggets or chicken tenders.
• Add a tangy kick to grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese quesadillas.
• Mix it with ranch dressing to make a creamy red ranch dipping sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arby’s Sauce the Same as Barbecue Sauce?

No. Arby’s sauce is thinner and more tangy than traditional barbecue sauce, with less sweetness and smokiness. It has a tomato base with savory depth and a mild peppery kick.

What Is the Difference Between Arby’s Sauce and Horsey Sauce?

Arby’s sauce is a tangy, tomato-based red sauce with mild sweetness and heat. Horsey Sauce is a creamy white condiment made with horseradish and has a sharper, more pungent flavor.

Is Arby’s Sauce Spicy?

Arby’s sauce has a mild kick, but it is not especially spicy. This recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce for gentle heat. Reduce it for a milder sauce or add more to taste.

Can I Make Arby’s Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes. In fact, making it a day ahead gives the flavors extra time to blend. Store it covered in the refrigerator and stir before serving.

How Long Does Homemade Arby’s Sauce Last?

Store homemade Arby’s sauce in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow the sauce to cool completely before covering it, and give it a quick stir before serving.

For the best flavor and consistency, do not leave the sauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Discard it if you notice mold, an unusual odor or a change in appearance.

Can You Freeze Homemade Arby’s Sauce?

Yes, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. Freeze the cooled sauce in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then stir well before serving.

Can You Buy Arby’s Sauce?

Yes, you can buy bottled Arby’s Sauce at select grocery stores or purchase Arby’s Sauce on Amazon. It is typically stocked near the barbecue sauces and condiments, although availability varies by location.

The bottled sauce is convenient when you do not have time to make your own. This homemade version takes only about 10 minutes, though, and lets you adjust the sweetness, tang and heat to suit your taste.

More Homemade Sauces and Seasonings

Once you see how easy it is to make Arby’s sauce at home, try one of these other homemade favorites:

• Cilantro Lime Sauce – A creamy, tangy sauce for tacos, chicken and vegetables.
• Avocado Ranch Dressing – Cool, creamy and perfect for salads, wraps or dipping.
• Everything But the Bagel Seasoning – Make this popular savory seasoning blend at home.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce – A classic sweet and tangy sauce for grilled meats and sandwiches.
• Homemade Enchilada Sauce – An easy sauce that adds bold flavor to enchiladas and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

More Copycat Recipes

Recreate more restaurant favorites at home with these easy copycat recipes:

• Cranberry Bliss Bars – A copycat of the popular Starbucks treat, packed with cranberries, white chocolate and a hint of orange.
• Easy Orange Chicken – Skip takeout and make this sweet, sticky chicken at home.
• Ginger Sauce – A savory Benihana-inspired dipping sauce.
• Easy Mongolian Beef – A quick, savory-sweet beef dinner that is ready in less than 30 minutes.

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