If you crave that irresistible combination of tender roast beef, melty cheddar sauce, and sweet onion bun from the famous fast-food chain, you’ll love this Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat. This homemade version checks all the boxes: it’s satisfyingly savory, surprisingly simple, and every bite brings back memories of drive-thru indulgence. With a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and a few clever tricks, you’ll recreate that signature taste right at home—no mystery ingredients, just craveable comfort and a little kitchen magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how each ingredient brings something essential to the table—nothing complicated, but every piece adds up to the true Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat experience. Make sure to use fresh, quality ingredients for the biggest flavor payoff and a nostalgic, fast-food-style wow factor.
- Onion sandwich buns: These slightly sweet, aromatic buns are the secret to mimicking that classic Arby’s flavor and ultra-soft texture.
- Thinly sliced roast beef: Look for deli-style roast beef that’s both tender and flavorful—the thinner, the better for melt-in-your-mouth results.
- Cheddar cheese sauce: The creamy, tangy cheese sauce is a star player; you can use a store-bought version, or make your own for extra richness.
- Arby’s-style red ranch sauce: This sweet, zippy sauce adds an unmistakable tang; it’s easy to whip up using ketchup, vinegar, and a few simple seasonings.
- Butter: A little butter on the buns delivers irresistible flavor and gets them golden and toasty.
- Milk: If you’re making cheese sauce from scratch, milk creates the smooth, silky base that keeps things luscious.
- Cheddar cheese (for homemade sauce): Go with sharp cheddar for the boldest flavor and richest color.
- Cornstarch or flour (for sauce): Just a touch helps transform your cheese sauce into that gloriously thick, dippable consistency you know and love.
How to Make Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat
Step 1: Warm the Roast Beef
Start by gently warming your thinly sliced roast beef so it stays juicy and tender. Lay out the slices in a skillet set over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if you’d like to keep them extra moist. Pop a lid on and let the beef steam for a couple of minutes—just until it’s hot all the way through. Take care not to overcook the meat or it will become dry instead of silky soft, just like the original.
Step 2: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
For the iconic, silky-smooth cheese blanket, combine cheddar cheese, milk, and a bit of cornstarch or flour in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the cheese melts into a lush, creamy sauce—thick enough to dollop, but still pourable. If using store-bought, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s ready to flow over your sandwich.
Step 3: Toast the Onion Buns
Slather the inside of each onion bun lightly with butter, then toast them on a skillet or griddle until they’re just golden and warm. This step brings out the sweet aroma of the onions and builds a sturdy base to soak up all those luscious sauces without turning soggy.
Step 4: Craft the Red Ranch Sauce
The signature Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat sauce is beautifully simple: stir together ketchup, a splash of white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar. Adjust to your preferred sweetness and tang. This bright, slightly zippy sauce brings the whole flavor party together!
Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of the red ranch sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Pile on the warm roast beef, drape it with a truly indulgent amount of cheddar cheese sauce, and top it off with the other half of the bun. Press gently so everything melts into place—a picture-perfect copycat right from your own kitchen.
How to Serve Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat
Garnishes
If you want to go beyond the classic, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions on top of the cheese sauce for a pop of color and a fresh bite. Some folks love a few fried onion strings or crispy shallots for crunch—these extras make your Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat feel restaurant-worthy while still staying true to the original.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with classic curly fries or thick-cut potato wedges served alongside this sandwich. A crisp, tangy coleslaw is also a perfect palate refresher, or keep things light with a simple green salad. Any of these options will round out your Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat meal and give it that authentic fast-food feast vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider making mini sliders using small dinner rolls for parties or game days—they’re adorable and totally irresistible. Or serve open-faced with a knife and fork, pooling a little extra cheese sauce and ranch on the side for dipping. However you present it, don’t forget the classic fast-food paper wrap or basket for a nostalgic experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra ingredients or an assembled Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat left, store the roast beef, cheese sauce, and sauces separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Buns can stay at room temperature if used within a day or two, but everything else needs to stay cool and fresh for best results.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover roast beef for up to two months, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. The cheese sauce can be frozen in a resealable bag or container, though it may need some vigorous stirring after reheating to regain its creamy consistency. It’s best not to freeze assembled sandwiches, as the bun and sauce don’t thaw well together.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm roast beef in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water. Microwave the cheese sauce in short bursts, stirring in between until smooth and steaming. Toast the bun just before assembling to bring everything back to its fresh-from-the-oven glory—even leftovers will taste like a new Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat masterpiece.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar stays closest to the original, you can play with mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a little Monterey Jack for a creamier result. The key is making sure the cheese melts well and delivers that bold, tangy flavor.
How do I get my roast beef as thin as Arby’s?
Ask your deli counter to slice the roast beef paper-thin—it makes all the difference! At home, you can briefly freeze a small roast and use a sharp knife for shavings, but the deli slicer method gives the best texture and mouthfeel for this Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat.
Is it possible to make the red ranch sauce in advance?
Yes, you can stir up a batch of the red ranch sauce days ahead and pop it in the refrigerator. The flavors will even meld and improve over time, making sandwich assembly even quicker and easier when you’re ready to satisfy that craving.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free buns and make sure your cheese sauce (and any store-bought ingredients) are certified gluten-free. The rest of the Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat recipe is naturally free of gluten, so substitutions are straightforward.
What’s the best way to keep the sauce from getting clumpy?
Whether you’re making the cheese sauce from scratch or reheating, always use gentle, low heat and stir often. Adding a splash of milk can help smooth things out if it thickens too much. Patience is key for that signature creamy texture!
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright thrilling about being able to whip up an Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat sandwich at home. Not only is it fun (and fast), but every bite delivers pure nostalgia and cheesy comfort that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be surprised how close you can get to the real thing, minus the drive-thru line!
Print
Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
Love Arby’s Beef and Cheddar but can’t always make it to the restaurant? Try this delicious copycat recipe at home! Tender roast beef, tangy cheddar cheese sauce, and a soft onion bun come together to recreate that classic Arby’s flavor.
Ingredients
For the Roast Beef:
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the Cheddar Sauce:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
- 4 onion buns
Instructions
- Prepare the Roast Beef: In a saucepan, combine the roast beef, beef broth, onion, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until heated through.
- Make the Cheddar Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour, then slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Divide the roast beef among the onion buns. Top with a generous amount of cheddar sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can toast the onion buns for added flavor and texture.
- Feel free to add some horseradish or Dijon mustard for extra zing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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