Ingredients

Venison

• Venison roast (top round, bottom round, or similar cut)
• Worcestershire sauce

Seasoning Rub

• 1 part salt
• ½ part black pepper
• Onion powder, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste

Homemade Arby’s-Style Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Sauce

Ingredients

• Cheese of choice (Cooper cheese works great)
• Milk

For the Sandwiches

• Sandwich buns

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Season the Roast

Lightly coat the venison roast with Worcestershire sauce.

In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season the roast evenly on all sides.

Allow the roast to sit while the smoker comes up to temperature.

Step 2: Smoke the Venison

Preheat your smoker to 225°F.

Place the roast on the smoker and cook for approximately 45 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred internal temperature.

For the best deli-style texture, keep the venison on the rarer side. This helps maintain tenderness and makes thin slicing much easier after chilling.

Step 3: Rest and Chill

Remove the roast from the smoker and allow it to cool completely.

Once cooled, vacuum seal the roast or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

This overnight rest is one of the most important steps, helping the meat firm up for clean, thin slices.

Step 4: Slice Thin

Using a sharp knife or meat slicer, slice the chilled venison as thin as possible.

Set aside until ready to build the sandwiches.

Make the Arby’s-Style Sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once slightly thickened, remove from heat and allow it to cool.

Make the Cheese Sauce

Add your cheese to a saucepan over low heat.

Slowly add small amounts of milk while stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and pourable.

Keep warm until serving.

Build the Sandwiches

Lightly toast the sandwich buns.

Pile a generous amount of sliced venison onto each bun.

Top with warm cheese sauce and a drizzle of the homemade Arby’s-style sauce.

Add the top bun and serve immediately.

TaggedOut Tip

Don't overcook the venison on the smoker. Keeping the roast on the rare side before chilling creates the perfect deli-style texture, allowing you to slice it thin while keeping every bite tender and juicy.

Whether you're looking for a new way to use a venison roast or simply craving a wild game twist on a fast-food favorite, these Smoked Venison Beef & Cheddar Sandwiches are guaranteed to become a repeat recipe.