Copycat Arby's Beef and Cheddar sandwiches layer warm thin-sliced roast beef, smooth homemade cheddar sauce, and a sweet-tangy red sandwich sauce on onion buns. Warming the beef gently in broth keeps the deli slices tender while the separate sauces recreate the signature contrast.
The recipe makes exactly 4 sandwiches in 25 minutes, with 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking. Prepare both sauces before heating the beef so assembly happens while every hot component is ready.
Beef and Cheddar Ingredients
The red sauce requires ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder.
For cheddar sauce, measure 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 cup milk, and 6 oz shredded cheddar. Assembly uses 2 cups beef broth, 1 lb thinly sliced deli roast beef, and 4 onion buns. Keep the deli slices separate enough that broth can warm them evenly.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Texas Toast French Dips.
How to Make Copycat Beef and Cheddar
- Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and onion powder into the red sauce.
- Melt butter, cook flour for 1 minute, and gradually whisk in milk.
- Simmer the white sauce for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Remove from heat and melt in 6 oz cheddar.
- Bring 2 cups beef broth to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Separate the roast beef slices and warm them in broth for 1–2 minutes.
- Build four onion buns with red sauce, warm beef, and cheddar sauce.
For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.
Whisk the Red Sandwich Sauce
Start the Butter-and-Flour Roux
Add One Cup Milk Gradually
Simmer the Base for Five Minutes
Melt Six Ounces Cheddar Off Heat
Simmer Two Cups Beef Broth
Warm the Roast Beef for One to Two Minutes
Assemble Four Onion-Bun Sandwiches
Keep Each Sauce Smooth
Serve Immediately for the Best Texture
Reheat Components Gently
Use the Twenty-Five-Minute Workflow
Conclusion
Whisk the six red-sauce ingredients. Cook 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon flour for 1 minute, gradually add 1 cup milk, and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and melt in 6 oz cheddar. Bring 2 cups beef broth to a simmer for about 5 minutes, then warm 1 lb separated deli roast beef for 1–2 minutes. Layer red sauce, beef, and cheese sauce on four onion buns.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
It makes exactly four beef and cheddar sandwiches.
- → How long should the milk sauce simmer?
Simmer it gently for exactly 5 minutes before removing it from the heat and adding cheddar.
- → How long does the roast beef warm in broth?
The thin deli beef needs only 1–2 minutes in simmering broth.
- → What kind of buns should I use?
Use four onion buns.