The Ultimate Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Recipe at Home

Sink your teeth into a mouthwatering copycat arby’s beef and cheddar sandwich that rivals the drive-thru favorite.

This classic comfort meal brings restaurant-style goodness right to your kitchen without the long wait.

Recreating the signature sauce takes just minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Our streamlined approach means you can whip up this delectable sandwich faster than making a quick phone call.

Amateur chefs and sandwich enthusiasts will love how closely this recipe mimics the original flavor profile.

Melted cheese, tender roast beef, and that signature tangy sauce combine to create a truly irresistible meal.

Grab a napkin and get ready to experience deli-style deliciousness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Copycat Arbys Beef And Cheddar Feels Like The Real Deal

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This copycat Arby's beef and cheddar recipe delivers restaurant-style satisfaction in just minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden fast-food cravings without leaving home.
• Master Sauce Magic: The homemade sauce combines tangy and sweet flavors with simple pantry ingredients, elevating an ordinary sandwich into a gourmet-style meal that tastes remarkably close to the original restaurant version.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can adjust ingredient quantities to personal taste, control sodium levels, and swap components to match dietary preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different households and taste buds.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Creating this sandwich at home costs significantly less than purchasing from a restaurant, allowing families to enjoy a favorite fast-food item while saving money and having fun in the kitchen.

What You Need For Copycat Arbys Beef And Cheddar

• Ketchup: A tangy base that adds rich tomato flavor and slight sweetness to the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a bright, acidic touch that balances the sauce's sweetness.
• Sugar: Helps to round out the flavors and create a smooth taste profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami with its complex, savory character.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a mild, aromatic garlic essence without raw garlic texture.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a subtle, sweet onion flavor throughout the sauce.

• Roast Beef: The star of the sandwich, best when thinly sliced and tender.
• Beef Broth: Keeps the meat moist and enhances its natural savory qualities.

• Onion Roll, Hamburger Bun: Soft bread that complements the rich beef and sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds a creamy, tangy element to the sandwich.

How To Put Together Copycat Arbys Beef And Cheddar

Step 1: Whip Up the Secret Sauce

• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

In a small bowl, blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, tangy mixture. The sauce will be the magical component that transforms an ordinary sandwich into an Arby’s-style masterpiece.

Step 2: Prepare the Roast Beef

Select high-quality deli roast beef, preferably thinly sliced. If possible, choose beef that’s warm and slightly steamed to mimic Arby’s signature texture. The meat should be tender and have that classic, slightly shredded appearance.

Step 3: Select the Perfect Cheese

Grab sharp cheddar cheese. You want a cheese that melts beautifully and provides a rich, bold flavor. Shred or slice the cheese to ensure even distribution on the sandwich.

Step 4: Toast the Onion Roll

Choose a soft onion roll or kaiser roll. Lightly toast the bread to create a slightly crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior. This adds texture and warmth to the sandwich.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

• Place the toasted roll on a plate
• Spread a generous amount of the secret sauce on both sides of the roll
• Layer warm roast beef generously
• Top with melted sharp cheddar cheese
• Drizzle additional secret sauce if desired

Step 6: Melt and Serve

If possible, place the assembled sandwich under a broiler or in a hot oven for a minute to help the cheese melt and create a slightly crispy top. Serve immediately while the beef is warm and the cheese is gooey.

Easy Tips For Copycat Arbys Beef And Cheddar

• Customize Sauce Flavor: Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by slightly increasing or decreasing sugar and apple cider vinegar to match your personal taste preference.
• Boost Sauce Richness: Add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke to enhance the sauce's depth and give it a more complex flavor profile.
• Manage Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, thin it out with a little water or additional apple cider vinegar to achieve the perfect drizzling texture.
• Explore Dietary Alternatives: For a low-sugar version, substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or use a sugar-free ketchup to reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Storage Tip: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.

How To Store Copycat Arbys Beef And Cheddar Sandwiches

• Refrigerate leftover Arby's-style beef and cheddar in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the sandwich components separate to maintain their individual textures and prevent sogginess.
• Store the meat and sauce in one compartment and the cheese sauce in another section of the container.
• Gently reheat the beef in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist and prevent drying out.
• When ready to enjoy, quickly reassemble the sandwich with fresh bread or bun for the best flavor and texture.

Side Ideas For Copycat Arbys Beef And Cheddar

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Choose a bold, tangy red like Zinfandel that complements the savory beef and cuts through the rich cheddar cheese.
• Match Crisp Ale Companion: Select a hoppy craft beer with caramel undertones that enhances the sandwich's robust flavor profile and balances the tangy sauce.
• Create Crunchy Side Kick: Serve alongside kettle-cooked potato chips seasoned with sea salt, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts the soft sandwich texture.
• Refresh with Tangy Slaw: Add a side of vinegar-based coleslaw to introduce a bright, acidic element that lifts the heavy meat and cheese combination.

Simple Swaps For Copycat Arbys Beef And Cheddar

• Spicy Ranch Beef and Cheddar: Add a kick by mixing ranch dressing with hot sauce into the original sauce recipe for a zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate dried oregano, basil, and a touch of rosemary into the sauce to give the sandwich a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Swiss Mushroom Upgrade: Replace cheddar with Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, rich alternative that elevates the classic sandwich.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Skip the bun entirely and wrap the beef and cheese in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-conscious version of the sandwich.

Questions Answered About Copycat Arbys Beef And Cheddar

• What makes this Arby's Beef and Cheddar copycat recipe special?

This homemade version captures the classic fast-food flavor with a simple sauce that combines tangy and sweet elements, giving you restaurant-style taste right in your own kitchen.

• Can I adjust the sauce if it's too sweet or tangy?

Absolutely! You can tweak the amounts of sugar, vinegar, or ketchup to match your personal taste preference. Start with small adjustments and taste as you go.

• Is this sauce only good for beef sandwiches?

Not at all! This versatile sauce works great as a dipping sauce for fries, a topping for burgers, or even as a quick marinade for grilled meats.

• How long can I keep the prepared sauce?

The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for multiple meals and quick preparations.

Copycat Arbys Beef And Cheddar Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Craving Arby’s beef and cheddar sandwich? Savor this homemade masterpiece that brings classic fast-food flavors right to your kitchen. Melted cheese, tender roast beef, and zesty sauce create a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (453.6 g) thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or homemade)

Cheese Components:

• 4 slices cheddar cheese (or 1 cup shredded cheddar)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Bread and Condiment Components:

• 4 onion rolls (or regular hamburger buns)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty sauce by blending tangy ketchup with apple cider vinegar, creating a harmonious base of sweet and acidic notes.
2. Incorporate granulated sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder into the mixture, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Allow the sauce to rest, letting the flavors meld and intensify while preparing the remaining components of the dish.
4. Select high-quality roast beef, ensuring it is thinly sliced and warmed to optimal temperature for maximum tenderness.
5. Gently toast soft sandwich rolls or buns until they achieve a light golden-brown exterior with a slight crispness.
6. Layer the warm roast beef generously across the toasted bread, creating a rich and succulent foundation.
7. Sprinkle a robust, sharp cheddar cheese over the beef, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese and enhance its creamy texture.
8. Drizzle the previously prepared sauce liberally over the cheese-covered beef, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
9. Serve immediately while the beef remains warm and the cheese is softly melted, presenting a delectable replica of the classic Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich.

Notes

• Customize the sauce’s tanginess by adjusting the apple cider vinegar amount, adding more for a sharper kick or less for a milder flavor.
• Swap out traditional sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more complex sweetness that complements the beef’s richness.
• Consider using low-sodium Worcestershire sauce to control salt levels, especially for those watching their sodium intake.
• Elevate the sauce’s depth by roasting garlic and onion powder briefly in a dry skillet before mixing, intensifying their aromatic qualities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 1300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg