This Copycat Arby s Beef N Cheddar has been my go to comfort sandwich for quick weeknight dinners and late night cravings. I first learned how to recreate this classic after a road trip when the nearest Arby s was closed and I found myself missing that savory roast beef and tangy signature sauce combination. The homemade version captures the same salty roast beef flavor, the warm soft onion bun, and a luscious cheese sauce that drapes the meat just like the original. It is a real nostalgia trigger for anyone who grew up with fast food treats and still appreciates a simple, satisfying sandwich.

I love how fast this comes together. With deli roast beef, a whisk of pantry staples for the signature sauce, and a quick stovetop cheese sauce, you can build four hearty sandwiches in about eight minutes of total time. Texture plays a big role here. The thinly sliced warm beef keeps the sandwich juicy without becoming chewy, while the cheese sauce adds silkiness that melds with the tangy sweet sauce. Family members always ask for seconds and the leftovers reheat very well which makes this a practical crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

• Onion buns: Four soft onion buns give the sandwich its characteristic slightly sweet and savory base. Look for bakery fresh or supermarket packs labeled onion rolls for the closest match. Toast lightly to warm and add structure.
• Deli roast beef: One pound of thinly sliced roast beef from the deli counter provides the proper melt in your mouth texture. Ask the deli to cut it extra thin for ease of warming and to echo the fast food texture you remember.
• American cheese: Five slices are used to make a smooth cheese sauce. American cheese melts reliably and creates the classic flavor profile. You can substitute Velveeta or shredded cheddar if you prefer a sharper finish.
• Milk: Three tablespoons of whole milk makes the cheese sauce glossy and silky. Lower fat milk will work but whole milk gives better mouthfeel.
• Garlic powder and black pepper: A quarter teaspoon garlic powder plus more to taste with black pepper help season the cheese sauce so it is not bland.
• Signature sauce: One half cup ketchup, two teaspoons water, a quarter teaspoon garlic powder, a quarter teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt create a tangy sauce similar to the original Arby s dressing.

Instructions

Heat the beef: Place a skillet on the stove and heat over medium. Add the thinly sliced roast beef to the skillet and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium low and warm the beef for two to three minutes until it is hot and just starting to give off steam. Warming the beef covered prevents drying and keeps the slices tender. Make the signature sauce: While the beef is warming, stir together one half cup ketchup, two teaspoons water, one quarter teaspoon garlic powder, one quarter teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and taste for balance. If you prefer a sweeter sauce add a touch more ketchup. Spread a thin layer on both bottom buns so the flavor penetrates every bite. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a small pot set over medium low heat combine five slices of American cheese with three tablespoons milk, one quarter teaspoon garlic powder, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir gently and constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is shiny and smooth. This should take three to five minutes. Keep the heat low to avoid separation and if the sauce seems too thick add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired pourable consistency. Assemble the sandwiches: Place a warm bottom bun on each plate, add a generous mound of warmed roast beef, spoon the cheese sauce over the beef, and add a bit more signature sauce if you like extra tang. Top with the bun crown and press gently so everything melds together. Serve immediately for best texture. Serve with sides: Pair with frozen curly fries prepared according to package directions for an authentic in home experience. The hot fries and cold beverage complete a nostalgic meal that is quick and satisfying.

Storage Tips

Store leftover components separately for best results. Keep warmed roast beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Transfer any leftover cheese sauce to a glass jar and cool it quickly before refrigerating. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture, and warm the cheese sauce over low heat while whisking. Avoid reheating in the microwave at full power as the sauce can become oily. For longer storage freeze the sauce in small portions in freezer safe containers for up to one month then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find thinly sliced roast beef ask the deli to slice it as thin as possible. For the cheese sauce you can replace American cheese with an equal weight of shredded cheddar plus one ounce of processed cheese for smoothness. Velveeta is a great direct substitute for an ultra smooth sauce. For a lighter version use reduced fat American cheese and skim milk but expect a slightly thinner mouthfeel. If you are avoiding ketchup try a tomato based barbecue sauce in a small amount, keeping in mind that the flavor will skew smokier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sandwiches with hot curly fries, a crisp dill pickle, and coleslaw to balance the richness. For a lighter plate pair with a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette. Garnish the sandwiches with thinly sliced red onion or a few pickle chips to provide a bright contrast to the meat and cheese. These make a fun game day offering and mini sandwiches cut in half are perfect for a casual buffet.

Cultural Background

The original sandwich rose to fame as part of a regional fast food tradition that pairs thinly sliced roast meat with bold sauces. It is rooted in American convenience culture where sandwich shops emphasized assembly speed and consistent flavor. This copycat taps into that tradition while offering the chance to control ingredient quality and portion sizes. Recreating such classics at home is part of a broader culinary trend of elevating nostalgic fast food with a homemade touch.

Seasonal Adaptations

In cooler months add a smear of roasted garlic aioli or swap the onion bun for a warm brioche roll for extra comfort. In summer lighten the sandwich by serving smaller slider versions with a summer slaw on top so the sandwich stays refreshing. For holiday gatherings serve the meat warmed with a touch of roast beef au jus alongside the cheese sauce for a slightly more luxurious presentation.

Meal Prep Tips

For meal prep make the signature sauce and cheese sauce ahead and store in separate containers. Portion the warmed beef into meal sized containers and include a fresh bun on the side. When ready to eat reheat the beef and sauce gently and assemble fresh to avoid soggy bread. Use shallow containers so the beef warms quickly and invest in good quality airtight lids to maintain freshness.

These sandwiches bring back memories and make new ones. They are quick enough for weeknight dinners and familiar enough for family favorites. Try making extra sauce to have on hand for other sandwiches and enjoy a little bit of classic fast food nostalgia without ever leaving your kitchen.