Arby’s Italian Beef Dip is one of those meals. It’s not just a sandwich; it’s a rich, flavorful experience. From the perfectly seasoned roast beef to the melty provolone cheese and that irresistible au jus for dipping, each bite feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Table of Contents
How to make Arby’s Italian Beef Dip
Arby’s Italian Beef Dip is a limited-time sandwich that’s basically the chain’s take on a dippable roast-beef sandwich with a bit of Italian-inspired flair.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (look for deli-style roast beef, or make your own by slow-cooking beef for slicing)
- 4-6 sub rolls or hoagie buns (soft but sturdy enough to hold all the fillings)
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or more depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned roasted red peppers, sliced (you can find jarred options for convenience, or roast them yourself)
- 2 tablespoons butter, optional (for toasting the rolls)
For the Au Jus Dip:
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium is a good choice if you’re adjusting other flavors later)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (adds depth and richness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Au Jus Dip
- In a medium saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Turn the heat to low and keep the au jus warm while you prepare the sandwiches.
Step 2: Toast the Rolls
- Slice the sub rolls or hoagie buns in half lengthwise.
- Optional: Brush the interior sides of the rolls lightly with butter and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Heat the sliced roast beef in a skillet or saucepan with a small amount of the prepared au jus. Allow the beef to soak up some flavor and warm through without becoming dry.
- Place the warmed beef onto the bottom half of each toasted roll.
- Add provolone cheese slices on top of the roast beef. If you want a gooey texture, you can briefly pop the sandwich halves under the broiler or in the oven at 375°F, just until the cheese melts.
- Layer the roasted red peppers on top of the cheese.
- Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich and press lightly to hold everything together.
Step 4: Serve with Au Jus Dip
- Pour the warm au jus into small individual serving bowls or ramekins.
- Serve the sandwiches alongside the dip, letting everyone dunk their sandwich to their heart’s content for that delicious burst of flavor!
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Italian Beef Dip
- Thinly Sliced Beef: If you’re preparing roast beef from scratch, use a meat slicer or a sharp knife to achieve deli-thin cuts. Thinner slices absorb more flavor from the au jus.
- Cheese Options: While provolone is the classic choice, feel free to use mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a slightly different twist.
- Roasting Your Own Peppers: For a fresh touch, roast red peppers at home by broiling or grilling them until the skin chars slightly, then peel and slice.
- Make Ahead: The au jus can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm it up right before serving.
- Customizations: Add some sautéed onions or even a spicy giardiniera to mimic a Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich.
- Broiling Tip: If broiling the cheese, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning — it only needs 1-2 minutes.
What to serve with
Arby’s Italian Beef Dip Sandwich is such a rich, savory, and satisfying meal on its own, but what takes it to the next level is pairing it with the perfect sides.
a. Crispy French Fries: A classic pairing with any sandwich, fries are a no-brainer. Opt for curly fries if you want to mimic the Arby’s experience, or go for crispy shoestring or steak-cut fries for variety.
b. Onion Rings:The crunch of onion rings adds a great texture to the meal. Choose beer-battered onion rings for an extra crispy and flavorful bite. Make sure to serve a side of ranch or zesty dipping sauce to complement the sandwich’s flavors.
c. Mozzarella Sticks: Cheesy, gooey mozzarella sticks are another indulgent side that pairs wonderfully with a Arby’s Italian Beef Dip. The flavor of the melted cheese blends well with the provolone on the sandwich. Dip them in marinara or your leftover au jus for a fun twist!
Ingredients Substitutes
Making Arby’s Italian Beef Dip at home is a fun and rewarding culinary experience, but sometimes you might not have all the exact ingredients on hand. The good news is that this recipe is versatile, and you can swap or substitute many components without sacrificing its rich, delicious flavor.
1. Roast Beef Substitutes
The core of the Arby’s Italian Beef Dip sandwich is thinly sliced roast beef. If you don’t have roast beef or want to try other options, here are some substitutes:
a. Slow-Cooked Beef: Instead of deli-style roast beef, you can slow-cook a beef roast (like chuck roast or eye of round). Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper. Cook it low and slow with beef broth in a crockpot or oven, then slice as thin as possible.
b. Leftover Beef or Steak: Got leftover steak, pot roast, or prime rib? Thinly slice or shred it, warm it up with a bit of broth or au jus, and you’re good to go! This is a great way to revive leftovers into a new recipe.
c. Shredded Chicken for a Twist: While not traditional, shredded chicken (seasoned with Italian spices) can make for a lighter version of the sandwich. Heat the chicken in the au jus to infuse it with flavor.
d. Vegetarian/Vegan Substitute: For meat-free options, try jackfruit (canned or fresh), shredded and simmered in the au jus for a similar texture. You can also use seitan or portobello mushrooms as replacements for a hearty, chewy alternative.
2. Provolone Cheese Substitutes
Provolone cheese provides a creamy, mild flavor to the Arby’s Italian Beef Dip, but if you don’t have it or want a different taste, here’s what you can substitute:
a. Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is the closest substitute for provolone. It gives that same stretchy, melty texture and pairs perfectly with the sandwich flavors.
b. Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese offers a nuttier flavor and melts beautifully. It’s a popular alternative for many sandwiches if you prefer a slightly different profile.
c. Mild Cheddar or Monterey Jack: These cheeses are great if you want a more approachable and familiar flavor. They won’t overpower the beef or au jus.
d. Vegan Cheese: For plant-based options, use your favorite vegan mozzarella-style cheese or any melty dairy-free variety. Brands like Daiya or Violife work well.
3. Italian-Seasoned Roasted Red Peppers Substitutes
Roasted red peppers add a sweet, slightly smoky, and tangy flavor. If you don’t have jarred roasted red peppers, here are a few substitutes:
a. Fresh Red Bell Peppers: Slice and sauté fresh red bell peppers in a bit of olive oil with Italian seasoning to mimic the flavor of roasted red peppers. While they won’t have the same smoky flavor, they’ll still complement the sandwich well.
b. Cherry Tomatoes or Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped finely) can add a similar burst of tangy-sweet flavor. Alternatively, use roasted cherry tomatoes for a slightly different twist.
c. Pickled Peppers (like Peperoncini or Banana Peppers): For a tangier and slightly spicier alternative, try pickled peppers. While they lack the roastiness, the acidity provides a nice balance to the sandwich.
4. Sub Roll Substitutes
The sub roll ideally needs to be soft yet sturdy enough to hold the fillings and allow for easy dipping into au jus. If you don’t have sub rolls, here are some alternatives:
a. Hoagie Rolls or Baguettes: Hoagie rolls or small sliced baguettes are almost identical in texture and structure to sub rolls. If the baguette is too crusty, lightly heat it in the oven or microwave to soften the exterior.
b. Ciabatta Bread: Ciabatta is an excellent option. Its airy, chewy texture absorbs the au jus nicely, but make sure it’s not too tough to bite through.
c. Dinner Rolls or Hamburger Buns: For single-serving sandwiches, larger dinner rolls or toasted hamburger buns can work well in a pinch. Split them and load them with the ingredients.
d. Gluten-Free Bread: If you’re gluten-sensitive or avoiding gluten, use gluten-free rolls or sandwich bread. Brands like Udi’s or Schär offer great options.
5. Beef Broth Substitutes (for the Au Jus)
Beef broth forms the base of the au jus dip, but you might not always have it available or need an alternative. Here are a few substitutes:
a. Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is a great substitute if you don’t have beef broth. Add a splash of soy sauce and a dash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor.
b. Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian/vegan version of au jus, go with vegetable broth. Add savory seasonings like garlic, onion powder, soy sauce, and herbs to enhance the umami flavors.
c. Water + Bouillon Cubes or Powder: If you don’t have ready-made broth, mix a beef bouillon cube or powder with hot water. It’s a quick and inexpensive way to create a flavorful broth.
d. Mushroom Broth: Mushroom broth or a stock made from dried mushrooms is an excellent vegetarian option. Thanks to the naturally rich umami flavors of mushrooms, it creates a similar depth to beef broth.
6. Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes (In Au Jus)
Worcestershire sauce is added to the au jus dip to give it a boost of savory, tangy flavor. If you’re out, try these instead:
a. Soy Sauce + Vinegar: Use a mix of soy sauce (for the salty umami flavor) and a small amount of vinegar (to mimic the tanginess).
b. Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can provide a slightly sweeter tang that pairs well with other flavors in the au jus.
c. Coconut Aminos: For a soy-free or gluten-free alternative, use coconut aminos, as they have a naturally salty, sweet, and umami-rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly made Italian Beef Dip sandwich, complete with tender roast beef, gooey cheese, and the savory punch of au jus. The beauty of this Arby’s Italian Beef Dip recipe is its adaptability — you can tweak it to suit your taste or impress a crowd.
More Arby’s Recipes:
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