The iconic Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich – an irresistible combo of savory roast beef, tangy Arby’s sauce, and luscious cheddar sauce, all piled high on a fluffy onion bun.
But who says you can only enjoy this fast-food favorite at Arby’s? With this easy copycat version, you can recreate Arbys beef and cheddar right at home. And let me tell you, they’re the real deal!
Are you a fan of Arby’s? My husband, Jeremy, sure is. Like excessively so, haha! I thought up this recipe just for him. Now he can enjoy a fresh Arby’s sandwich whenever he wants, and he doesn’t even have to drive to the restaurant!
This recipe makes four large, famous roast beef sandwiches. If you don’t have that big of an appetite, it’ll be enough for eight smaller sandwiches.
My favorite roast beef to use is Boar’s Head Simplicity Oven Roasted Beef. It stays nice and tender when you add it to the broth.
I like to use sharp cheddar cheese in the cheese sauce, so the flavor really shines through. You can use mild or medium cheddar if you would like. I would not use another variety of cheese since then the sandwich would not be beef and cheddar!
Let’s not forget to talk about the tangy sauce! It’s not exactly like Arby’s sauce, but it is very close. It’s a fantastic sauce for the sandwich as well as for dipping ALL the things! You’ll probably want to add it to your list of homemade sauces for future use.
Serve with curly fries, mozzarella sticks, and jalapeno poppers for the full Arby’s experience! You can find all of these items in the frozen food section at the grocery store.
Be sure to save the recipe card down below for later. The next time you want a good Arbys Beef and Cheddar, you’ll have it in a jiffy!
Some of our other favorite sandwich recipes we have on our site include: Best Copycat Maid Rite Recipe (Loose Meat Sandwich), Breakfast Bagel Sandwich, and Leftover Turkey Sandwich Moistmaker.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- The Ingredients: The ingredients are simple and easy to find at your local grocery stores. It’s all about the roast beef, tangy Arby’s sauce, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and those soft onion buns.
- Simplicity: The recipe is easy to follow, even for kitchen newbies.
- Taste: Last but certainly not least, it tastes just like the classic beef and cheddar sandwich from Arby’s, maybe even better!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Ketchup
- Light Brown Sugar
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Unsalted Butter
- All-Purpose Flour
- Whole Milk
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Low Sodium Beef Broth
- Thinly Sliced Deli Roast Beef
- Onion Hamburger Buns
HOW TO MAKE ARBYS BEEF AND CHEDDAR:
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl. Whisk to combine, and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it is melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly stream in the milk while whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer, about 5 minutes, and take off the heat. Stir in the cheese until melted, and set aside.
- Add the beef broth to a large skillet over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Separate the slices of roast beef one by one and drop them into the simmering broth. This will help the meat not to stick together. We are looking to just warm the beef, so only cook it for 1-2 minutes.
- Add some homemade Arby’s sauce to the bottom of an onion hamburger bun. Top with the beef. Add the cheese sauce on the top of the roast beef along with the top of the bun. Serve immediately.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT KIND OF ROAST BEEF SHOULD I USE?
Boar’s Head Simplicity Oven Roasted Beef is a great option, but any tender, thinly sliced deli roast beef should work fine.
CAN I USE ANOTHER KIND OF CHEESE?
This is a beef and cheddar sandwich, so for that classic taste, stick with sharp cheddar or medium or mild cheddar will work too.
But if you prefer another kind of cheese, feel free to experiment! Just make sure it is a good melting cheese.
WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND ONION BUNS?
No worries! While onion buns add a nice flavor, you can also use sesame seed buns or your favorite hamburger buns.
HOW DO I REHEAT THE SANDWICH?
The best way to reheat is in the microwave or oven, just until heated through. If heating in the oven, I suggest wrapping the whole sandwich in foil so it doesn’t fry out.
Avoid reheating in the saucepan, as it might make the bun soggy.
CAN I FREEZE THIS SANDWICH?
This recipe is best when eaten fresh. Freezing is not recommended, as it can change the texture of the beef and make the bun soggy.
ANY ADDTIONS?
If you think you’ve got a great idea that will add to this recipe, go ahead! Here a few possibilities. It won’t be the classic, but it will be great!
- A dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick
- Add some pickles for a tangy crunch
- Swap onion buns for poppy seed buns
- Add some lettuce and tomato for a fresh crunch
- Bacon because, well, bacon!
- Add some caramelized onions for a sweet twist
- Some jalapenos for a fiery kick
- Avocado slices for a creamy addition
- A dollop of horsey sauce for extra tang
- Add some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as it may alter the texture of the beef and the bun.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Make the cheese sauce just before making the sandwiches so it’s still warm.
- Reheat leftovers just until heated through to maintain the best texture.
- Use thinly sliced beef for a tender bite.
- Don’t rush the cheese sauce; let it simmer gently for a creamy finish.
- Toast the buns lightly for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Serve with seasoned curly fries or mozzarella sticks for the full Arby’s experience!
And there you have it, friends – your very own homemade Arbys Beef and Cheddar sandwich! With this copycat recipe, you can savor this delightful sandwich anytime that craving hits.
It’s such a great roast beef sandwich, it might even be better than the real thing! Enjoy the process, add your own touch, and don’t forget to serve with a big smile, because nothing beats a warm, cheesy sandwich made with love.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this ARBYS BEEF AND CHEDDAR, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Copycat Arbys Beef and Cheddar Sandwich
Ingredients
For the Arby’s sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the cheese sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the sandwich assembly:
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 4 onion hamburger buns
Instructions
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl. Whisk to combine, and set aside.1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it is melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Slowly stream in the milk while whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer, about 5 minutes, and take off the heat. Stir in the cheese until melted, and set aside.1 cup whole milk, 6 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Add the beef broth to a large skillet over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer for about 5 minutes.2 cups low sodium beef broth
- Separate the slices of roast beef one by one and drop them into the simmering broth. This will help the meat not to stick together. We are looking to just warm the beef, so only cook it for 1-2 minutes.1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- Add some homemade Arby’s sauce to the bottom of an onion hamburger bun. Top with the beef. Add the cheese sauce on the top of the roast beef along with the top of the bun. Serve immediately.4 onion hamburger buns
Notes
- Make the cheese sauce just before making the sandwiches so it’s still warm.
- Reheat leftovers just until heated through to maintain the best texture.
- Use thinly sliced beef for a tender bite.
- Don’t rush the cheese sauce; let it simmer gently for a creamy finish.
- Toast the buns lightly for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Serve with seasoned curly fries or mozzarella sticks for the full Arby’s experience!
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