Description

If you’re a fan of Arby’s iconic Beef & Cheddar sandwich, you’re in for a treat. This easy-to-follow recipe recreates the savory goodness of tender roast beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tangy red ranch sauce, all nestled in a soft onion bun. Whether you’re cooking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this homemade version delivers the classic flavors you love in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

To make these delicious sandwiches, gather the following ingredients:

1 pound deli roast beef
½ cup water
4 onion buns
8 oz Cheddar cheese (shredded)
¼ cup whole milk
¼ teaspoon paprika
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of salt

Instructions

To Make the Roast Beef

Heat the roast beef and water in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until the roast beef is warmed through.

To Make the Cheese Sauce

Combine shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and paprika in a small saucepan.
Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

To Make the Red Ranch Sauce

In a saucepan, combine ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes over low heat until it’s warmed through.

To Assemble the Sandwiches

Split the onion buns in half and spread red ranch sauce over the bottom halves.
Drain the water from the cooked roast beef and divide the beef evenly among the buns.
Top the beef with a generous drizzle of cheese sauce.
Place the top buns over the fillings and serve immediately.

Notes

Serving Tips

Best Enjoyed Fresh: These sandwiches are at their peak when served fresh and warm. Pair them with crispy curly fries, potato wedges, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Customize the Flavor: Add sliced pickles, sautéed onions, or a dollop of horseradish sauce to personalize your sandwich.
Presentation Matters: Serve on a warm plate or wrap the sandwiches in foil for a classic fast-food feel.

Storage Tips

Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have leftovers, wrap each sandwich individually in foil or store the components (buns, roast beef, cheese sauce, and red ranch sauce) separately in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Roast Beef: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, covered, until warmed through.
- Cheese Sauce and Red Ranch Sauce: Heat gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally, to prevent separation.
- Buns: Toast the buns lightly in the oven or on a skillet for a fresh texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the roast beef and buns separately. The cheese and red ranch sauces don’t freeze well due to their consistency. Thaw frozen components in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.