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These beef cheddar sloppy joes bring the iconic flavors of the famous Arby's roast beef sandwich into sloppy joe territory, combining seasoned ground beef in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce with warm nacho cheese and crispy fried onions piled onto toasted onion buns. The secret to capturing that distinctive fast food flavor lies in using actual Arby's sauce, which adds the perfect tangy-sweet depth that ketchup and mustard alone cannot replicate. What makes these beef cheddar sloppy joes so perfect for satisfying fast food cravings is how they deliver all those beloved flavors in a format you can make at home in just 30 minutes, without the drive-through line or the premium prices. Whether you're feeding hungry teenagers who practically live on fast food, craving something indulgent that hits all the comfort food notes, or simply wanting to recreate restaurant flavors in your own kitchen, these loaded sloppy joes deliver familiar satisfaction with every messy, cheesy, onion-topped bite.
I created these after my husband returned from a business trip raving about a specific roast beef sandwich he'd grabbed at the airport. Since our nearest franchise was nearly an hour away, I needed a home version. Recreating those flavors in a sloppy joe format using the actual branded sauce was a game-changer. When I served the first batch—complete with nacho cheese and crispy onions—he declared the 45-minute drive officially obsolete.
Master Your Ingredients
- Ground Beef: One pound of beef forms the protein base. Use a standard fat content to ensure the meat stays juicy while simmering in the sauce
- Arby's Sauce: The 'secret' ingredient. Using the bottled version found in grocery stores is essential for that specific fast-food tang
- Nacho Cheese Sauce: Jarred nacho cheese or a melted cheese product (like Velveeta) provides that signature neon-yellow, pourable consistency
- Crispy Fried Onions: Store-bought canned fried onions (like French's) offer the necessary crunch to offset the soft, saucy filling
- Onion Buns: These tie the flavor profile together. Toasting them is non-negotiable to prevent them from becoming soggy under the weight of the cheese and beef
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds an essential umami depth that makes the quick sauce taste more developed and savory
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Creating Your Loaded Sandwiches
- Browning and Draining:
- Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet until fully cooked. Season with onion powder and paprika during this stage to build flavor into the meat. Crucially, drain all excess grease before adding your sauces to ensure a clean, vibrant flavor that isn't weighed down by fat.
- The Signature Sauce:
- Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire, ketchup, mustard, and the star: Arby's sauce. Simmer on low for a few minutes until the sauce reduces and clings to every crumble of beef. The mixture should be glossy and 'sloppy' without being watery.
- Assembly Strategy:
- Toast your onion buns cut-side down until golden. Layer the beef mixture onto the bottom bun, pile on the crispy fried onions, and spread or drizzle the warm nacho cheese on the top bun. Close the sandwich and serve immediately while the textures are distinct.
Authenticity in home-cooked fast food often comes down to specific brand usage. While you could make a homemade tangy tomato sauce, it’s the actual Arby's bottle that triggers that 'restaurant memory.' It’s a smart shortcut that pays off in smiles at the dinner table. If you can't find onion buns, a buttered and toasted brioche bun makes a fantastic, slightly sweeter substitute.
Creative Variations
Add a few pickled jalapeño slices for a 'spicy beef and cheddar' experience. You can also add crispy bacon strips for extra decadence, or swap the nacho cheese for a white queso dip if you prefer a sharper, more peppery cheese flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store the meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To maintain the best experience, only reheat the meat and warm the cheese as needed. Always use fresh buns and add fresh crispy onions upon serving—reheating a fully assembled sandwich will result in a soggy bun and limp onions.
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These Beef Cheddar Sloppy Joes prove that you don't need a professional kitchen to recreate the simple pleasures of the drive-through. It’s a messy, indulgent, and deeply satisfying meal that brings the fun back to weeknight cooking. Grab some napkins and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Where can I find Arby's sauce?
- Most grocery stores carry Arby's sauce in the condiment aisle. If you can't find it, you can make a copycat version by mixing BBQ sauce with a little ketchup and hot sauce.
- → Can I use regular hamburger buns instead of onion buns?
- Yes! Any burger bun works. Onion buns just add extra flavor that goes well with the beef.
- → What can I use instead of nacho cheese sauce?
- Shredded cheddar cheese works great! Just sprinkle it on the hot meat so it melts, or make a quick cheese sauce with cheddar and milk.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- The meat mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat and assemble the sandwiches when you're ready to eat.
- → What are crispy fried onions?
- They're the crunchy onions you'd use on green bean casserole - brands like French's make them. You can find them in the canned vegetable aisle.
- → Can I freeze the leftover meat mixture?
- Yes! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.