Tuesday nights in our town always feel a little chaotic. Patrol briefings run long, the middle school band practices spill into the parking lot, and the grocery store down Main Street gets crowded with families grabbing quick dinners.
A few weeks ago, I ran into two other moms in uniform at checkout, and we all laughed about the same thing. None of us had a dinner plan, and everyone’s kids were hinting about drive thru sandwiches on the way home.
That night, our house was full of noise. My oldest was finishing a science project at the kitchen counter, my husband was sorting mail from work, and my youngest was flipping through a sports magazine pointing at a picture of a Beef and Cheddar sandwich.
Instead of getting back in the car, I decided to turn that craving into something homemade. I had deli roast beef from the butcher counter, fresh onion buns from the bakery, and a block of sharp cheddar waiting in the fridge.
I tied my hair back, switched from my work shoes to slippers, and started whisking a quick sauce right there between homework questions and stories about school. The kitchen smelled like warm broth and toasted bread within minutes. By the time everyone sat down, we had a platter of homemade Arbys Beef and Cheddar sandwiches that looked like they came straight from a restaurant, only better. That evening turned into one of those simple family wins that makes a long workday feel worth it.
Short Description
Arbys Beef and Cheddar is a hearty main course featuring thinly sliced roast beef warmed in savory broth, layered with creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce and tangy sweet Arby’s style sauce, all tucked into soft onion hamburger buns.
Key Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, finely packed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 4 fresh onion hamburger buns
Tools Needed
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make the Arby’s Style Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder.
Whisk until completely smooth and glossy. Let the sauce sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes so the flavors blend. Taste and adjust slightly if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Place a small saucepan over medium heat, about 325°F. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and melt until just foaming.
Stir in 2 tablespoons all purpose flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in 1 cup whole milk, about ¼ cup at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once all the milk is incorporated, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Let it bubble softly for about 5 minutes until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and glossy. If too thick, add 1 tablespoon warm milk at a time.
Step 3: Warm the Roast Beef
Set a large skillet over medium heat at about 350°F. Add 1 cup low sodium beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
Separate the slices of deli roast beef and place them into the broth one at a time.
Heat for only 1 to 2 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid boiling hard, as that can toughen the meat.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice the onion buns if needed and lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden. Spread a generous layer of Arby’s style sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
Add a pile of warm roast beef, allowing excess broth to drip off. Spoon the hot cheese sauce over the beef. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Budget friendly and made with simple pantry staples
Quick enough for busy weeknights
Rich flavor with balanced tang and sweetness
Family approved and crowd pleasing
Easy to adjust for lighter portions or extra protein
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the Beef
Boiling the broth too hard makes the roast beef dry and chewy.
Solution: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer and heat the beef only 1 to 2 minutes.
Lumpy Cheese Sauce
Adding milk too quickly can create clumps.
Solution: Pour milk gradually while whisking constantly. Blend briefly if needed.
Cheese Sauce Too Thick
Letting it sit too long can cause it to stiffen.
Solution: Stir in warm milk 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth.
Soggy Buns
Excess broth can soak through the bread.
Solution: Drain beef well and lightly toast buns before assembling.
Sauce Too Sweet or Too Tangy
Incorrect measurements can throw off balance.
Solution: Adjust with a little extra ketchup or a small splash of vinegar.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with oven baked potato wedges or sweet potato fries
Add a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette
Pair with iced tea, sparkling water, or fresh lemonade
Present family style on a large platter for game nights
Slice sandwiches in halves for buffet or party trays
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store roast beef and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days
Keep buns sealed at room temperature
Reheat beef gently in a skillet with a splash of broth for 3 to 4 minutes
Warm cheese sauce over low heat, stirring often and adding milk if needed
Assemble fresh to maintain texture
FAQs
1. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The Arby’s style sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. Can I use pre shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and gives a creamier texture.
3. Is there a lighter version?
Use reduced fat cheddar and 2 percent milk. Choose whole wheat buns for added fiber.
4. Can I keep the beef warm for a party?
Yes. Place it in a slow cooker on low with broth and stir occasionally.
5. What if I do not have beef broth?
Substitute water with ½ teaspoon beef bouillon and adjust salt carefully.
Tips & Tricks
Shred cheddar from a block for the smoothest sauce
Warm plates slightly to keep sandwiches hot longer
Add thin sliced red onion for extra bite
Keep extra sauce on the side for dipping
Recipe Variations
Spicy Beef and Cheddar
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne to the Arby’s sauce and stir 1 tablespoon diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce. Follow the same cooking steps. Flavor becomes bold with a gentle heat.
BBQ Style
Replace the ketchup mixture with ½ cup barbecue sauce. Omit brown sugar and vinegar. The sandwich will have a smoky sweet flavor.
Mushroom Beef
Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms in 1 tablespoon butter for 5 minutes until golden. Layer over the beef before adding cheese sauce for an earthy touch.
Provolone Melt
Skip the cheese sauce. Place 1 slice provolone over the warm beef in the skillet and cover for 1 minute to melt. Texture becomes lighter and stretchier.
Final Thoughts
When I walk through the door after a full day on duty, the kitchen lights and the sound of a skillet heating up signal that it is time to slow down. Making this homemade Arbys Beef and Cheddar turns an ordinary evening into something a little more playful, like bringing the drive thru home but with better ingredients and a friendlier price tag. It slides easily into our weeknight routine and still earns smiles when everyone takes that first bite.
In our house, sandwiches like these do more than fill plates. They pull us to the table, get the kids talking about their day, and give my husband a chance to unwind. I aim for dinners that are simple, reliable, and welcoming after long hours. If your evenings are packed and you need a meal that delivers flavor without extra fuss, this one fits right in.
Savory Classic Arbys Beef And Cheddar
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar finely packed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 4 fresh onion hamburger buns
Instructions
- Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Rest 10 minutes.
- Melt butter, stir in flour 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, simmer 5 minutes, stir in cheddar until smooth.
- Simmer beef broth 5 minutes. Warm separated roast beef 1 to 2 minutes.
- Toast buns. Spread sauce, add beef, top with cheese sauce, cover, serve hot.
