Tasty Arby's Beef and Cheddar

All the classic flavors you crave from a beef and cheddar sandwich made right at home. You just need a few pantry staples. The cheddar sauce is creamy, the tangy Arby's-style sauce brings a zing, and everything is piled on a warm, soft onion roll, making an easy throwback meal that comes together fast.

The first time I threw this together my kitchen smelled just like a sandwich shop. My husband was shocked we hadn't picked up takeout instead.

Irresistible Ingredients

• Sliced roast beef, deli cut: This gives you that melt-in-your-mouth feel. Try to grab freshly sliced roast beef at the counter for extra juiciness.
• Onion rolls or sesame seed buns: A touch of sweetness makes them perfect. Onion rolls nail the flavor, but sesame works if needed.
• Cheesy cheddar sauce: Makes every bite rich. Shred your own sharp cheddar so it melts beautifully.
• Butter, milk, and flour: The base for your creamy sauce. Choose real butter and whole milk for the creamiest flavor.
• Onion powder and garlic powder: Add these to get that classic takeout taste in both sauces.
• Arby's sauce or a quick homemade knockoff: This brings the tang. Mix ketchup with a sprinkle of paprika and you’re set.
• Bit of water for reheating beef: Stops your meat from drying out.

Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Put Together the Sandwich:

Start with a hefty scoop of Arby’s-style sauce on your bottom bun. Stack on the warmed beef, pour over the cheese, cap with your bun, and press gently so everything hugs together.

Toast the Buns:

If a little crunch sounds good, toss the inside of each bun on a hot skillet or pan until they're just golden. Only takes a couple of minutes and it's totally optional.

Warm Up the Beef:

Spread your roast beef slices in a pan, hit it with a dash of water, and gently shake or use tongs to heat them through. Thirty seconds is plenty—this way, they don’t dry out.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Let butter foam up in a pan, then stir in your flour. Whisk for a minute so there's no raw flour taste. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens a bit. Lower the flame, toss in handfuls of cheese and whisk till it’s all smooth. Stir in your onion and garlic powders at the end.

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I always pour extra cheese sauce because my kids like it as a dip for fries. The tang of the homemade Arby’s-style sauce is so good, I sometimes save leftovers for chicken sandwiches later.

Simple Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, wrap them up tight in the fridge—they’ll keep fine, but it’s smartest to stash meat, sauce, and buns apart. Store the beef sealed up and reheat with a splash of water to keep it juicy. Cheese sauce holds up in a jar in the fridge; rewarm gently on the stove or zap in the microwave. Toast your buns fresh before serving again.

Substitution Ideas

No onion rolls? Try fluffy brioche or pillowy potato buns. Shoot for low-sodium beef or part-skim cheese for a lighter bite. Switch cheddar for pepper jack or American for a change, or add a wee bit of liquid smoke to the sauce for a hint of barbecue.

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Fun Ways to Serve

Pair this sandwich with curly fries or crispy oven potatoes for the full fast-food effect. Serve up some extra sauce for good dipping. Throw on pickles or a small handful of shredded lettuce mix for crunch and a cool bite.

Backstory

Since the seventies, Arby’s beef and cheddar has been a nostalgic favorite—soft bun, zippy sauce, and melty cheese have made it a legend. Making it at home means you pick the ingredients and get that classic fast food flavor any time you want it.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I stop the beef from getting dry?

Just warm it up fast with a dab of water in a pan—half a minute is plenty for juicy beef that doesn't dry out.

→ Is it okay to prep the cheese sauce before serving?

Sure! Make your sauce early, pop it in the fridge, and just reheat slowly, stirring until it’s creamy again before you pour it on.

→ What if I’m out of onion buns?

Any soft bun works great, like sesame or plain hamburger buns. Toast them a bit to boost the flavor and texture.

→ How can I make this have less salt?

Choose lower-sodium deli beef and whip up your own sauce so your sandwich can stay tasty but with less sodium.

→ Is it possible to switch up the sauce taste?

Of course! Toss in extra garlic powder, onion powder, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to mix things up your way.

→ What’s the best way to serve a group?

Fix beef, sauce, and buns in bigger batches. Lay everything out so folks can build their own sandwiches without the fuss.