Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Recipe 🍔✨

There’s something unmistakably comforting about the Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Sandwich — tender, thin-sliced roast beef, melted cheddar sauce, and that signature tangy red ranch, all piled high on a toasted onion bun. It’s savory, cheesy, and a little sweet — everything you want in a quick bite. The best part? You can easily recreate this fan-favorite at home with simple ingredients and a few easy steps.

Whether you’re craving a fast-food fix without leaving your kitchen or you just want a quick dinner that everyone will love, this copycat recipe brings the famous Arby’s flavor right to your plate. 🧀🥩

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

• Fast and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Uses real ingredients: No mystery sauces or frozen meats here!
• Budget-friendly: Make four hearty sandwiches for less than the cost of two from the restaurant.
• Customizable: Adjust the cheese sauce, add extra roast beef, or even make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce.
• Tastes just like Arby’s (maybe even better): The homemade red ranch and creamy cheddar sauce seal the deal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Beef:

• 1 pound deli roast beef — thinly sliced for that classic texture.
• ½ cup water — to gently steam and reheat the meat.
• 4 onion buns — soft and lightly toasted to hold the fillings.

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 8 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀
• ¼ cup whole milk — creates a silky texture.
• ¼ teaspoon paprika — adds that signature orange hue and mild warmth.

For the Red Ranch Sauce:

• ½ cup ketchup 🍅
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar — gives the tang.
• 1 teaspoon sugar — balances the acidity.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of salt

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Step-by-Step Directions 👩‍🍳

1. Warm the Roast Beef:

In a large skillet, combine the deli roast beef and ½ cup of water. Cover with a lid and heat over medium for about 5 minutes. The steam will gently warm the slices without drying them out, keeping the beef tender and juicy. Drain any excess water before assembling.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a small saucepan, mix shredded cheddar, milk, and paprika. Stir over low heat until the cheese melts completely and the mixture turns smooth and glossy. The key here is patience — don’t rush or overheat, or you’ll end up with a grainy sauce.

If you want an extra creamy texture, whisk in a teaspoon of butter or a little cream cheese at the end. 😋

3. Prepare the Red Ranch Sauce:

In another small saucepan, combine ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Simmer over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring often. The sauce should thicken slightly and smell tangy-sweet.

This red ranch sauce is what gives the sandwich that unmistakable Arby’s zing — it’s the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory. 🔥

4. Assemble the Sandwiches:

Split each onion bun in half. Spread a generous layer of red ranch sauce over the bottom bun. Pile on the warm roast beef, then spoon over the cheese sauce until it cascades down the sides. Cap it with the top half of the bun.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the buns are warm. Pair with curly fries, onion rings, or even homemade potato wedges for a full fast-food experience — no drive-thru required. 🍟

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Tips for the Best Beef & Cheddar at Home 🔥

1. Use deli-sliced roast beef: The thinner the slices, the closer you’ll get to the original texture.
2. Warm, don’t fry: Steam or simmer in water to keep the meat tender — avoid browning or crisping.
3. Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be coated with anti-caking agents that affect melting.
4. Toast the buns: A light toast prevents sogginess and adds that toasty flavor Arby’s is known for.
5. Make it deluxe: Add a layer of crispy onions, a slice of tomato, or even bacon for an upgraded version.

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A Bit of Arby’s History 🕰️

Arby’s, founded in 1964 by Forrest and Leroy Raffel (hence the name “R.B.” for “Raffel Brothers”), quickly became famous for its roast beef sandwiches. While the original menu focused on simple sliced beef on a sesame seed bun, the Beef & Cheddar was introduced later and became a fan-favorite thanks to its creamy cheese sauce and signature tangy red ranch.

Over the years, it’s inspired countless copycats and homemade versions — and for good reason. There’s just something about the combination of melted cheese, warm beef, and a soft onion bun that hits every comfort food craving. 🍞🧀

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Serving Ideas 🍽️

• With curly fries: Recreate the full Arby’s meal experience with seasoned curly fries on the side.
• As sliders: Use small dinner rolls or mini onion buns to make party-sized versions.
• Loaded fries: Pour leftover cheese sauce and red ranch over fries, top with bits of roast beef, and bake for 5 minutes.
• Dip it: Make extra red ranch for dipping — it’s fantastic with mozzarella sticks or onion rings.

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Storage and Reheating 🧊

• Store leftovers: Keep components separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently: Warm the roast beef in a skillet with a splash of water. Reheat cheese sauce slowly over low heat, adding a little milk if needed.
• Avoid microwaving assembled sandwiches: They’ll become soggy — instead, reheat ingredients and reassemble fresh.

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Nutrition Information (Per Sandwich) 📊

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 35g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Sugar: 8g

(Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands.)

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Final Thoughts 💬

Recreating Arby’s Beef & Cheddar at home is easier than you might think — and once you do, you’ll realize it’s even better than takeout. Every bite bursts with cheesy goodness, tangy sweetness, and savory roast beef flavor. The smell alone will have your family lining up in the kitchen.

It’s a fun, family-friendly recipe that works for quick dinners, game day snacks, or even weekend lunches. And once you taste it, you might just say, “We have the meats… and it’s homemade!”

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