This Copycat Arby's Beef N' Cheddar has been my answer to late-night fast-food cravings and busy weeknight dinners ever since I first nailed the cheese sauce ratio in my small apartment kitchen. I discovered this combination on an evening when the kids wanted something familiar and comforting, and the deli counter saved the day with paper-thin roast beef. The sandwich has that classic balance: tender slices of roast beef, a warm, velvety American cheese sauce, and a tangy, slightly sweet red sauce that pulls everything together. It tastes nostalgic, indulgent, and exactly like the version we used to pick up on road trips.

What makes this version special is how quickly it comes together and how easy it is to customize. With only a handful of pantry staples and deli slices, you can recreate the flavor in about eight minutes. The texture is everything — soft onion buns that cradle the juicy beef, a smooth cheese sauce that clings to the meat, and a bright sauce that cuts through the richness. I love watching my oldest close her eyes at the first bite and ask if there are more. It’s the kind of comfort that turns an ordinary night into something a little celebratory.

Ingredients

• Onion buns: Use soft onion-topped buns for that classic Arby's bite. Choose bakery-fresh or store-bought varieties — King’s Hawaiian or Martin’s potato rolls also work well for a slightly sweeter note.
• Deli roast beef (1 lb): Ask your deli for paper-thin slices. Thinly sliced roast beef warms quickly and stays tender; select a well-seasoned roast for the best flavor.
• American cheese (5 slices): Classic processed American gives the right melt and creaminess for the cheese sauce. You can substitute Velveeta or shredded cheddar for variation, but the texture will differ.
• Milk (3 tbsp): Whole milk gives the richest, creamiest sauce. Use 2% if you prefer a lighter finish — avoid skim because it can make the sauce thinner.
• Garlic powder and black pepper: Small amounts season the cheese sauce without overpowering it; freshly cracked pepper adds a little bite.
• Signature sauce (ketchup base): Ketchup, a splash of water, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt make a bright, tangy sauce that echoes Arby's Catalina-style dressing.
• Optional sides: Curly fries from the freezer aisle recreate the full experience — look for Arby's branded frozen fries or similarly seasoned frozen curls.

Instructions

Heat the beef: Place a medium skillet over medium heat and add the thinly sliced roast beef evenly across the pan. Cover with a lid to trap steam and reduce the heat to medium-low. Heat gently for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once, until the beef is warmed through and slightly steamy. Avoid high heat which can dry the slices; the goal is tender warmth not a sear. Make the signature sauce: While the beef warms, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons water, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the salt or add a little more water if you prefer a thinner consistency. This quick sauce brings the tangy, sweet counterpoint to the rich cheese. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 5 slices of American cheese and 3 tablespoons milk. Add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the mixture is smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm; if it thickens while waiting, stir in a teaspoon of milk at a time to loosen. Assemble the sandwiches: Split the 4 onion buns and spread a spoonful of the signature sauce on each bottom half. Pile warm roast beef onto the buns, spoon the cheese sauce generously over the meat, and add another light smear of the red sauce if you like extra tang. Top with the bun lids and serve immediately with hot curly fries for the full experience.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover warmed roast beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the cheese sauce in a separate sealed container and reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring constantly to return it to a smooth consistency. Avoid assembling sandwiches for later storage; assembled sandwiches become soggy. If you want to prepare components ahead, make the sauce and cheese up to 24 hours before serving and gently reheat both on the stovetop when ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have American cheese you can use Velveeta for an ultra-smooth sauce or shredded sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor — use a blend of cheddar and a processed cheese to keep the melt. For a gluten-free option, swap onion buns for gluten-free rolls, but be mindful that texture and exact flavor will vary. For lower sodium, source low-sodium deli roast beef or rinse thicker slices quickly under warm water and pat dry to remove surface brine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sandwiches hot with a side of crispy curly fries or thick-cut potato wedges for a classic pairing. Add sliced pickles for a vinegary contrast or a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce for crunch. For a lighter plate, pair with a tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese sauce.

Cultural Background

The Beef 'N Cheddar is one of the iconic handhelds from a popular American fast-food chain known for roast beef sandwiches and curly fries. It reflects fast-food ingenuity: combining deli-style roast beef with creamy cheese and a bright tomato-based sauce to create a comforting, portable meal. Over the decades this flavor combination has lodged itself in American food culture as a nostalgic, quick-service classic that many home cooks recreate to capture that roadside taste.

Seasonal Adaptations

In colder months, make the cheese sauce a little richer by adding a tablespoon of butter and using whole milk. For summer, lighten the sandwich with a zesty herb slaw on the side and swap the onion buns for grilled ciabatta for a slight char flavor. During holidays, offer a platter of different condiments — horseradish for heat, caramelized onions for sweetness, and pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick — to let guests personalize their sandwiches.

Meal Prep Tips

Prep components ahead for quick assembly: warm the beef and store it in a shallow container in the fridge; keep the sauce chilled separately. When ready to eat, reheat beef in a skillet with a splash of water and cover to steam for 1 to 2 minutes while you warm the sauce. Use microwave-safe containers if reheating in the microwave, warming the cheese sauce in short 15-second bursts and stirring in between to avoid separation.

Whether you’re recreating a favorite or introducing someone to this classic, the homemade Beef N' Cheddar is fast, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Serve hot, dig in, and enjoy that perfect mix of tender beef, creamy cheese, and tangy sauce — a weeknight victory every time.