Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat Recipe

There’s something irresistible about Arby’s Beef & Cheddar — the tender roast beef, the melty cheddar sauce, that tangy red sauce, all piled onto a soft onion roll. And guess what? You can make this classic favorite at home in under 30 minutes! It’s rich, cheesy, meaty, and completely satisfying — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a game day treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Convenient: Done in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients, it’s ideal for those evenings when you need dinner fast.
• Restaurant-Style at Home: Tastes just like the original, maybe even better, because you control the ingredients.
• Kid and Crowd-Friendly: Everyone loves it. It’s melty, savory, and full of bold flavors.
• Budget-Friendly: Making it at home costs a fraction of the drive-thru version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Roast Beef: Thinly sliced deli roast beef is best. Gently warm it in broth or water to keep it tender.
• Onion Rolls: These slightly sweet, soft rolls are essential. Look for ones with a shiny onion topping.
• Cheddar Cheese Sauce: Use a prepared cheddar sauce, or make a quick one with shredded cheddar, milk, and a little cornstarch for thickness.
• Arby’s-Style Red Sauce: A mix of ketchup, BBQ sauce, and a touch of vinegar and sugar mimics that tangy original.
• Butter: For toasting the buns just right.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the cheese sauce.
• Smoky Twist: Use smoked cheddar or a smoky BBQ sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve it in a lettuce wrap or over a bed of greens.
• Make it Deluxe: Add crispy onions or a slice of tomato.

How to Make Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat

Step 1: Warm the Roast Beef

Heat your sliced roast beef gently in a skillet with a few tablespoons of water or beef broth. Cover and steam until warm, but not boiling.

Step 2: Make or Heat the Cheese Sauce

If making from scratch, combine cheddar, milk, and a pinch of cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and melty. Store-bought sauce can be gently heated.

Step 3: Mix the Red Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, BBQ sauce, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Adjust to taste.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

Butter the inside of the onion rolls and toast them on a skillet or griddle until golden.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

Layer the warm roast beef on the bottom half of the bun. Drizzle with the cheddar cheese sauce, then spoon on the red sauce. Cap it with the top bun and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Just steam to warm. Overcooking will make it tough.
• Use Good-Quality Rolls: Onion rolls with a soft crumb and bold flavor make all the difference.
• Customize the Sauces: Adjust sweetness, tang, or spice to match your taste buds.
• Make It a Meal: Serve with curly fries or a simple side salad.

How to Serve

This sandwich shines on its own, but pairing it thoughtfully can turn it into a full meal:

Serve With:

• Classic curly fries or seasoned potato wedges.
• Coleslaw or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
• Pickles on the side for extra tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the individual components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling.

Freezing

Freeze the roast beef and cheese sauce in separate containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm roast beef in broth on the stove, and gently reheat the cheese sauce over low heat or in the microwave, stirring often.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread?
Yes! While onion rolls are classic, brioche buns, pretzel buns, or even hoagie rolls can work in a pinch.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese sauce?
You can make your own with shredded cheddar, milk, and a touch of cornstarch or flour to thicken. It’s fast and customizable.

How do I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Use gluten-free buns and ensure your sauces (BBQ and ketchup) are certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare this for a party?
Absolutely! Warm the beef and sauces in slow cookers, and let guests assemble their own sandwiches buffet-style.

Final Thoughts

This Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat brings that nostalgic fast-food flavor home with fresh ingredients and bold taste. It’s easy, it’s satisfying, and it might just become your new favorite go-to sandwich. Try it tonight and see how homemade can beat the drive-thru every time!

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