There’s something special about recreating your favorite fast food at home, and this copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar recipe is no exception. I remember the first time I made it, it was like bringing a little bit of Arby’s magic into my kitchen. The warm, tender roast beef, smothered in a tangy cheddar cheese sauce, all piled high on a soft onion bun, hits all the right notes.
What makes this recipe truly shine is the homemade cheese sauce. It’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of sharpness to balance the savory beef. And let’s not forget the zesty red ranch sauce, it adds that classic Arby’s flavor that we all know and love.
This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a Main Course, a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. Pair it with some Crispy Onion Rings, Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks, and a refreshing Iced Tea Lemonade, and you’ve got yourself a feast that rivals the drive-thru.
Why I Love This Recipe?
- It brings the classic Arby’s flavors right into your kitchen.
- The homemade cheese sauce is rich, creamy, and delicious.
- It’s a quick and easy recipe that satisfies those fast-food cravings.
- Perfect for when you want something indulgent without leaving the house.
Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Onion buns
- 4 cups Water
- 1 Beef bouillon cube
- 1 lb rare roast Beef thinly sliced
- 8 slices Cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp Milk
Instructions
- In a small pot, combine the cheddar cheese slices and milk. Melt over low heat, stirring frequently until the cheese is smooth and creamy.
- In a medium pot, heat the water over low heat and add the beef bouillon cube, stirring until it fully dissolves. Add the sliced roast beef to the beef-flavored water and warm for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it can become tough.
- Place a generous portion of the warm roast beef onto each onion bun. Top with the melted cheddar cheese.
- Serve the sandwiches immediately, and for an authentic touch, pair them with store-bought Arby’s-style fries.
Notes
- Keep an Eye on the Beef: Heating the roast beef just until warm is key to keeping it tender. Overcooking will make it tough and chewy.
- Cheese Consistency: Add a little more milk if your cheese sauce is too thick to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Bun Swap: If you can’t find onion buns, substitute with any soft sandwich roll for a tasty alternative.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 451 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
Tips Which May Help
Tip 1: For the best results, use thinly sliced deli-style roast beef. The beef should be tender and flavorful, similar to what you would find in an Arby’s sandwich. You can ask the deli to slice it very thin, or you can slice it yourself if you have a sharp knife or a meat slicer.
Tip 2: To make the cheddar cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Once the mixture thickens, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Tip 3: You can substitute the onion rolls with any type of soft sandwich roll or bun you prefer. Onion rolls add a unique flavor, but regular hamburger buns, brioche buns, or even pretzel rolls can work well if you want to try something different.
Tip 4: To warm the beef without drying it out, gently heat it in a pan with a small amount of beef broth or water. Cover the pan and let the beef steam until it’s heated through and tender. This method helps keep the beef juicy and flavorful, just like at Arby’s.