Make This Fast-Food Favorite at Home in Just 15 Minutes!

Craving that iconic Arby’s Beef & Cheddar sandwich, but don’t want to head to the drive-thru? You’re in luck. This copycat recipe delivers the same melty, cheesy roast beef experience right in your own kitchen—with simple ingredients and a bold, tangy homemade Arby’s Sauce that takes it over the top.

Whether you’re feeding the family or whipping up a late-night indulgence, this sandwich comes together in under 15 minutes and will have everyone asking for seconds.

🧾 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Just a few minutes of prep and you’re ready to assemble.
Customizable – Choose your cheese, meat thickness, or add extras like red ranch or horseradish sauce.
Cheaper Than Takeout – No need to spend $8+ on a fast-food meal when you can make four sandwiches at home for the price of one.
Great for Game Day or Family Dinners – Crowd-pleasing, filling, and fun to eat.

🛒 Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s dive into the stars of this sandwich and what makes each one essential.

🥯 The Bun:

4 Onion Buns – Onion buns have that sweet-savory taste and a soft, chewy texture that mirrors Arby’s original. Look for them in the deli section or swap with brioche buns if needed.

🥩 The Beef:

1 lb Thinly Sliced Roast Beef – You can use deli-sliced roast beef, leftover roast, or warm pre-cooked meat. Look for well-marbled beef for juiciness and flavor.

🧀 The Cheese:

4 Slices of Cheddar Cheese – Arby’s uses a cheese sauce, but melted cheddar slices give you the same sharp flavor with less mess. You can substitute with American, provolone, or a homemade cheddar cheese sauce if desired.

🍅 Homemade Arby’s Sauce:

This sweet, tangy, slightly spicy sauce is what makes this sandwich so unique. It’s super easy to mix up at home!

Arby’s Sauce Ingredients:

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Whisk it all together and set aside. You can refrigerate this sauce for up to 1 week and use it on burgers, fries, or wraps too!

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Arby’s Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth. Set aside or store in the fridge.

2️⃣ Warm the Beef & Melt the Cheese

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the roast beef slices onto a baking sheet and top each portion with a slice of cheddar cheese. Place in the oven for about 2–3 minutes, just until the beef is heated and the cheese is melty.

Pro Tip: You can also use a microwave or stovetop skillet to warm the beef and melt the cheese if you’re short on time.

3️⃣ Toast the Buns

While the beef is warming, lightly toast the onion buns. This step keeps the bun from getting soggy and adds great texture. Use a toaster, oven, or buttered skillet for extra flavor.

4️⃣ Assemble the Sandwiches

Generously spread the Arby’s Sauce on the top and/or bottom buns.
Layer the warm roast beef and melted cheddar on the bottom half, top with the saucy bun, and press gently to close.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy

Serve the sandwiches immediately while they’re hot and melty. Add fries, potato wedges, or coleslaw for a full fast-food-style meal.

🍽️ Customization & Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are some fun twists:

Cheese Sauce: Melt cheddar with a splash of milk and butter for a creamy cheese sauce.
Red Ranch Sauce: Mix ketchup with creamy salad dressing or mayo for a red ranch alternative.
Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to your Arby’s Sauce for a kick.
Loaded Version: Add caramelized onions, jalapeños, or crispy bacon.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

These sandwiches are best served fresh, but you can prep some elements ahead of time:

Make-Ahead Tips:
- The Arby’s Sauce can be made up to 1 week in advance.
- You can warm and portion the beef in advance, then reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds before assembling.
Leftovers:
Store any leftover meat and cheese separately in the fridge. Reheat gently and assemble fresh when ready.