The Best Arby's Beef and Cheddar Copycat Recipe

If you’re a fan of Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwiches, you’ll be happy to learn that you can recreate them easily right in your own kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this classic roast beef sandwich in no time.

To enjoy the authentic Arby’s experience, consider pairing this tasty sandwich with classics such as curly fries, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a weeknight dinner.

In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious sandwich that is just as good as the ones you get at your favorite Arby’s restaurant.

For more fast food copycat recipes, try out McDonald's Chicken Nuggets and Panda Express Fried Rice.

Ingredients for this Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

Roast Beef

Roast Beef: thinly sliced roast beef works best for this recipe. You can either buy store-bought roast beef or make your own. Roast beef is one of the main ingredients in this recipe and it brings a delicious savory flavor. 
Vegetable Oil: is used to keep your roast beef from sticking to the skillet while it is heating. 
Hamburger Buns: are great to use for this classic recipe, you can also use sesame seed buns or toasted onion rolls. 

Homemade Cheese Sauce

Milk: is used to create a creamy base for your cheese sauce.
American Cheese Slices: are my favorite to use because they melt into a creamy and smooth sauce with a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the flavor of the roast beef.
Black Pepper: adds a bit of heat and flavor to your cheese sauce. 

Tangy Arby’s Sauce

BBQ Sauce: helps provide a sweet and smoky flavor to this recipe. 
Ketchup: is used to add a tangy flavor and pairs well with the barbecue sauce. 
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: add a savory flavor to your sauce. They both complement the other ingredients well. 
Apple Cider Vinegar: also adds a bit of acidity to your sauce and thins it out.

How to make this Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the ful step-by-step instructions.

Roast Beef

• Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the roast beef slices and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Stir it from time to time until it is fully heated.

Cheese Sauce

• Add the cheese, milk, and black pepper to a small saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat and stir continuously until fully melted. 

Make the Sauce

• In a medium bowl, stir together all of the ingredients to make the Arby’s sauce. 

Build the Sandwiches

1. Heat up the buns using whatever method you prefer. Slice them in half if they aren’t already. 
2. To assemble the sandwiches, spread some sauce on the top and bottom of the bun, place a pile of roast beef on the bottom piece, top with melted cheese sauce, and top with the top bun.
3. Serve the sandwiches immediately. Enjoy your homemade Arby’s Beef and Cheddar with a side salad or with some curly fries.

Beef and Cheddar Variations

• Spicy Beef and Cheddar: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to your homemade Arby's sauce for a spicy kick. You can also add a bit of heat to your cheese sauce by substituting the american cheese slices for pepper jack slices. 
• Bacon Ranch Beef and Cheddar: You can’t go wrong with adding bacon to anything! Add a few pieces of crispy bacon and a bit of ranch dressing to your beef and cheddar sandwich. 
• Mushroom Beef and Cheddar: Add sautéed mushrooms and Horsey Sauce for a savory sandwich with just a bit of a kick. 
• Southwest Beef and Cheddar: For a twist on this classic sandwich recipe, add chipotle mayo, avocado, tomato, lettuce, and red onion. 
• Breakfast Beef and Cheddar: You don’t think of breakfast when you think of Arby’s… but what if you add scrambled eggs and bacon and change up the hamburger bun for a croissant? You get a delicious Beef and Cheddar breakfast. 

How can I make an Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich gluten-free? 

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular hamburger buns for gluten-free buns. When making the cheese sauce and Arby’s sauce, be sure to double-check that the ingredients you’re adding are also gluten-free. 

Can I use different cheeses in the cheddar sauce? 

Of course! Feel free to pick your favorite or add what you have in the fridge. I like to use American cheese slices, but you can get creative and try adding and mixing a variety of cheeses to change up the sauce. You can add sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, swiss for a hint of a nutty flavor or pepper jack for a touch of spice. 

Can I make the cheddar cheese sauce ahead of time?

If you know you’re going to be low on time or you’re hosting a get-together, feel free to make your cheese sauce in advance. Simply place the cheese sauce into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to make your sandwiches, heat your cheese sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave until it becomes smooth and creamy. 

What toppings can I add to my Arby’s Beef and Cheddar recipe? 

The best thing about making your Beef 'n Cheddar at home is that you can customize the toppings. You can change up your hamburger bun for an onion roll or sesame seed bun. I like toppings that can add a bit of a crunch, like crispy fried onions. I also like to add some fresh ingredients like tomatoes or red onions. I’ve also added pickles for a hint of a tangy flavor. 

How do I store these leftover sandwiches? 

To store: put your leftovers into an airtight container and place them in the fridge. They will keep for up to three days. 

To reheat: microwave your sandwich until it is warmed through or place it in your toaster until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. 

Can I freeze this Arby’s Beef and Cheddar copycat recipe?

You can, but I don’t recommend it. The ingredients will change in texture when they’re thawed and reheated. However, you can definitely freeze any leftover roast beef and save it for later. 

The Best Arby's Beef and Cheddar Copycat Recipe