If the mere mention of Arby’s Beef & Cheddar sandwiches doesn’t immediately ignite a craving, then you might be missing out on one of fast food’s most uniquely satisfying creations. That distinctive blend of thinly sliced roast beef, rich cheddar cheese sauce, a tangy-sweet red sauce, all nestled in a soft onion bun – it’s a flavor profile that’s hard to beat. But what if you could recreate this beloved sandwich with incredible accuracy, right in your own kitchen, saving time and money in the process?

Good news! Crafting a perfect copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar is not just possible, it’s surprisingly easy and quick. Forget the long drive-thru lines and the impulse to grab extra curly fries (though we’ll definitely cover homemade versions of those too!). With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy these iconic sandwiches whenever the craving strikes.

Why Make Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar at Home?

While a trip to Arby’s can be a quick fix, there are countless benefits to mastering this copycat recipe:

• Unmatched Freshness: Homemade always tastes better. You control the quality of ingredients, ensuring everything is fresh and prepared to your liking.
• Cost-Effective: Buying individual ingredients and assembling these sandwiches at home is significantly cheaper than purchasing them from the restaurant, especially when feeding a family.
• Ultimate Convenience: No need to leave the house. You can whip up these sandwiches in minutes, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a fun weekend cooking project.
• Customization Options: Want more cheese? Extra sauce? A different type of bun? When you’re the chef, you set the rules. Experiment with variations to tailor the sandwich exactly to your taste.
• Dietary Control: For those mindful of ingredients, making your own allows you to choose low-sodium roast beef, organic buns, or adjust the amount of cheese sauce to fit your preferences.

The Essential Ingredients for Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Dupe

The magic of an Arby’s Beef & Cheddar lies in the harmonious blend of its core components. Getting these right is key to an authentic taste. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

1. Thinly Sliced Roast Beef

This is, of course, the star of the show. You’ll want high-quality, ultra-thin sliced roast beef. You can usually find this at your local deli counter, where they can slice it fresh to your desired thickness. Pre-packaged options, like Hillshire Farm brand, also work wonderfully and are convenient. The key is to get it thin enough to mimic Arby’s signature piles of beef. The way we warm the beef is crucial; it needs to be gently steamed to maintain its tenderness and moisture, avoiding any tough, microwave-hardened edges.

2. The Iconic Onion Buns

While many copycat recipes might overlook the bun, true Arby’s aficionados know the onion bun is non-negotiable for that authentic flavor and texture. The subtle sweetness and savory notes of an onion bun perfectly complement the roast beef and sauces. If onion buns are hard to find, a good quality sesame seed bun or even a plain hamburger bun can be a decent substitute, but try to find those onion buns for the full experience. Lightly toasting them adds a lovely textural contrast and helps the sandwich hold up to the generous sauces.

3. Creamy Cheddar Cheese Sauce

That signature bright orange, wonderfully gooey cheddar sauce is what elevates this sandwich. Many home cooks swear by store-bought nacho cheese sauce, such as Rico’s brand, for its perfect consistency and flavor. You can also find other varieties of prepared cheese sauces that will work well. The goal is a warm, pourable sauce that envelops the beef, creating that irresistible cheesy goodness. Heating it gently in the microwave ensures it’s smooth and ready to ooze.

4. The “Secret” Red Ranch Sauce (French Dressing)

Here’s where the secret ingredient comes in! Arby’s “Red Ranch” sauce is famously replicated by using a good quality Country French dressing. This dressing provides that unique tangy, sweet, and slightly savory flavor that ties the entire sandwich together. Don’t skip this component, as it’s crucial for achieving that authentic Arby’s taste. Look for a creamy, zesty French dressing that will provide the right color and flavor profile.

Assembling Your Masterpiece: A Step-by-Step Guide

The assembly process is where it all comes together. Follow these steps to build your perfect Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar:

Warming the Beef Just Right

The most important step for the beef is to warm it gently without drying it out. In a medium to large skillet, place your thinly sliced roast beef and add about ⅓ cup of water. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the beef steam over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes. This steaming method ensures the beef is heated through, incredibly tender, and retains its moisture, just like you’d find at Arby’s. Once warmed, drain any excess water before assembly.

Heating the Cheese Sauce

While the beef is steaming, prepare your cheddar cheese sauce. Pour the Rico’s nacho cheese (or your preferred brand) into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot, smooth, and perfectly pourable. You want it warm enough to melt slightly into the beef and bun but not so hot that it scorches.

Building the Sandwich

Now for the fun part! Lightly toast your onion buns. This adds structure and a pleasant crunch. Start with the bottom half of the toasted bun. Spoon a generous ¼ cup of the warm cheddar cheese sauce directly onto it. Next, pile a quarter of your gently warmed roast beef onto the cheesy bun. For the top bun, spread about ¼ cup of the Country French dressing. Finally, place the top bun, dressing-side down, onto the beef. The sandwich is best enjoyed immediately while warm and gooey.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfection

To truly elevate your homemade Arby’s experience, keep these pointers in mind:

• Buns are Key: Don’t underestimate the power of a good bun. While onion buns are ideal, if unavailable, consider lightly buttering and toasting regular hamburger buns for added flavor and texture. Sesame seed buns are also an excellent alternative.
• The Warming Method Matters: Never microwave the roast beef directly from cold. This can make the edges tough and chewy. The skillet-steaming method is superior for keeping the beef moist and tender. After assembly, a quick 8-10 second flash in the microwave can warm the entire sandwich through, softening the bun and melding the flavors beautifully, without overcooking the beef.
• Sauce, Sauce, and More Sauce: Arby’s sandwiches are known for being delightfully messy. Don’t be shy with the cheddar cheese and French dressing. If it’s not dripping a little and requiring a napkin, you might not have added enough!
• Make Ahead and Reheat: These sandwiches can be partially assembled for meal prep. You can wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven (still wrapped in foil) at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This prevents the beef from getting tough.
• Arby’s Bacon, Beef & Cheddar Variation: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a couple of slices of crispy bacon to your sandwich. This transforms it into a copycat of Arby’s Bacon, Beef & Cheddar, adding a smoky, salty crunch.
• Cheese Sauce Alternatives: While Rico’s nacho cheese is a top recommendation for its authentic taste, feel free to use your favorite brand of prepared cheese sauce. Some people even prefer to make a quick homemade cheese sauce using cheddar, milk, and a pinch of spices for a fresher take.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Copycat Arby’s

No Arby’s meal is complete without the perfect side. The obvious choice is, of course, seasoned curly fries! You can buy frozen Arby’s curly fries from many grocery stores like Walmart. Cook them according to package directions in your oven or air fryer for crispy perfection. Thank me later for this authentic pairing!

Beyond curly fries, consider:

• A simple side salad for a fresh contrast.
• Onion rings for an extra fried kick.
• Homemade coleslaw to cut through the richness.

Beyond the Classic: Leftover Ideas

If by some miracle you have leftovers (it’s unlikely, these are delicious!), the components of this sandwich can be repurposed into other fantastic meals. The seasoned roast beef is excellent for making a Fancy Sloppy Joe sandwich or a rich Crock Pot French Dip. These sandwiches are so versatile, they might just become your new favorite go-to lunch or dinner solution!

Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddars

These Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddars are the ultimate copycat recipe! They taste just like the real thing except you get to skip the drive thru and it’s faster! Onion buns, roast beef, cheddar sauce and the secret red sauce (French dressing) make these sandwiches come together in minutes!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ultra thin sliced roast beef from the deli or use pre-packaged, like Hillshire Farms brand
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 cup Rico’s nacho cheese
• ½ cup Country French dressing
• 4 onion buns or use plain buns

Instructions

 

• In a medium or large skillet, add your roast beef and water.
• Turn the heat to medium and place a lid on the pan and let the meat steam for about 5 minutes or so, you just want it to be warmed through.
• Meanwhile in a microwave safe bowl, heat your cheese sauce in 30 second intervals until hot in the microwave.
• Drain any water off your roast beef and you are ready to assemble.
• Start with the bottom bun and ¼ cup of the cheese sauce.
• To the top bun add ¼ of the French dressing.
• To the bottom bun add ¼ of the roast beef.
• Top with the top bun and serve! Enjoy warm!

Notes

Tips and Tricks for these Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddars:

• You can wrap these in foil and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days and just warm them up in the oven.
• If you don’t like onion buns you can use whatever hamburger style bun you prefer, sesame seed buns are also a great choice.
• You can add bacon to make their famous Bacon, Beef & Cheddars.
• I prefer Rico’s nacho cheese but you can use your favorite cheese sauce.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Homemade Sandwich

There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from recreating a beloved fast-food classic in your own kitchen. This Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar recipe delivers on all fronts: flavor, speed, and ease. It’s perfect for satisfying those specific cravings, providing a fun and engaging cooking experience, and offering a delicious alternative to dining out. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a nostalgic snack, these sandwiches are guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to be amazed at how close to the real thing you can get. Enjoy every messy, cheesy, beefy bite!