Description

Recreate the fast-food magic at home with these Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches! Tender roast beef, gooey cheddar cheese sauce, and tangy red ranch dressing come together on a toasted onion roll to deliver a sandwich that’s irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a quick family meal or a cozy treat, this recipe gives you all the classic flavors of Arby’s without leaving your kitchen. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sandwiches:

1 pound deli-style roast beef (thinly sliced)
4 onion sandwich rolls
1 tablespoon butter (for toasting rolls)

For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (preferably whole milk)
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste

For the Red Ranch Sauce:

- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Red Ranch Sauce:
- Combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Set aside to cool.
Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Season with salt to taste. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat.
Warm the Roast Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of water or beef broth over medium heat.
- Add the sliced roast beef and warm it for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to overcook it.
Toast the Onion Rolls:
- Slice the onion rolls in half and spread butter on the cut sides.
- Toast them in a skillet or on a griddle until golden brown and crispy.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread a generous layer of the red ranch sauce on the bottom half of each toasted roll.
- Add a pile of the warmed roast beef slices.
- Drizzle the cheddar cheese sauce generously over the beef.
- Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately while warm. Pair with your favorite sides, like fries, onion rings, or coleslaw.

Notes

Cheese Sauce Variations: You can use pre-made cheddar cheese sauce for convenience, but homemade sauce gives a richer flavor.
Bread Alternatives: If you can’t find onion rolls, brioche buns, Kaiser rolls, or even plain hamburger buns work well.
Spice It Up: Add a splash of hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper to the cheese or ranch sauce for a spicy twist.
Storage: Leftover sauces can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Make It Vegetarian: Swap the roast beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based deli slices for a vegetarian option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stove Top
Cuisine: American