Name: Copycat Arby's Beef Cheddar - Easy Homemade
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ½ cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef; 4 onion hamburger buns

Copycat Arbys Beef Cheddar – that iconic sandwich that whispers promises of tender, thinly sliced roast beef piled high and smothered in a gloriously gooey cheddar cheese sauce. We all know the feeling: a craving hits, and suddenly, only that salty, savory, cheesy goodness will do. But what if I told you that you don’t have to brave the drive-thru to experience that familiar comfort? Today, we’re diving deep into the delicious world of recreating this fast-food favorite right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

People adore the Copycat Arbys Beef Cheddar for so many reasons! It’s pure, unadulterated comfort food. It’s that perfect balance of hearty and indulgent, a satisfying bite that always hits the spot. The magic lies in the simplicity and the sheer deliciousness of its core components: perfectly seasoned beef and that unbelievably creamy, tangy cheese sauce that clings to every strand. This recipe isn’t just about making a sandwich; it’s about recapturing a beloved flavor profile and making it your own, with ingredients you can trust and a touch of homemade love. Get ready to be amazed by how close we can get to that Arby’s magic, with a few simple steps!

Ingredients:

½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
4 onion hamburger buns

Making the Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Base for the Sauce

We’ll start by creating a flavorful base for our cheese sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, packed light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. This blend of sweet, tangy, and umami will form the foundation of that signature Arby’s flavor. Stir these ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. Once combined, add the garlic powder and onion powder. These aromatics are crucial for capturing that classic Arby’s taste profile. Continue to stir and cook this mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. It should start to smell wonderfully savory. Remove this saucepan from the heat and set it aside for now. This concentrated base will be incorporated into our cheese sauce later.

Step 2: Create the Roux for the Cheese Sauce

Now, let’s build the creamy component of our cheese sauce. In a separate medium saucepan, melt the tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and just beginning to foam, whisk in the tablespoon of all-purpose flour. This mixture of butter and flour is called a roux, and it’s essential for thickening our sauce without making it lumpy. Cook this roux for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. You want to cook out the raw flour taste, but be careful not to let it brown too much; a pale blonde color is perfect for a creamy cheese sauce. This step ensures a smooth, velvety texture for our Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar sauce.

Step 3: Gradually Incorporate Liquids to Form the Sauce

With our roux ready, it’s time to introduce the liquids to create a smooth and luscious sauce. Slowly pour in the cup of whole milk, whisking continuously as you add it. It’s important to add the milk gradually and whisk vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming. As you continue to whisk, the roux will begin to absorb the milk, and the mixture will start to thicken. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and has a creamy consistency. Once the milk is fully incorporated and the sauce has thickened to your liking, reduce the heat to low. Don’t let it boil rapidly at this stage, as it can scorch.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Combine with Flavor Base

This is where the magic happens and our sauce truly starts to resemble the Arby’s classic. Add the 6 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the thickened milk mixture, a handful at a time, whisking constantly until each addition is melted and fully incorporated before adding more. This gradual addition ensures the cheese melts evenly and the sauce remains smooth. Once all the cheese has been melted in, it will be wonderfully gooey and rich. Now, it’s time to bring in our prepared ketchup mixture from Step 1. Pour the ketchup mixture into the cheese sauce and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined. The sauce will transform into its signature vibrant orange hue and take on that unmistakable tangy, sweet, and cheesy flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed – perhaps a pinch more salt or a touch more vinegar depending on your preference. Keep the sauce warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the beef.

Step 5: Heat the Roast Beef and Assemble the Sandwiches

While the cheese sauce is keeping warm, it’s time to prepare the star of our Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar sandwich: the roast beef. In a separate skillet over medium heat, add the 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the pound of thinly sliced deli roast beef to the broth. Allow the roast beef to heat through for about 2 to 3 minutes, just enough to warm it without overcooking it, which can make it tough. You want the beef to be tender and juicy. While the beef is warming, lightly toast your 4 onion hamburger buns. This adds a nice textural contrast to the soft beef and cheese sauce. To assemble your Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar sandwiches, generously spoon the warmed roast beef onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Then, ladle a hearty amount of the warm, creamy cheese sauce over the roast beef, ensuring it cascades down the sides for that authentic messy goodness. Place the top half of the bun on top and serve immediately. The combination of tender roast beef, the warm, savory cheese sauce, and the onion bun creates a truly satisfying and delicious Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar experience.

Conclusion:

You’ve now got the blueprint to create your very own delicious Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar sandwiches right in your own kitchen! This recipe delivers that iconic savory roast beef and tangy cheddar sauce experience that we all love. I encourage you to give this a try; it’s surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. The aroma of the simmering beef and the bubbling cheese sauce is sure to fill your home with a comforting and irresistible scent. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these your own – that’s half the fun of cooking! Enjoy your homemade treat that perfectly captures the essence of the classic.

For serving, these sandwiches are fantastic on their own, just like at the restaurant. However, consider pairing them with a side of crispy curly fries for the ultimate Arby’s experience, or a simple side salad for a slightly lighter option. For variations, you can adjust the spice level of the cheddar sauce by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. You could also try toasting your buns for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Get creative and find what you love best!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! The roast beef can be cooked and shredded a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling your sandwiches.

What kind of beef is best for this recipe?

A chuck roast or a similar cut with good marbling will yield the most tender and flavorful results when slow-cooked and shredded. The fat will render, making the beef incredibly succulent.

Is the cheddar sauce difficult to make?

Not at all! The cheddar sauce comes together quite easily. It involves melting butter, whisking in flour to create a roux, then gradually adding milk and your shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. It’s a simple béchamel base with cheese.