Copycat Arby's Beef Cheddar

There is something nostalgic and a little bit thrilling about making your own Copycat Arbys Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches at home The combination of juicy roast beef melty cheddar cheese sauce tangy Arby's sauce and soft onion rolls means you never need to hit the drive thru again This version brings all that fast food comfort right to your kitchen without the wait

On a snowy Saturday I tried this recipe on a whim and it became an instant family favorite My kids now cheer when I ask if they want "drive thru night" at home

Ingredients

• Heavy cream: brings rich body to the cheese sauce for extra creaminess Use regular heavy cream for the smoothest texture
• Shredded cheddar cheese: is the star of the sauce Grate it fresh if you can since bagged cheese can make the sauce grainy
• Beef stock or broth: adds savory depth to the roast beef Choose a low sodium option if you want to control seasoning
• Deli roast beef: thin sliced for tenderness and quick heating Ask your deli to slice it paper thin for that classic texture
• Onion Kaiser rolls: are the traditional base Check for a soft texture and a good onion topping for lots of flavor
• Arbys sauce: gives signature tang Look for bottled versions or use any tangy barbecue sauce if you do not have Arbys brand

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Pour the heavy cream into a nonstick skillet and add the shredded cheddar cheese Place the pan over medium low heat Stir the mixture constantly with a whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce turns silky and smooth Keep the heat low to avoid scorching the dairy Cover the pan and set the sauce aside to stay warm

Heat the Beef:

Pour the beef stock into a two quart or larger saucepan Heat it just until steaming and hot Add several slices of roast beef at a time making sure they are fully submerged Let them warm gently for thirty to sixty seconds which helps infuse the beef with flavor and moisture Use tongs to lift out the slices and transfer to a plate Continue until all the beef is warmed

Prep the Rolls:

If your Onion Kaiser rolls are not sliced open use a serrated knife to carefully cut each roll in half Check for any paper liners under the onion topping and remove them Place the rolls cut side up on a tray for easy assembly

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Spread about one tablespoon of Arbys sauce over the bottom half of each roll Layer one fourth of the warmed roast beef loosely over the sauce letting it pile up for that signature look Drizzle several generous spoonfuls of cheese sauce over the beef making sure some drips down the sides Cap with the top roll Press gently and serve immediately

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The homemade cheese sauce makes a huge difference I love using sharp cheddar because it melts beautifully and gives the sauce a good tang My son once said he likes our version better than the real thing and he asks to help with the cheese every time

Storage Tips

Keep leftover roast beef and cheese sauce separate in airtight containers Store both in the fridge for up to three days When ready to eat gently rewarm the beef slices in a little broth and heat the cheese sauce over low heat adding a splash of cream to loosen if needed Avoid assembling sandwiches until just before serving to keep the rolls from getting soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap onion Kaiser rolls with plain Kaiser or even brioche buns if you like a little sweetness If you do not have Arby's sauce try your favorite barbecue sauce with a bit of vinegar stirred in For a stronger cheese flavor use extra sharp cheddar or add a bit of smoked paprika for depth

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Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches are classic with curly fries or potato chips on the side For an extra boost add sliced pickles or caramelized onions to your sandwich If you enjoy heat a drizzle of hot sauce over the meat fits right in Turn leftovers into sliders for a fun party platter

A Bit of History

The Arby's Beef and Cheddar has been around since the 1980s and remains a fast food favorite The combination of beef tangy sauce and cheese on an onion roll is simple comfort food at its best My family always ordered this one after school events so making it at home brings back good memories of kid sized celebrations

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the roast beef tender?

Warm the thinly sliced roast beef in beef stock just until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.

→ What’s the best cheese for the sauce?

Freshly shredded cheddar melts best and gives a smooth, creamy texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.

→ Can I substitute the Kaiser rolls?

Yes, any soft sandwich roll works well, but onion rolls add extra flavor and an authentic touch.

→ How can I fix thickened cheese sauce?

Reheat the sauce gently over low heat and stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to regain a smooth consistency.

→ Is it possible to prepare these sandwiches ahead?

You can make the cheese sauce and warm the beef in advance, assembling just before serving for best results.