Homemade Arby’s Beef And Cheddar Copycat

This past weekend, I found myself standing in front of the deli counter with one mission: recreate Arby’s iconic Beef & Cheddar Sandwich at home.

My toddler was bouncing in the cart, pointing at the cheese wheels and asking if we could “make yellow sandwiches.” I laughed, picked up a pound of deli-sliced roast beef, and thought, Why not? We skipped the usual pantry items and headed straight for fresh sandwich rolls and a bottle of horseradish sauce. I was determined to bring that warm, cheesy, savory bite into my own kitchen—minus the drive-thru line.

Making these sandwiches was surprisingly easy and honestly, way more satisfying than grabbing takeout. The cheese sauce oozes over the tender beef, the tangy horseradish cuts through the richness, and the toasted bun ties it all together like a warm hug. Trust me, if you’re a fan of the original, this homemade version will blow you away.

Short Description

A delicious homemade version of Arby’s Famous Beef & Cheddar Sandwich, made with thin-sliced roast beef, a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, toasted rolls, and tangy horseradish sauce.

Key Ingredients

• 1 lb deli-sliced roast beef
• 4 onion sandwich rolls (or Kaiser rolls)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Horseradish sauce, to taste
• Optional: red ranch sauce for extra tang

Tools Needed

• Nonstick skillet or griddle
• Sharp bread knife
• Small saucepan
• Tongs
• Spatula
• Measuring spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Warm the Roast Beef
Place a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) along with the deli-sliced roast beef. Cover the skillet with a lid and steam for 3–4 minutes until the beef is heated through and tender. Use tongs to separate the slices gently.

Step 2: Toast the Rolls
Slice each sandwich roll in half. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the inside of each half. Place the buttered sides down on a hot skillet or griddle. Toast until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 3: Sauce the Bottom Buns
Spread about 1 tablespoon of horseradish sauce on the bottom half of each bun. If you enjoy an extra zing, add a spoonful of red ranch sauce as well for a tangy kick.

Step 4: Stack the Roast Beef
Pile the warm roast beef generously on top of the sauced buns. Don’t skimp—this sandwich is all about that hearty, meaty bite.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat the cheddar cheese sauce over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth and pourable. Drizzle about 1/4 cup of cheese sauce over the top of the roast beef.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Place the toasted top bun over the cheesy roast beef and press gently. Serve immediately while everything is warm, gooey, and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Tastes just like (or better than) the Arby’s original

– Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients

– No drive-thru needed—enjoy anytime from home

– Quick and satisfying weeknight dinner

– Perfect for picky eaters and sandwich lovers alike

– Customizable to fit your spice and cheese preferences

– Ideal for casual meals, game days, or family lunches

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Skipping the Toasting Step

Why it matters: untoasted rolls can become soggy from the sauce and steam.

Solution: Always butter and toast the buns for a crisp texture that holds up.

Mistake 2: Overheating the Roast Beef

Why it matters: roast beef dries out fast.

Solution: Add a splash of water and steam covered for just 3–4 minutes.

Mistake 3: Using Cold Cheese Sauce

Why it matters: cold sauce won’t spread well and dulls flavor.

Solution: Gently heat the sauce until pourable and warm.

Mistake 4: Using Too Much Sauce

Why it matters: over-saucing leads to a messy sandwich.

Solution: Stick to 1 tablespoon horseradish and 1/4 cup cheese per sandwich.

Mistake 5: Skipping the Horseradish

Why it matters: the horseradish adds essential tang and heat.

Solution: Even a small amount makes a big difference—don’t skip it!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve as a main dish with a side of curly fries or roasted potato wedges.

– Add a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

– Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or even a cold beer.

– Great for casual dinners, game day spreads, or weekend lunches.

– Serve family-style with all fixings on the table so everyone can build their own.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Store leftover roast beef and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

Keep buns in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

Gently reheat roast beef in a skillet with a splash of water until warmed.

Warm cheese sauce over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Toast buns fresh before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade roast beef instead of deli-sliced?
Yes! Thinly sliced homemade roast beef works wonderfully—just make sure it’s tender and not overcooked.

2. What’s the best substitute for cheddar cheese sauce?
You can use shredded cheddar melted with a bit of milk and butter for a quick homemade version.

3. Is horseradish sauce really necessary?
It adds a signature zing, but you can tone it down or swap it with Dijon mustard if preferred.

4. Can I freeze this sandwich?
Not recommended. The sauce and roast beef don’t reheat well after freezing, and the bread gets soggy.

5. What’s in Arby’s red ranch sauce?
It’s a tangy, slightly sweet sauce—try mixing ketchup, a bit of BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and vinegar for a quick version.

Tips & Tricks

– Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a more flavorful sauce.

– Add sautéed onions for a sweet twist.

– Warm your serving plates to keep sandwiches hot longer.

– If your cheese sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk to loosen.

– Use a serrated knife to slice buns cleanly without squishing them.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Beef & Cheddar

Add pickled jalapeños on top of the roast beef before drizzling the cheese sauce.

Swap horseradish with chipotle mayo.

Heat level: moderate to hot

Garlic Herb Beef & Cheddar

Mix garlic powder and Italian herbs into your butter before toasting the buns.

Use a white cheddar cheese sauce for a more elegant twist.

Flavor: aromatic, herby, rich

2. Bacon Beef & Cheddar Deluxe

Add 2 slices of crispy bacon per sandwich before topping with cheese.

Optional: sprinkle crispy fried onions for added crunch.

Flavor: smoky, savory, indulgent

3. Low-Carb Beef & Cheddar Lettuce Wraps

Replace buns with large butter lettuce leaves.

Use a reduced-fat cheddar sauce.

Skip the red ranch to cut sugar content.

Final Thoughts

This Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat brings all the comforting nostalgia. It’s messy in the best way, comforting, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. Perfect for casual get-togethers, weeknight dinners, or simply when the craving hits, this sandwich truly delivers. I didn’t expect to love it this much—but now, it’s in regular rotation. And judging by the way my husband asked for seconds before I could even sit down, I think it’s safe to say it’s a hit.

So next time you’re at the deli counter on a lazy weekend, grab that roast beef. Your future self (and your family) will thank you.