The Short Answer: Yes, But With Conditions
While you can't simply walk up to the counter and order a side of plain roast beef for a single meal, Arby's does offer a way to buy their signature meat without the bun. This is done through their catering service, which sells the roast beef by the pound, usually with a minimum purchase requirement. For smaller, more immediate needs, there are also a few menu hacks that can help you get closer to your goal.
How to Buy Bulk Roast Beef from Arby's
For events or large gatherings, the catering option is the most reliable method to get a substantial amount of just the roast beef. The process involves placing a catering order, often with a 24-hour advance notice, but it is the official channel for this type of purchase.
- Catering Menu: The catering menu lists 'Roast Beef Only,' typically sold in one-pound increments, with a minimum order size of five pounds.
- Pricing: As of October 2025, the price is approximately $12 per pound, though this can vary by location and time. This price is for the meat alone, served hot and marinated in Arby's au jus.
- Availability: Not all Arby's locations participate in the catering program, so it is essential to call your local restaurant to confirm availability and place an order.
Can You Order It for a Single Serving?
For those not looking to feed a crowd, buying a single portion of plain roast beef is more difficult. Your success will likely depend on the specific restaurant and the willingness of the staff to accommodate special requests.
- Extra Meat on a Sandwich: A common workaround is to order a sandwich and ask for extra meat on the side. This is not a guarantee and may incur additional charges.
- Ordering Sliders: As one menu hack suggests, ordering two or three roast beef sliders might be a better value than a single classic sandwich and will provide a comparable amount of meat, albeit with small buns. You can then discard the bun if you only want the meat.
- Half-Pound Roast Beef: For a larger quantity, you can order the Half Pound Roast Beef sandwich and simply eat the meat, leaving the bun. This is the most direct way to get a larger portion of roast beef for a single meal, but it's not a cost-effective way to buy just the meat.
Comparison Table: Options for Getting Roast Beef
| Method | Quantity | Cost Efficiency | Requires Advance Notice? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catering Order (5 lb min) | Large (5+ lbs) | High (bulk pricing) | Yes (24 hours recommended) | Parties, meal prep, large groups |
| Half-Pound Sandwich | Medium (0.5 lb) | Low (paying for the sandwich) | No | Getting a larger individual portion |
| Roast Beef Sliders | Small (1.5 oz each) | Medium (hack for comparable classic amount) | No | Budget-friendly smaller portion |
| Requesting 'Extra Meat' | Small (variable) | Low (premium for extra) | No | Special requests at the counter |
The Historical Context of Bulk Meat Sales
Arby's has a long-standing association with its roast beef, famously coining the tagline "We have the meats®". In the past, the company has experimented with selling meat by the pound over the counter, but these have typically been temporary promotions. The catering option remains the consistent, long-term avenue for bulk purchases. The online discourse and past promotions demonstrate that there is consumer interest in buying just the meat, but the business model is centered on sandwich sales.
Navigating the Ordering Process
When you decide to order bulk roast beef, calling your preferred Arby's location is the most crucial step. Mention that you are interested in their catering options for 'Roast Beef Only.' It's important to specify the quantity and confirm the pricing. Be prepared for the possibility that not every franchise participates or may have different minimums. If your goal is a smaller quantity for a single meal, politely ask if they can serve just the roast beef, explaining your preference. While they are not obligated to, some locations might accommodate the request, but ordering a bunless sandwich or the half-pound option is a safer bet.
Conclusion
While buying just roast beef from Arby's isn't a simple a la carte option for a single meal, it is certainly possible for larger quantities through their catering service. For individual portions, the best strategy is to use a menu hack, such as ordering a half-pound sandwich or a couple of sliders, and simply enjoying the meat. By understanding the available options, you can get your roast beef fix, whether you're feeding a crowd or just craving a pile of slow-roasted beef. The key is to be prepared to order in bulk or get creative with existing menu items.
