Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, savory Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich, complete with tender roast beef, gooey cheddar sauce, and that unmistakable tangy Arby’s sauce, all nestled in a soft onion roll. What if you could enjoy this iconic fast-food favorite without even leaving your kitchen? This homemade copycat recipe delivers all the beloved flavors and textures, often faster and always fresher than a trip to the drive-thru. Get ready to recreate a family-favorite comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to make and incredibly satisfying!
RECREATE THE ICONIC ARBY’S BEEF & CHEDDAR AT HOME
The Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich holds a special place in the hearts of many fast-food aficionados. It’s a unique blend of savory, thinly sliced roast beef, a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and a signature tangy red ranch sauce, all perfectly balanced within a soft, toasted onion bun. While some might jokingly “hate” on Arby’s, for many, it’s a nostalgic indulgence, and this homemade version captures every delicious detail. We personally adore Arby’s, and this particular sandwich is a standout favorite. What makes this homemade Arby’s Beef and Cheddar even better is not just the incredible taste, but also the ease of preparation and the significant cost savings compared to buying it out. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can replicate this classic right in your own kitchen.
WHY CHOOSE HOMEMADE OVER FAST FOOD?
Opting to make your Arby’s Beef and Cheddar at home offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond mere convenience. Here’s why diving into this copycat recipe is a fantastic idea:
- Unmatched Freshness and Quality: When you prepare food at home, you control every ingredient. This means fresh deli roast beef, high-quality cheese, and a homemade sauce bursting with flavor, free from preservatives often found in fast-food options.
- Customization to Your Liking: Do you prefer your roast beef shaved super thin, or a bit thicker? More cheese, or a lighter hand with the sauce? Making it yourself allows for complete customization. You can adjust the seasoning, the spiciness of the sauce, and even the type of bun to perfectly match your preferences.
- Significant Cost Savings: Fast food can add up quickly, especially when feeding a family. Crafting these sandwiches at home is far more economical, allowing you to enjoy this treat more often without breaking the bank.
- Dietary Control: For those mindful of sodium intake or other dietary concerns, homemade is the way to go. You can choose low-sodium beef broth, control the amount of salt in your Arby’s sauce, or even opt for different cheese alternatives to fit your needs.
- The Joy of Cooking: There’s immense satisfaction in recreating a beloved dish from scratch. It’s a fun project that yields delicious rewards and often becomes a cherished family activity.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS COPYCAT RECIPE
Absolutely! While our homemade Arby’s Copycat Sauce recipe offers a fantastic, fresh flavor that we highly recommend trying, convenience is key for busy home cooks. You can easily find bottled Arby’s Original Sauce at most major grocery stores in the condiments aisle. For those who prefer the store-bought version, we’ve even included a photo of the bottle in our ingredient layout to help you identify it. It’s a quick and easy shortcut if you’re short on time.
No problem at all! If nacho cheese sauce isn’t available at your local store, there are excellent substitutes that will still give you that creamy, melted cheddar goodness. Melted Velveeta cheese or Cheez Whiz are both excellent alternatives that deliver a similar smooth texture and mild cheddar flavor. Alternatively, if you’re feeling ambitious and want an entirely homemade experience, we have a fantastic homemade cheese sauce recipe you can prepare. Just remember to omit the cayenne pepper if you want a milder, more classic Arby’s-style cheddar flavor.
This is one of the biggest advantages of making these sandwiches at home! To achieve your desired roast beef thickness, head to your deli counter. Simply ask the deli associate to slice the roast beef to your preference. Some enthusiasts love their roast beef “shaved” – incredibly thin, almost translucent slices that melt in your mouth. Others prefer a slightly thicker cut for more bite and substance. The beauty of this homemade recipe is that you have complete control over this crucial element, ensuring your sandwich is exactly how you like it.
You can certainly prep all the individual components of the sandwich ahead of time, which will significantly speed up assembly when you’re ready to eat. This includes preparing the Arby’s sauce, having your cheese sauce ready, and even slicing your buns. However, we strongly advise against assembling the sandwiches fully in advance. For the best taste and texture, everything should be heated and assembled right before serving. This ensures the roast beef is warm and juicy, the cheese is perfectly melted, and the bun remains soft and fresh.
To truly complete the Arby’s experience, serving these sandwiches with some crispy curly fries from the freezer section is a must. However, don’t feel limited! These delicious sandwiches pair wonderfully with any of your favorite sides. Consider classic French Fries, hearty Baked Potatoes, decadent Potato Skins, a fresh coleslaw, or even a simple side salad for a lighter contrast. The possibilities are endless to create your perfect meal.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly easy to scale up, whether you’re feeding a larger crowd, entertaining guests, or simply want to prepare more sandwiches to enjoy over a couple of days. Just double (or triple!) the quantities of all ingredients. As mentioned, prepare and store the components separately, then assemble and heat the sandwiches right before serving to maintain optimal quality and freshness.
For best results and food safety, store any leftover roast beef separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Your homemade Arby’s sauce will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The nacho cheese sauce can be stored similarly for 3-4 days. As a general rule, we do not recommend storing sandwiches that have already been fully assembled, as the buns can become soggy, and the ingredients may not reheat evenly. Keep the components separate until you’re ready for your next delicious homemade Arby’s Beef and Cheddar!
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR HOMEMADE ARBY’S BEEF & CHEDDAR
Crafting this iconic sandwich requires a few key components, each playing a vital role in achieving that authentic Arby’s flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips:
- For the Signature Arby’s Sauce (or store-bought):
- Ketchup: Forms the sweet and tangy base of the sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a crucial tang and brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Light Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity and vinegar with a touch of sweetness and depth.
- Paprika: Contributes a mild, smoky warmth and a beautiful reddish hue.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential for that savory, aromatic kick that defines Arby’s sauce.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who enjoy a subtle hint of heat, cayenne pepper can be added. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
As mentioned in our FAQs, if you’re pressed for time or prefer the classic taste of the bottled sauce, you can easily purchase Arby’s Original Sauce at most grocery stores these days. However, we highly encourage you to try the homemade version – it’s incredibly fresh and allows for customization!
- Nacho Cheese Sauce: This provides the creamy, luscious cheddar component. You can opt for readily available store-bought varieties for convenience, or for a truly homemade touch, consider making your own Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce (just remember to omit the cayenne pepper if you want it milder). Alternatives like melted Velveeta or Cheez Whiz also work wonderfully.
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth: This is crucial for gently warming the roast beef, keeping it tender, and infusing it with extra savory flavor. Using low-sodium broth is recommended as many other sandwich components (like deli meat and cheese sauce) can already be quite salty. Feel free to use regular beef broth if you prefer, but be mindful of the overall sodium content.
- Thinly Sliced Deli Roast Beef: The heart of the sandwich! The quality of your roast beef makes a huge difference. Head to the deli counter and ask for thinly sliced roast beef. As discussed in the FAQ section, you can specify your preferred thickness – from super shaved for a delicate texture to slightly thicker slices for more chew. Look for good quality, lean roast beef.
- Onion Burger Buns: These distinctively flavored buns are integral to the authentic Arby’s Beef and Cheddar experience. Their subtle onion flavor complements the savory beef and tangy sauces perfectly. If you can’t find onion burger buns, traditional plain burger buns will work as a substitute, but be aware that they won’t quite replicate the exact flavor profile you’d expect from the drive-thru. Lightly toasting them can help elevate any bun choice.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: CRAFTING YOUR ARBY’S BEEF & CHEDDAR
Creating this delicious copycat sandwich is a straightforward process, designed to bring maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result:
1. Prepare the Arby’s Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients for your homemade Arby’s sauce: ketchup, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Whisk everything thoroughly until it’s fully combined and smooth. The rich red color and tantalizing aroma will immediately remind you of the real thing. Once mixed, set the sauce aside, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you prepare the other components. If using store-bought sauce, simply measure out your desired amount.
2. Warm the Roast Beef
To a medium-sized pot, add 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Place the pot over low to medium heat and bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Once the broth is heated through and lightly steaming, begin adding your thinly sliced deli roast beef. It’s crucial to add the roast beef gradually, about half at a time, or even one slice at a time if your slices are very thin and numerous. This ensures each piece gets evenly warmed and can fully absorb the savory broth, preventing it from drying out. Allow the roast beef to heat through and gently soak in the warm broth for just a couple of minutes until it’s perfectly tender and heated. If you have a larger pot and more broth, you can certainly heat a larger batch of beef simultaneously, but be sure not to overcrowd the pot.
3. Heat the Nacho Cheese Sauce
While your roast beef is gently warming, prepare your nacho cheese sauce. Place 1 cup of nacho cheese sauce into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave in short increments, typically 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring between each interval. Continue heating and stirring until the cheese is smooth, creamy, and thoroughly warmed through. Be careful not to overheat it, which can cause the cheese to separate. Once warm, set it aside.
4. Assemble Your Sandwiches
Once the first batch of roast beef has been thoroughly heated, carefully transfer the warm, juicy slices onto your onion burger buns. If you prefer, you can lightly toast your onion buns before assembly for added texture and warmth – this step is highly recommended for an authentic experience. After placing the beef, repeat the warming process with any remaining roast beef slices in the pot, then turn off the heat. Now for the magic: generously top each roast beef sandwich with a dollop of the warm nacho cheese sauce, letting it ooze over the beef. Then, drizzle a liberal amount of your prepared Arby’s sauce over the cheese. Adjust the quantities of both sauces to your personal taste – some prefer more cheese, others more Arby’s sauce!
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your freshly assembled, piping hot Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwiches immediately. For the ultimate fast-food replica experience, pair them with a side of crispy curly fries. Enjoy the savory roast beef, the creamy cheddar, and the tangy Arby’s sauce – a perfect symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite fast-food joint, all from the comfort of your home.
CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES?
If you loved this Arby’s Beef and Cheddar copycat, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our fantastic recipes designed to bring restaurant-quality meals into your home. From other savory sandwiches to beloved comfort foods, there’s always something new to discover:
- Air Fryer Roast Beef Sandwiches
- Texas Toast French Dips
- Roast Beef Sliders
- Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sliders
- French Dip Sliders
- KFC Mac and Cheese
- Little Caesars Crazy Bread
- Pizza Hut Breadsticks
- Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad
- Maid Rites (Loose Meat Sandwiches)
- Chili’s Salsa
Arby’s Beef and Cheddar (Copycat Recipe)
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Ingredients
For Homemade Arby’s Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
To Assemble Sandwiches:
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 16 ounces thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 4 onion burger buns
- Arby’s sauce (use the above homemade recipe or store-bought)
- Arby’s curly fries (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Add 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt to a bowl. Whisk until fully combined and smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- To a medium sized pot, add 2 cups low-sodium beef broth. Simmer over low to medium heat until it has fully heated up. Add half of the thinly sliced deli roast beef (one slice at a time) to the pot. Allow it to heat through and soak in the warm broth for 1-2 minutes until tender.
- Note: Adding the roast beef slices gradually (or in smaller batches) ensures each slice warms up evenly and can fully soak in the broth, enhancing moisture and flavor. If you prefer to heat it all at once, use a larger pot with adequate beef broth to avoid overcrowding.
- While the roast beef is warming up, place 1 cup nacho cheese sauce into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave at 10-second increments, stirring between each, until it is warm and perfectly smooth. Set aside.
- When the first batch of roast beef has been thoroughly heated through, transfer the slices to your onion burger buns. Tip: Gently heat up or lightly toast the onion buns before assembling the sandwiches for an even better texture and flavor.
- Repeat the process with the remainder of the roast beef slices until all are warm and ready. Then, turn off the heat to the pot.
- To finish, top each roast beef sandwich generously with the warm nacho cheese sauce and a drizzle of the prepared Arby’s sauce. Feel free to add more or less of each sauce to suit your personal preference.
- Serve your delicious homemade Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwiches immediately, ideally with some crispy Arby’s curly fries or your favorite side dish. Enjoy every savory bite!
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Notes
- Please refer to our detailed FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and the expanded ingredient list above for useful substitutions, storage tips, and answers to common queries to help you perfect this recipe.
- Craving an even more homemade touch? Learn how to make a delicious Homemade Cheese Sauce with our recipe HERE (remember to omit cayenne for a classic cheddar flavor).
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.