Tasty Dishes

Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Sandwiches

By Emma :

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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Got it! Let’s dive even deeper into this Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Sandwich recipe. I’ll break it down step-by-step with extra tips, ingredient details, and even some fun variations to make it your own. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this guide will ensure your sandwiches turn out perfectly every time. Let’s get into it!

Ultimate Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Sandwiches

This recipe is a spot-on recreation of Arby’s iconic Beef & Cheddar sandwich, but it’s made at home for a fraction of the cost. With 8 sandwiches for less than $15, you’ll be saying goodbye to those $30 drive-thru tabs! Plus, I’ll share all the secrets to nailing that signature flavor, including why French’s Classic Yellow Mustard is a must and how to make the perfect cheese sauce. Let’s make magic!

Why This Recipe Works

  • Authentic Flavor: The combination of French’s mustard and cheddar cheese sauce mimics Arby’s signature Red Ranch sauce perfectly.
  • Budget-Friendly: You’ll spend less than $15 for 8 sandwiches—way cheaper than the drive-thru!
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or game-day snacks.
  • Customizable: Swap ingredients or add your own twist to make it your own.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s everything you’ll need, with tips on why each ingredient matters:

1. Thinly Sliced Roast Beef (1 lb)

  • Why It’s Important: Arby’s uses thinly sliced, tender roast beef for their sandwiches. Look for pre-sliced roast beef at your grocery store deli or meat counter.
  • Pro Tip: Ask for it to be sliced as thin as possible for the most authentic texture.

2. Slider Buns or Onion Rolls (8)

  • Why It’s Important: The bun is the foundation of the sandwich. Slider buns or onion rolls are the perfect size and add a slight sweetness that complements the savory beef and cheese.
  • Pro Tip: Toast the buns lightly to add crunch and prevent sogginess.

3. French’s Classic Yellow Mustard (1 packet or 1-2 tablespoons)

  • Why It’s Important: This is the secret ingredient that gives the sandwich its signature Arby’s flavor. French’s has a unique orange blossom flavor that mimics Arby’s Red Ranch sauce.
  • Pro Tip: Do NOT substitute with other mustards—it won’t taste the same!

4. Cheddar Cheese Sauce (1 cup)

  • Why It’s Important: The gooey, melty cheese sauce is what makes the sandwich irresistible.
  • Pro Tip: Use store-bought cheese sauce for convenience, or make your own by melting 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with ¼ cup of milk or cream over low heat. Stir until smooth.

5. Butter or Oil (1 tablespoon)

  • Why It’s Important: A little fat helps warm the roast beef without drying it out.
  • Pro Tip: Use butter for extra flavor, or oil for a lighter option.

6. Arby’s Sauce (optional, for dipping)

  • Why It’s Important: While not part of the sandwich itself, Arby’s Sauce is a tangy, slightly sweet dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with the Beef & Cheddar.
  • Pro Tip: You can buy Arby’s Sauce in stores or online, or make your own with ketchup, vinegar, and spices.

Step-by-Step Instructions (with Extra Details)

1. Warm the Roast Beef

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil.
  • Add the thinly sliced roast beef and warm it for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overcook—it should just be heated through.
  • Pro Tip: If the beef seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist.

2. Toast the Buns

  • While the beef is warming, lightly toast the slider buns or onion rolls. You can use a toaster, toaster oven, or even a skillet.
  • Pro Tip: Brush the buns with a little melted butter before toasting for extra flavor.

3. Warm the Cheese Sauce

  • Heat the cheddar cheese sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm and smooth.
  • Pro Tip: If making your own cheese sauce, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches

  • Spread a thin layer of French’s Classic Yellow Mustard on the bottom half of each bun.
  • Add a generous portion of warmed roast beef on top of the mustard.
  • Drizzle the warm cheddar cheese sauce over the beef.
  • Top with the other half of the bun.
  • Pro Tip: For extra authenticity, sprinkle a little dried onion flakes on top of the cheese sauce.

5. Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve your Beef & Cheddar sandwiches immediately with a side of Arby’s Sauce for dipping (if desired).
  • Pro Tip: Pair with curly fries or onion rings for the full Arby’s experience!

Variations to Try

  • Spicy Version: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce or top the beef with sliced jalapeños.
  • Horseradish Kick: Mix a little horseradish into the mustard for a bold, tangy flavor.
  • Loaded Sandwich: Add crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra indulgence.
  • Turkey Twist: Swap the roast beef for thinly sliced turkey and use Swiss cheese sauce for a lighter option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of mustard?
No! The French’s Classic Yellow Mustard is essential for that authentic Arby’s flavor. Other mustards won’t have the same orange blossom taste.

What’s the difference between Arby’s Sauce and the Red Ranch?
Arby’s Sauce is a tangy, slightly sweet dipping sauce that comes in packets. The Red Ranch is the signature sauce that comes on the Beef & Cheddar sandwich. This recipe mimics the Red Ranch flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can warm the meat and cheese sauce ahead of time, but assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.

Can I freeze these sandwiches?
It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can freeze the roast beef and cheese sauce separately for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before assembling.

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

This copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar recipe is perfect for satisfying your fast-food cravings without leaving the house. It’s quick, easy, and tastes just like the real thing—if not better! Plus, you’ll save money and have enough sandwiches to feed the whole family.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been missing those iconic Arby’s Beef & Cheddar sandwiches, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s simple, delicious, and totally customizable. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

If you’d like me to tweak this further or add anything, just let me know!

More Easy TikTok Recipes to Try:

Happy cooking

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Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Sandwiches


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Description

Got it! Let’s dive even deeper into this Copycat Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Sandwich recipe. I’ll break it down step-by-step with extra tips, ingredient details, and even some fun variations to make it your own. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this guide will ensure your sandwiches turn out perfectly every time. Let’s get into it!


Ingredients

    1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (from the deli or pre-packaged)

    8 slider buns or onion rolls (toasted for extra authenticity)

    1 packet French’s Classic Yellow Mustard (this is KEY for the signature flavor—don’t substitute!)

    1 packet Arby’s Sauce (optional, for dipping)

    1 cup cheddar cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade—see notes below)

    1 tablespoon butter or oil (for warming the meat)

 


Instructions

1. Warm the Meat

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil.

    Add the thinly sliced roast beef and warm it for 1-2 minutes, just until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out.

2. Toast the Buns

    While the meat is warming, lightly toast the slider buns or onion rolls. This adds a nice crunch and helps hold the sandwich together.

3. Warm the Cheese Sauce

    Heat the cheddar cheese sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm and smooth.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches

    Spread a thin layer of French’s Classic Yellow Mustard on the bottom half of each bun.

    Add a generous portion of warmed roast beef on top of the mustard.

    Drizzle the warm cheddar cheese sauce over the beef.

    Top with the other half of the bun.

5. Serve & Enjoy

    Serve your Beef & Cheddar sandwiches immediately with a side of Arby’s Sauce for dipping (if desired).

 

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