Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade version tastes just like the original—but even better. You get tender, deli-style roast beef, creamy cheddar sauce, and that signature sweet-and-savory red ranch, all on your favorite bun. It’s easy to make with store-bought ingredients or fully from scratch. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or game day, this sandwich is a hit every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Deli-style roast beef (thinly sliced)
• Onion sandwich buns (or kaiser rolls if preferred)
• Cheddar cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Red ranch sauce (see note below)
• Butter (optional, for toasting buns)

For Red Ranch Sauce (optional homemade version):

• Ketchup
• French dressing
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika

Directions

1. Make the red ranch sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, French dressing, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Warm the roast beef: Heat sliced roast beef in a skillet or in the microwave until warm, adding a splash of water or beef broth to keep it juicy.
3. Heat the cheese sauce: Warm the cheddar cheese sauce in a saucepan or microwave until smooth and pourable.
4. Toast the buns (optional): Lightly butter and toast the onion buns in a skillet or oven until golden brown.
5. Assemble: Spread red ranch sauce on the bottom bun, pile on the warm roast beef, drizzle with cheese sauce, and top with the other bun.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches (easily scaled up).
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy deluxe: Add extra shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese for more richness.
• Spicy: Mix hot sauce into the cheddar sauce or add jalapeños.
• Bacon twist: Add crispy bacon slices for added crunch and flavor.
• Low-carb: Skip the bun and serve the ingredients in a lettuce wrap or low-carb tortilla.
• Homemade roast beef: Use your own slow-cooked or oven-roasted beef for a more homemade feel.
• Onion ring upgrade: Add a few crispy onion rings inside the sandwich for a texture boost.

Storage/Reheating

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh.
If storing, keep components separate and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat roast beef and cheese sauce gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Assemble just before serving to maintain texture.
Not recommended for freezing once assembled.

FAQs

What kind of roast beef should I use?

Use thinly sliced deli-style roast beef. Ask for “rare” or “medium” cuts for the juiciest texture.

What’s in Arby’s red ranch sauce?

It’s a sweet and tangy sauce made with ketchup, French dressing, vinegar, and spices. You can buy a similar sauce or make it at home.

Can I use regular buns?

Yes, but onion rolls give the most authentic flavor. Brioche or kaiser buns also work well.

Can I make the cheddar sauce from scratch?

Yes! Melt butter, stir in flour, whisk in milk, and then add shredded cheddar until smooth.

Is this sandwich spicy?

No, it’s mild. Add hot sauce or spicy cheese to turn up the heat.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free buns and ensure your roast beef and sauces are gluten-free.

Can I use leftover roast beef?

Absolutely. Thinly slice and warm it before assembling the sandwich.

What cheese is best?

Mild or sharp cheddar works great. You can also try white cheddar or American cheese sauce.

What sides go well with this?

Serve with curly fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a pickle spear.

Can I prep these ahead?

Yes—make the sauces and slice the roast beef ahead, then assemble just before serving.

Conclusion

Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar is a fast-food favorite that’s even better when made at home. With savory roast beef, creamy cheddar, and tangy red ranch on a toasted onion bun, it’s a mouthwatering sandwich that comes together fast and satisfies every time. Customize it to your taste, pair it with classic sides, and enjoy a delicious homemade version of this iconic favorite.

Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A homemade take on the iconic Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar sandwich, featuring thinly sliced roast beef, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and zesty red ranch sauce on a soft onion bun.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Assembled
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb deli-style roast beef, thinly sliced
• 2 onion sandwich buns (or kaiser rolls)
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Butter, optional (for toasting buns)
• 2–3 tbsp red ranch sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• For Homemade Red Ranch Sauce:
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp French dressing
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together all red ranch sauce ingredients. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until needed.
2. Heat roast beef slices in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or beef broth until warmed through.
3. Warm the cheddar cheese sauce in a saucepan or microwave until smooth and pourable.
4. Optional: Lightly butter the onion buns and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden brown.
5. Spread red ranch sauce on the bottom bun, layer with warm roast beef, drizzle with cheese sauce, and top with the other bun.
6. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Use rare or medium deli roast beef for best texture.
• Cheese sauce can be made from scratch with a simple roux, milk, and cheddar.
• Make the red ranch sauce ahead of time for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 80mg