Arby's Roast Beef Sauce Recipe: Smoky Horseradish Cream Cheese Velocity

This Arby's roast beef sauce recipe delivers the signature tangy, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor that makes their sandwiches legendary. The secret lies in balancing horseradish's sharp kick with creamy cheese and a touch of sugar to round out the heat.

I've recreated it exactly as the fast-food chain does—no shortcuts, just authentic taste in every spoonful.

The sauce starts with a base of ketchup and tomato paste for that classic red hue, then builds depth with vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices. What sets it apart is the horseradish and cream cheese, which give it that signature creamy texture and bold flavor.

The key is simmering everything together until it thickens just enough to coat meat perfectly without being gluey.

What you'll end up with is a sauce that's rich, slightly sweet, and packed with that signature horseradish punch—ideal for drizzling over roast beef sandwiches, burgers, or even as a dip for fries.

The balance of flavors is precise: tangy from the vinegar, sweet from the sugar, and creamy from the cheese, all coming together in a harmonious blend.

This recipe makes enough for multiple uses, so you can enjoy that Arby's taste at home without the drive-thru. Let's get started on recreating this iconic sauce.

Ingredients for arby's roast beef sauce

Nine simple ingredients transform into Arby's iconic roast beef sauce—creamy, tangy, and packed with horseradish kick.

The cream cheese is non-negotiable here—it's what gives the sauce that signature velvety texture. Philadelphia brand is my go-to because it's smooth and melts perfectly. If you're using block cream cheese, microwave it 20 seconds first to speed up blending. The horseradish is the star, so grab the mild variety unless you love heat. I always buy mine at Walmart or Kroger—it's cheaper than specialty stores and just as good. For the ketchup, Heinz is the classic choice, but any good-quality brand works.

No horseradish on hand? Substitute with 1 tbsp Dijon mustard plus 1 tsp hot sauce—it won't be identical, but it'll get you close. Running low on vinegar? Lemon juice works in a pinch, though it'll be slightly sweeter. The tomato paste can be swapped for 1/4 cup crushed tomatoes if you're out, but it'll be thinner. For a smokier flavor, add 1/4 tsp smoked paprika. The sugar can be swapped for maple syrup or honey, but sugar keeps it classic. If you're making this ahead, store the sauce without the horseradish—add it fresh before serving to keep the kick bright.

This sauce keeps beautifully—5 days in the fridge sealed in a jar. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. I like to make a double batch because it disappears fast. The sauce thickens as it sits, so add 1 tsp water if it gets too thick when reheating. It reheats perfectly—just warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. The best part? It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Step-by-step instructions for Arby's roast beef sauce

Let's make this iconic sauce from scratch—creamy, tangy, and packed with that signature horseradish kick.

In a medium saucepan, combine the 0.75 cup ketchup and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Stir over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until the tomato paste fully dissolves and the mixture begins to thicken slightly. You're building the foundation here—the ketchup provides that classic tang while the tomato paste adds depth.

Keep an eye on the pan—you don't want it to boil or burn. The mixture should be smooth and well-blended before moving on. This step ensures your sauce has that rich, velvety texture that balances the sharp horseradish later. If you notice any lumps, use a whisk to smooth them out completely.

Pour in the 0.5 cup white vinegar and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Stir well to combine, then sprinkle in the 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried mustard, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld together.

This is where the sauce starts to come together—the vinegar brightens the flavors, the sugar balances the acidity, and the seasonings create that savory backbone. You'll notice the aroma becoming more complex as everything integrates. If the mixture looks too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to loosen it slightly—this ensures a smooth consistency later.

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the 8 oz cream cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. This is the moment that matters—adding the cream cheese too quickly can cause clumping. Once fully incorporated, stir in the 2 tbsp prepared horseradish. The sauce will thicken noticeably, and the horseradish will give it that signature kick.

Taste the sauce at this stage—it should be tangy, slightly sweet, and sharp from the horseradish. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or sugar to balance the flavors. The cream cheese adds that signature creaminess, while the horseradish delivers the bold, spicy punch that makes this sauce unforgettable.

Continue simmering the sauce for 8-10 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. It should coat the back of a spoon smoothly without being gluey. If it thickens too much, thin it with 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the perfect consistency—creamy but still pourable.

Once the sauce is smooth and well-balanced, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. This resting period allows the flavors to fully meld together. Serve it warm or at room temperature—it’s delicious on roast beef sandwiches, as a dip, or even as a topping for burgers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, though it’s best enjoyed fresh!

Dietary considerations for this recipe

Gluten-Free Adaptations

The original recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your ingredients—especially the ketchup and prepared horseradish. Brands like Heinz and Hunts offer gluten-free ketchup varieties, while Simply Organic horseradish is certified gluten-free.

I keep a bottle of Annie's Organic Ketchup on hand because it's guaranteed gluten-free and just as tangy. 💛

Dairy-Free Substitutes

For a dairy-free version, replace the 8 oz cream cheese with 8 oz dairy-free cream cheese (like Kite Hill or Violife). These brands melt smoothly and provide the same creamy texture.

You can also use cashew cream—blend 1 cup soaked cashews with ½ cup water until ultra-smooth—for a richer, nutty twist. The horseradish remains the same, but the sauce will have a slightly different mouthfeel.

Low-Calorie Options

To cut calories, reduce the 2 tbsp granulated sugar to 1 tbsp and use sugar-free ketchup (like Hunts No Sugar Added). Swap the 8 oz cream cheese for 4 oz light cream cheese and add 4 oz non-fat Greek yogurt for protein without sacrificing creaminess.

This version keeps the tangy kick while slashing calories by nearly half. Taste as you go—you might need an extra pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Vegan Version

For a fully vegan sauce, omit the cream cheese and use ½ cup vegan mayo (like Hellmann's Vegan) plus ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk to mimic the creaminess. Replace the 8 oz cream cheese with ½ cup vegan cream cheese (like Miyoko's).

The horseradish and vinegar stay the same, but the sauce will be lighter. Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar extra for brightness—it helps compensate for the missing dairy richness.

Allergy-Friendly Notes

If you're sensitive to mustard, skip the 1 tsp dried mustard and add ½ tsp extra garlic powder for depth. For vinegar allergies, substitute with lemon juice (use ¼ cup instead of ½ cup vinegar).

Always introduce new ingredients gradually—start with ½ the amount before adjusting to taste. The horseradish is the most critical flavor, so never skip it unless you have a severe allergy.

Keto-Friendly Adjustments

This sauce is already keto-friendly, but you can enhance it further by reducing the 2 tbsp sugar to 1 tsp and using erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead. For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp melted butter at the end (after removing from heat).

The cream cheese and horseradish keep it low-carb while delivering that signature Arby's flavor. Just watch your portion sizes—this sauce is decadent but still fits into a keto lifestyle with moderation.

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