Name: Arby's Beef & Cheddar Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef; 4 soft sandwich buns (e.g., brioche); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

If you're craving that signature savory and tangy taste of Arby's Beef & Cheddar but don’t want to head to the drive-thru, this copycat recipe is the perfect solution. With tender, thinly-sliced roast beef, a deliciously melty cheddar cheese sauce, and that signature tangy sauce, this sandwich will hit the spot every time. It’s easy to make at home and just as satisfying as the original!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings the classic Arby’s Beef & Cheddar sandwich into my kitchen, and I can make it as cheesy and flavorful as I want! The roast beef stays juicy and tender, while the cheese sauce gives a creamy richness that’s complemented by the zesty Arby’s sauce. The best part? It’s customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients to your taste, and it's incredibly quick to prepare. Whether I'm craving a hearty lunch or dinner, this copycat recipe always satisfies my taste buds.

Ingredients

1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (I usually go with a lean cut for tenderness)
4 soft sandwich buns (I prefer brioche buns for a buttery touch)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup milk (whole milk gives the best creamy texture)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds a nice tang)
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (this balances the tanginess)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once the sauce begins to thicken, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Arby’s Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a tangy sauce.
Assemble the Sandwich: Warm the roast beef in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Toast the sandwich buns lightly, either in a toaster or on a skillet. Place a generous amount of roast beef on the bottom half of each bun. Drizzle with the homemade Arby’s sauce, then pour the cheddar cheese sauce over the beef.
Serve: Top the sandwich with the other half of the bun, cut in half (if desired), and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 delicious sandwiches, perfect for a family meal or a group of friends. It takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare and assemble, making it a quick and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

Variations

Spicy Beef & Cheddar: Add a bit of heat by mixing some hot sauce or chopped jalapeños into the cheese sauce or Arby’s sauce.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the roast beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian twist.
Cheese Variety: Swap out the cheddar for a different cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick, or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer to wrap the sandwich in foil and heat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep the bun soft and the cheese melty.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese like provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar. However, cheddar cheese gives the best creamy and tangy flavor for the signature Beef & Cheddar taste.

Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently over low heat, adding a little milk if it’s too thick.

How do I make the roast beef tender?

Since you’re using thinly sliced roast beef, it should already be tender. Just make sure to warm it gently so it doesn't dry out.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the sandwich buns for a gluten-free variety and use a gluten-free flour for the roux in the cheese sauce.

Can I freeze the Beef & Cheddar?

While it's best fresh, you can freeze the individual components separately. Store the roast beef and cheese sauce in airtight containers, and reheat them when you're ready to assemble the sandwich. The texture of the bun may change upon freezing, though.

Conclusion

This Arby’s Beef & Cheddar copycat recipe is everything I love about the classic sandwich—tender roast beef, melty cheddar cheese, and that iconic Arby’s sauce—all piled onto a soft bun. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and customize. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner or just because I’m craving something indulgent, this recipe never disappoints!