Arby’s Beef Cheddar Copycat

This homemade version of Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich brings all the nostalgic drive-thru comfort to your own kitchen in just minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have. Perfect for satisfying a fast-food craving without leaving the house this loaded sandwich combines tender roast beef zesty red ranch sauce and creamy cheese sauce all tucked inside a soft onion bun

I whipped this up one Saturday when my teens had friends over and the kitchen smelled so good everyone kept wandering in for a taste Since then it has become our go-to movie night treat

Ingredients

• Onion bun: this bun brings that signature sweet tangy flavor try to get bakery fresh for the best texture
• Thinly sliced roast beef: choose a high quality deli roast beef for juicy meaty layers I like to ask for it sliced extra thin at the counter
• Cheese sauce: pick a nacho cheese sauce for quick prep or make a simple homemade cheddar version for extra creaminess sharp cheddar works best for flavor
• Red ranch sauce: this tangy sweet sauce can be made by mixing ketchup and French dressing or find store-bought Arby’s copycat brands
• Butter: optional but using it to toast your bun adds an extra layer of flavor use real butter for richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the Bun:

Split the onion bun and if you like spread butter on the cut sides Place the bun cut-side down on a hot pan or toaster until both sides are golden and a little crisp The toasting brings out the onion flavor and makes the bun stand up to the sauces

Warm the Roast Beef:

Layer the thinly sliced roast beef in a skillet over low heat and cover for a minute or two until just warmed through You can also use the microwave but heating gently keeps the meat tender and juicy

Spread the Red Ranch:

Generously spoon the red ranch sauce over the bottom half of your toasted bun Make sure to cover edge to edge as this is a key flavor in the sandwich

Assemble with Roast Beef:

Pile the warmed roast beef evenly on top of the sauced bun Use tongs so you keep those thin slices fluffy and not mashed

Top with Cheese Sauce:

Pour a generous ribbon of warm cheese sauce over the roast beef letting it melt down into all the layers Homemade sauce straight off the stove is the ultimate but jarred works for a shortcut

Finish and Serve:

Crown your creation with the top bun and press gently Serve right away while the cheese is gooey and the bun is warm

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My favorite part of this sandwich is the red ranch sauce It gives that signature sweet tang and ties everything together My kids still remember making these for the first time on the last day of school turning the kitchen into an assembly line with everyone adding their favorite amount of cheese

Storage tips

If you need to make this ahead store the meat cheeses and buns separately in airtight containers Refrigerate for up to three days Only assemble right before serving to avoid a soggy bun Leftover cheese sauce can be reheated gently on the stove with a splash of milk

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap the onion bun for a brioche or sesame bun in a pinch Use turkey for a lighter version or even try thinly sliced roast chicken If you do not have French dressing for the red ranch use more ketchup with a little mayonnaise and a tiny splash of vinegar

Serving suggestions

Serve this sandwich alongside classic curly fries coleslaw or potato salad For a fast weeknight dinner I add a green salad On game days set up a build-your-own bar so everyone can add extra sauce or jalapenos

A little Arby’s history

Arby’s Beef and Cheddar came out in the 1980s and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its sweet tangy sauce and signature cheese layer Making your own lets you control the quality of ingredients and pile on as much beef or cheese as you want

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of cheese sauce works best?

Use a smooth, melty cheddar cheese sauce for creamy texture. Nacho cheese or homemade works great for authenticity.

→ How can I make red ranch sauce at home?

Mix ketchup with French dressing for a tangy, sweet alternative that closely matches the original red ranch flavor.

→ Which type of bun delivers the classic taste?

An onion bun adds signature sweetness and texture, enhancing the sandwich’s overall savory flavor.

→ What’s the best way to heat the roast beef?

Warm thinly sliced roast beef in a skillet or microwave until just heated through to keep it tender and juicy.

→ Can I prepare the cheese sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Melt butter, whisk in flour, gradually add milk, then stir in cheddar cheese until smooth for a quick homemade sauce.