Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat

Imagine biting into a soft, golden bun layered with tender slices of warm roast beef, smothered in creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and finished with a tangy red ranch that ties it all together. That’s the magic of Arby’s Beef & Cheddar, and now you can recreate this fast-food favorite right in your own kitchen. It’s savory, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent, making it a sandwich that satisfies every craving.

Behind the Recipe

This copycat recipe is born out of pure nostalgia. For many of us, a trip to Arby’s was a treat, the kind of meal you looked forward to after school or on road trips. Recreating it at home is like bringing back those memories with a homemade touch. The best part? You control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring every bite is fresher and even more flavorful than the original.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Arby’s introduced its signature Beef & Cheddar as a twist on the classic roast beef sandwich, adding melty cheddar sauce and their unique red ranch for an extra punch. Over the years, it’s become one of the chain’s most popular menu items. The cheddar sauce was designed to make the sandwich feel heartier and more indulgent, while the red ranch gave it a sweet and tangy zing that set it apart from regular beef sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat

This recipe is more than just a sandwich—it’s comfort in handheld form. Here’s why it’s worth making:

Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a party platter with mini buns.
Budget-Friendly: A homemade version costs a fraction of the takeout price.
Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes with simple steps.
Customizable: Adjust the cheese sauce, sauce tang, or add toppings to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with family and friends of all ages.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce and beef ahead for faster assembly.
Great for Leftovers: Leftover roast beef transforms beautifully in this sandwich.

Print

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Before you dive in, keep these insider tips handy:

• Use thinly sliced deli roast beef or leftover homemade roast beef for best texture.
• Warm the roast beef gently in beef broth to keep it juicy and flavorful.
• Make the cheddar cheese sauce from scratch for the richest taste.
• Lightly toast the onion buns to prevent sogginess and add a hint of crunch.
• Don’t skimp on the red ranch—it balances the richness of the cheese.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this copycat sandwich a breeze, gather these tools:

Saucepan: For preparing the cheddar cheese sauce.
Small Skillet: To gently warm the roast beef slices.
Mixing Bowl: For whipping up the red ranch sauce.
Whisk: Essential for smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping any extra toppings.

Ingredients in Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this iconic sandwich to life:

Onion Sandwich Buns: 4 – Soft, slightly sweet buns that make the base.
Deli Roast Beef: 500g, thinly sliced – Tender and savory, the star of the sandwich.
Beef Broth: 1 cup – Used to gently warm the roast beef while keeping it juicy.
Cheddar Cheese: 200g, shredded – The foundation of the creamy cheese sauce.
Whole Milk: 1 cup – Creates the smooth base for the sauce.
Butter: 2 tbsp – Adds richness to the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp – Thickens the cheese sauce.
Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp – Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Paprika: 1/4 tsp – Adds a subtle smoky note.
Salt: 1/4 tsp – Balances the sauce flavors.
Ketchup: 1/4 cup – Forms the base of the red ranch.
Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup – Adds creaminess to the red ranch.
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tbsp – Provides the tangy bite in the red ranch.
Sugar: 1 tsp – Balances the acidity.
Onion Powder: 1/2 tsp – Adds savory depth to the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Here are some handy swaps if you’re short on something:

Onion Sandwich Buns: Regular hamburger buns or brioche rolls.
Deli Roast Beef: Leftover homemade roast or even thin steak slices.
Cheddar Cheese: Use American cheese for extra creaminess.
Whole Milk: Half-and-half or evaporated milk for richer sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar or lemon juice.

Ingredient Spotlight

Roast Beef: Thinly sliced, tender beef is the essence of this sandwich. Warming it in broth makes it moist and flavorful, just like the fast-food version.
Cheddar Cheese: The sharper the cheddar, the more depth in the sauce. It’s the melty crown jewel of this recipe.

Instructions for Making Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat

Let’s build this masterpiece step by step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Lightly toast the onion buns under the broiler or in a skillet until golden.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth. Stir in cheddar, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until melted and creamy.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
In a small skillet, heat the beef broth over low heat. Add the roast beef slices and warm gently until just heated through.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Whisk together ketchup, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and onion powder to create the red ranch sauce.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Spread a spoonful of red ranch sauce on the bottom bun. Layer warm roast beef generously, then drizzle with the creamy cheddar sauce.

6. Finishing Touches:
Add another layer of red ranch sauce on the top bun and close the sandwich.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot with curly fries or chips on the side for the full Arby’s experience.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic of this sandwich lies in the combination of textures: soft buns, tender beef, gooey cheddar sauce, and tangy red ranch. Each bite is creamy, savory, and slightly zesty, making it an irresistible balance of comfort and indulgence.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to make your sandwich shine:

• Keep the cheese sauce warm and smooth by whisking over low heat.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the best melt.
• Double the red ranch recipe—it’s delicious as a dip for fries.

What to Avoid

To ensure success, steer clear of these pitfalls:

• Overheating the roast beef, which makes it tough.
• Using pre-sliced processed cheese—it won’t give the same creamy sauce.
• Skipping the toasting step, which can make the buns soggy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 540

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the red ranch sauce and cheese sauce up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reheat the cheese sauce gently on the stove before using. Leftover assembled sandwiches are best eaten the same day, but you can store components separately for 3 days and assemble fresh.

How to Serve Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat

This sandwich shines with classic sides: curly fries, onion rings, or a crisp coleslaw. For a fun twist, pair it with a pickle spear or a small cup of beef broth for dipping.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftovers into something new:

• Use the beef and cheese sauce to make loaded nachos.
• Make a cheesy roast beef quesadilla.
• Toss the roast beef and cheddar sauce with pasta for a quick dinner.

Additional Tips

• Warm the buns slightly before serving for an authentic fast-food feel.
• Try adding caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.
• A pinch of cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce adds subtle heat.

Make It a Showstopper

Stack the sandwich high and let the cheddar sauce drizzle down the sides for an irresistible presentation. Serve on a wooden board with a side of curly fries for that restaurant-style wow factor.

Variations to Try

Here are a few twists to make it your own:

• Spicy Version: Add hot sauce to the cheese sauce or red ranch.
• BBQ Twist: Swap the red ranch with smoky barbecue sauce.
• Bacon Lover’s: Add crispy turkey bacon for extra crunch.
• Vegetarian Version: Use grilled mushrooms or jackfruit in place of roast beef.
• Slider Style: Make mini versions on slider buns for parties.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use leftover pot roast instead of deli beef?

Yes, shred it thin and warm it in broth for similar results.

Q2: What cheese works best besides cheddar?

American cheese or a cheddar-jack blend works great.

Q3: Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free buns and a cornstarch slurry instead of flour in the cheese sauce.

Q4: How do I keep the cheese sauce from clumping?

Whisk constantly and add cheese slowly over low heat.

Q5: Is the red ranch sauce spicy?

No, it’s more tangy and sweet, but you can add hot sauce for heat.

Q6: Can I use pre-made cheese sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce tastes fresher and creamier.

Q7: Can I prepare this for a crowd?

Yes, keep the beef and sauces warm in slow cookers and let guests build their own.

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat beef gently in broth and cheese sauce on the stove. Avoid microwaving assembled sandwiches.

Q9: Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, thinly sliced turkey works well as a lighter alternative.

Q10: How do I make the sandwich less messy?

Serve with extra napkins! Or thicken the cheese sauce slightly with more flour.

Conclusion

This Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat brings all the flavor of the beloved fast-food sandwich into your home kitchen. It’s cheesy, beefy, tangy, and downright satisfying. Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll realize it’s not just a copycat—it’s even better. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Watch How To Make Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat