Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar: Best 20-Minute Comfort Recipe

Name: Copycat Arby's Beef Cheddar
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 oz thin-sliced deli roast beef; 2 tbsp cheddar cheese sauce; 1 onion sandwich bun; 1 tbsp butter (for toasting); 2 tbsp homemade red ranch sauce (see below); 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1/8 tsp onion powder; 1/8 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; Pinch of salt

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If you love the comforting, tangy, beefy bite of Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar, you’re in for something deliciously familiar, and homemade. This article walks you through exactly how to recreate the iconic sandwich in your own kitchen using simple ingredients and a few smart shortcuts. We’ll cover everything from the cheese sauce to the secret red ranch, and answer those burning questions like what roast beef Arby’s uses and how to season it just right.

Whether you’re looking to save money, skip the drive-thru, or just wow your family with a fast-food favorite turned homemade hit, this Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar recipe is the one to bookmark. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

From Drive-Thru to Dailycious: Why This Sandwich Made It to My Table

When my husband mentioned craving the classic Arby’s Beef and Cheddar, I took it as a challenge. Instead of heading to the drive-thru, I opened the fridge and got creative. What followed was a warm, beefy, cheesy win that had him saying, “This is better than the real thing.” That’s when I knew this Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar needed a permanent spot in our recipe collection.

If you’ve ever had one of those weeknights where you want something fast but full of flavor, this sandwich is the solution. The layers are simple: thin-sliced roast beef, rich cheddar cheese sauce, tangy red ranch dressing, and a soft toasted onion bun. But the payoff? Bold, nostalgic, and way more satisfying than anything from a bag.

Let’s break down how to make this iconic sandwich at home, with shortcuts and flavor hacks built in.

The Homemade Arby’s Craving

I’m Saly, a home cook, wife, and the founder of Dailycious Recipes. When I say I love easy meals with big flavor, this Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar proves it. Inspired by recipes like my Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Texas Toast French Dip, I knew I could recreate this sandwich without the mystery ingredients.

And the secret? Layering textures and building flavor in just a few steps. This sandwich captures that same fast-food vibe, but with better ingredients, fewer preservatives, and a homemade touch that makes it even more satisfying.

What Makes This Copycat Beef Cheddar Sandwich Special

Unlike other recipes, this Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar doesn’t skip the details. The red ranch is tangy and just sweet enough. The cheddar sauce is creamy, not clumpy. And the onion roll holds up like a champ. Every layer adds something, from the buttery bun to the melt-in-your-mouth beef.

If you’re into hearty sandwich-style dinners, this one fits right in with comforting favorites like this Texas Toast French Dip. It’s fast food flavor without the wait, and made right in your kitchen.

This copycat recipe checks every box: fast, nostalgic, and packed with real flavor.

Building the Layers of Flavor in Your Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar

There’s no great sandwich without great meat, and this Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar is no exception. The original uses ultra-thin slices of seasoned roast beef, and the secret to getting that texture at home is simpler than you’d think. You don’t need to slow-roast a cut of beef for hours. Just pick up high-quality deli roast beef and ask for it sliced extra thin or “shaved.” That’s what gives this sandwich its signature mouthfeel.

Once your sandwich is stacked and ready, why not finish the meal the way Arby’s would? A homemade fast-food copycat deserves a sweet ending. Try it with a quick treat like this Brownie S’more Skillet or a slice of Banana Pudding Poke Cake. The warm beef and cheddar with a chilled, creamy dessert is the perfect combo, satisfying and nostalgic.

Making the Cheddar Cheese Sauce Just Right

The creamy cheddar sauce is what takes this sandwich from decent to irresistible. While you can melt a few slices of processed cheese, the better move is a homemade sauce that blends shredded cheddar with just a touch of milk or cream. Some cooks use Cheez Whiz, others prefer a mix of cheddar and American cheese. Both work, as long as the result is smooth and pourable.

Start by heating a small saucepan over low heat. Add two tablespoons of milk, then stir in about a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. If it needs extra richness, toss in a small amount of butter or a slice of American cheese. Keep whisking until it’s silky. This sauce doesn’t just belong on sandwiches. It’s also perfect over fries, baked potatoes, or even added to a Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.

When you pour that warm cheese over steaming beef and a toasted onion bun, you’ll understand why this Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar has become a household favorite. It’s bold, comforting, and exactly the kind of meal you want after a long day.

The Signature Sauces and Bun That Define the Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar

The sauce might be what truly sets the Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar apart. If you’ve ever wondered what gives it that sweet and tangy kick, it’s all about the red ranch. It’s not your average ranch dressing. Instead, it’s a tomato-based sauce with just enough acidity and spice to balance out the richness of the beef and cheese.

Making it at home is surprisingly simple. Combine ketchup, a splash of apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt. Some recipes add a touch of sugar for extra sweetness. Mix it all together in a bowl and let it sit for at least ten minutes to blend the flavors. The result is a sauce that hits all the right notes and comes very close to Arby’s version.

You can store it in the fridge for up to a week. It also works as a dipping sauce for fries or a drizzle over wraps. For another variation, try swapping it in place of barbecue sauce in savory recipes like the Dorito Chicken Casserole for a zesty upgrade.

Picking the Perfect Onion Bun and Toasting It Right

The bun matters more than most people think. For an authentic Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar, the onion roll needs to be soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold the juicy roast beef and creamy cheese without falling apart. Look for onion hamburger buns with poppy seeds if possible.

Before assembling the sandwich, lightly butter the inside of each bun half and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden. This quick step creates a barrier that keeps the sandwich from getting soggy and adds a subtle crunch that plays perfectly with the tender meat. Toasted buns also give the sandwich structure, making each bite cleaner and more satisfying.

If you enjoy soft rolls in other recipes too, you might like using them in dishes like Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole where a tender bread layer ties everything together.

Assembling, Serving, and Variations of the Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar

Once all your components are ready, assembling your Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar sandwich is quick and satisfying. Start with your toasted onion bun base, then spread a generous layer of red ranch sauce on the bottom half. Next, pile on the warm, thin-sliced roast beef, allowing it to fold and layer naturally. Don’t press it down. Let the meat create volume and texture.

Spoon the cheddar cheese sauce right over the beef, letting it flow slightly down the sides. It should be warm enough to coat the meat smoothly but not so hot that it separates. Finally, place the top bun over everything and serve immediately. The sandwich is best enjoyed warm while the cheese is soft and the bun is still toasty.

Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar sandwich served with fries

If you’re hosting or cooking for more than one, consider prepping all the components ahead and letting everyone build their own. This works especially well when paired with something sweet like Brownie S’more Bars for dessert or when served alongside a cold drink and crispy chips.

Delicious Variations and Serving Pairings

This Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar is fantastic on its own, but a few small tweaks can take it in new directions. Add crispy fried onions between the beef and cheese for crunch. Want a smoky twist? Mix a spoonful of barbecue sauce into the red ranch base. You can also spice things up with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce over the cheese layer.

For a heartier meal, try swapping the onion bun for a buttery brioche or a toasted pretzel roll. If you’re in a breakfast mood, layer a fried egg on top and serve it brunch-style with a side of fruit or this Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole.

This sandwich is also a great way to use up extra roast beef after a weekend dinner. You can reheat the meat gently in a skillet and assemble fresh sandwiches in just a few minutes during the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sauce does Arby’s put on their Beef and Cheddar?

The classic Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich is topped with their signature Red Ranch sauce. It’s not the creamy ranch you might expect. Instead, it’s a tomato-based sauce with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. You can recreate it at home using ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Some recipes even add a small pinch of sugar to mimic that fast-food flavor.

What is on an Arby’s Roast Beef and Cheddar?

The sandwich includes thin-sliced roast beef, warm cheddar cheese sauce, Red Ranch sauce, and a soft onion bun. The magic comes from the combination of savory meat, tangy sauce, and creamy cheese, all tucked into a slightly sweet and toasted roll. It’s simple but bold, and easy to make using basic grocery store ingredients.

What does Arby’s use for their roast beef?

Arby’s uses pre-cooked, ultra-thin sliced roast beef that’s steam-heated before serving. For your homemade version, deli-style roast beef works best. Ask your local deli to shave it extra thin to match the texture. The thinner the slice, the closer it will taste to the original.

What does Arby’s season their roast beef with?

The flavor in Arby’s beef mostly comes from the cooking method and its natural juices, not heavy seasoning. In your home version, you don’t need to add much. A pinch of salt and pepper is enough, especially when paired with bold sauce and cheese. Steaming the beef rather than frying it helps retain moisture and deliver that authentic, tender bite you expect from the sandwich.

Final Note

The best part about this Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar is how simple and rewarding it is to make at home. With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes in the kitchen, you can enjoy the same classic flavors without the wait or drive-thru bag. From the thin-sliced roast beef to the tangy red ranch and creamy cheddar sauce, every bite brings that perfect balance of savory and nostalgic.

So next time the craving hits, skip the drive-thru. You already know how to make something better, right at home.

Hungry for more? Be sure to join me on Facebook and Pinterest to keep the inspiration going.

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Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar

From Drive-Thru to Dailycious: Why This Sandwich Made It to My Table