Homemade Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar Sandwich: A Fast-Food Classic Made Better

When it comes to fast-food indulgence, few items strike the perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and saucy quite like the iconic Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar Sandwich. With layers of thinly sliced roast beef, warm cheddar cheese sauce, and tangy red ranch dressing on a toasted onion roll, it’s no wonder this sandwich has earned cult status.

But what if you could recreate this crave-worthy classic in your own kitchen—no drive-thru necessary?

This 2000-word deep dive walks you through how to make the ultimate Beef ‘n Cheddar Copycat Sandwich, with all the bold flavor you love, and maybe even a little better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade versions of fast-food favorites allow you to:

Use high-quality ingredients
Customize to your taste (extra sauce, anyone?)
Save money
Skip the preservatives
Add fun variations

With this recipe, you get the best of both worlds: nostalgia and control. Let’s dive into the ingredients, method, and tips to perfecting this cheesy masterpiece.

Ingredients (US Measurements)

Here’s everything you’ll need to make 4 loaded Beef ‘n Cheddar sandwiches:

For the Sandwich:

1 lb thinly sliced deli roast beef (or homemade if preferred)
4 onion sandwich buns (preferably bakery fresh)
1 cup cheddar cheese sauce
¼ cup milk (to thin the cheese sauce slightly)

For the Red Ranch Sauce (Copycat Arby’s Sauce):

¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Optional additions:

Crispy fried onions
Pickles
Lettuce (not classic, but some enjoy the crunch)

Equipment Needed

Small saucepan
Skillet or microwave (to heat beef)
Mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Toaster or oven (for buns)
Knife for spreading
Tongs or spatula

Prep Time and Cooking Info

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Calories: Approx. 500–600 per sandwich (depending on beef and cheese quantity)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Red Ranch Sauce

This tangy, slightly sweet sauce is essential to mimicking the signature flavor.

In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Stir well until smooth. Adjust vinegar or sugar to taste for balance.
Set aside. You can refrigerate if making in advance (lasts up to 5 days).

Step 2: Warm the Cheese Sauce

You want a pourable, velvety cheddar topping.

In a small saucepan, add:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce
- ¼ cup milk
Heat over low to medium-low, stirring frequently until smooth and warmed through.
Keep on low heat while assembling, or transfer to a thermos if prepping ahead.

Step 3: Heat the Roast Beef

You can microwave or gently steam for a tender bite.

Option 1:
Place slices in a skillet over low heat with a few tablespoons of water. Cover and steam for 3–5 minutes.

Option 2:
Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Option 3:
Microwave in 30-second bursts, loosely covered, until warmed.

Step 4: Toast the Onion Buns

Toasting adds texture and keeps the buns from getting soggy.

Slice the onion buns in half.
Toast in a dry skillet or in the oven until golden.
You can also lightly butter before toasting for extra richness.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwich

Spread a generous spoonful of red ranch sauce on the bottom bun.
Pile on ¼ lb of warm roast beef slices.
Drizzle warm cheddar cheese sauce over the beef.
Top with optional extras like fried onions or pickles if using.
Close with the toasted top bun.

Taste Test: How Close Is It to Arby’s?

The result is shockingly close to the real thing. The red ranch sauce hits the right tangy note, the cheese is gooey and familiar, and the beef—especially if you choose high-quality deli roast—tastes even better than fast food.

Pro Tips for Perfection

Beef Matters: Use freshly sliced roast beef from the deli counter, not prepackaged lunch meat. If possible, ask for it shaved thin.
Sauce It Up: Double the red ranch sauce recipe if you like it extra juicy.
Cheese Control: You can use store-bought nacho-style cheddar or make your own cheese sauce from scratch with cheddar, butter, and milk.
Storage: Keep components separate until ready to assemble. Store the sauce and cheese in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Variations to Try

Spicy Beef ‘n Cheddar

Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the red ranch sauce.

Deluxe Version

Top with crispy fried onions, a few dill pickle chips, and a slice of tomato.

Low-Carb/Keto

Swap the bun for a low-carb version or a lettuce wrap. Use homemade cheese sauce thickened with cream.

Homemade Roast Beef

Cook a chuck roast in a slow cooker with onion, garlic, and broth. Slice thinly after chilling.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve your Beef ‘n Cheddar Sandwich with:

Curly fries or potato wedges
A cold pickle spear
Iced tea or cola
Macaroni salad or coleslaw for a picnic-style meal

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep

This sandwich can be meal-prepped by preparing the sauce and cheese ahead of time. The beef can also be pre-warmed and portioned. For lunch prep, keep buns and fillings separate and reheat just before assembling.

Freezer Tip: You can freeze red ranch sauce and cheese sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Homemade vs. Fast Food: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Arby’s Version	Homemade Version
Meat Quality	Commercial sliced beef	Choice deli or homemade
Cheese Sauce	Processed	Fresh or homemade options
Bun	Onion roll	Fresh bakery or homemade
Additives	Yes	None (if homemade)
Cost per Sandwich	$5–7	~$2–3 (DIY version)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free onion buns and ensure sauces are gluten-free.

What kind of cheese is best?
Processed cheddar-style sauces melt smoothly, but you can use shredded sharp cheddar with milk and butter to make a roux-based sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Yes. Prepare sauce and meat ahead of time. Keep warm in slow cookers or chafing dishes and let guests build their own sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about the flavor combo of roast beef, creamy cheddar, and that zingy red sauce on a soft onion bun. With this homemade version of the Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar, you can skip the drive-thru without sacrificing flavor. In fact, you might just prefer your own version.

Whether you’re craving a nostalgic bite, hosting a fast-food themed dinner, or just want a hearty, satisfying sandwich—you can’t go wrong with this one.

Now it’s your turn—grab your buns, fire up the stove, and dig in!