If you’ve ever craved that ultimate fast-food comfort classic, the Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat is about to make your day. This homemade spin replicates everything you love: tender roast beef, melty cheddar sauce, tangy red ranch, and a pillowy onion roll—all made right in your own kitchen. Each bite layers savory, creamy, and tangy goodness, and you might just find this version tastes even better than the drive-thru. Ready to bring the nostalgic magic home? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something almost magical about simple ingredients coming together in such a crave-worthy way. Each component of the Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat plays a starring role: from juicy beef to velvety cheese sauce and that signature zippy sauce, you’ll taste the love in every bite.
- Deli-sliced roast beef: Go for high-quality, thinly sliced roast beef from your deli counter for the most tender, flavorful results.
- Onion sandwich rolls: These soft, slightly sweet buns studded with bits of onion bring that unmistakable Arby’s flavor—and they toast up beautifully.
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts best and adds a rich, creamy element to your sauce.
- Milk: A splash of whole milk makes your cheese sauce perfectly pourable and silky.
- Butter: Just a pat melds everything together and adds a touch of glossy richness to the cheese sauce.
- Cornstarch: Whisked into the cheese sauce, this helps thicken everything to the classic gooey, dippable consistency.
- Ketchup: The base for the homemade “red ranch,” giving it that sweet, tomato pop.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds essential tang and brightness to the signature sauce.
- Sugar: Just enough to balance the tang and spice in the red ranch.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: A dash of each gives depth and savory notes to the sauce.
- Salt & pepper: These bring all the flavors into focus—don’t forget a final pinch to taste!
How to Make Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat
Step 1: Warm the Roast Beef
Start by gently warming your deli-sliced roast beef in a skillet over medium-low heat. You want it hot and juicy but not dried out! Splash in a tablespoon or two of water or beef broth, cover, and let the steam do its job for a minute or two. This wakes up the flavors and makes every bite extra tender.
Step 2: Toast the Onion Rolls
While the beef is heating, slice your onion sandwich rolls and toast them, cut sides down, in a dry skillet or under a broiler. Toasting adds irresistible texture and ensures your Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat doesn’t get soggy once sauced and stacked.
Step 3: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch and cook briefly, then gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and bubbly. Reduce the heat and add the shredded cheddar, stirring until it melts into a velvety, pourable sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and keep warm over low heat—this cheese sauce is pure bliss!
Step 4: Whip Up the Red Ranch Sauce
Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth and taste for that tangy-sweet zing. Adjust with extra vinegar or sugar if you crave more punch. This bright red ranch is your ticket to an authentic Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat flavor.
Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece
Time for the fun part! Spread a generous spoonful of red ranch sauce on the bottom half of each toasted onion roll. Pile on the warmed roast beef, ladle that luscious cheddar cheese sauce over the top, then crown it all with the roll’s top half. Bask in your handiwork—this is a sandwich worth celebrating!
How to Serve Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat
Garnishes
Finish your Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat with a flourish! A sprinkle of chopped chives or fresh parsley adds color and freshness, while a handful of crispy fried onions brings crunch and even more onion flavor. For a little heat, try a pinch of cayenne or a few pickled jalapeño slices.
Side Dishes
It wouldn’t feel like a true fast-food feast without a few classic sides. Curly fries or thick-cut potato wedges are an obvious and beloved match. You could also go for tangy coleslaw, pickles, or even a simple green salad to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style spread, assemble smaller slider versions of the Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat—great for parties or game day. Or, turn the components into a build-your-own bar and let everyone stack their perfect sandwich for a hands-on, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store the roast beef, cheese sauce, and red ranch in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the onion rolls at room temperature (well wrapped) to maintain their softness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the roast beef and cheese sauce separately in freezer-safe bags for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling. Fresh rolls are always best, so freeze only the meat and sauce components.
Reheating
Reheat the roast beef gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, and warm the cheese sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. A few seconds in the microwave will do the trick for the red ranch. Assemble your Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat as usual and enjoy it hot!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for that authentic Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat taste, feel free to experiment with American cheese, Colby jack, or a blend for a unique twist. Just make sure whatever you use melts smoothly.
What’s the best way to keep the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
The secret is to use low heat and freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that impact melting. Always stir constantly and remove the sauce from the heat as soon as it’s glossy and smooth.
Where can I buy onion sandwich rolls?
Most major supermarkets carry onion sandwich rolls in the bakery section. If you can’t find them, Kaiser rolls or even brioche buns are great substitutes—just toast them well and add a sprinkle of crispy onions for the flavor boost!
How can I make this Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat gluten-free?
Swap out the onion rolls for your favorite gluten-free buns and make sure your roast beef and sauces don’t contain any hidden wheat or gluten ingredients. Double-check all labels, and you’ll have a gluten-free version that’s just as delicious.
Is there a way to make the red ranch sauce spicier?
Of course! Add a dash of hot sauce or a little cayenne pepper to the ketchup mixture for a spicy kick. You can also mix in a touch of horseradish if you love heat and a bit of sinus-clearing zing.
Final Thoughts
Bringing the cheerful flavors of the Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat into your own kitchen is pure comfort food joy. Let yourself savor every layer and have fun customizing it to your taste. You might even find yourself craving this homemade version over the original, so gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a truly satisfying sandwich night soon!
Print
Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat recipe will satisfy your fast-food cravings at home. Tender roast beef topped with gooey cheddar cheese sauce, all sandwiched between a soft onion bun – it’s a delicious dupe of the classic favorite.
Ingredients
For the Roast Beef:
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheddar Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Sandwich:
- 4 onion buns
- 1/2 cup prepared cheese sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Roast Beef: In a skillet, warm the roast beef with beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until heated through.
- Make the Cheddar Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk. Add cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the onion buns, pile on the warm roast beef, drizzle with cheddar sauce, and top with the other half of the bun.
Notes
- You can customize the level of cheesiness by adjusting the amount of cheddar sauce.
- Feel free to add some horseradish or hot sauce for extra flavor kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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