Pin
Bring the vibes of your favorite chain right into your kitchen with this beef and cheddar creation. It’s all about melty cheese, zingy tang from a homemade Arby’s-style sauce, and super quick to throw together using everyday stuff you probably have. These are fast, cheesy, and totally take you back—all in under half an hour.
When I first put this together, the kitchen legit smelled like the sandwich joint. My husband swore we had grabbed takeout—it was that spot on.
Tasty Ingredients
- Roast beef, thin and deli-sliced: soft, juicy, and classic. Grab the stuff that’s freshly cut for more juiciness and flavor.
- Cheddar sauce: brings the creamy, rich vibe. If you shred your own sharp cheddar, it melts so much better.
- Butter, flour, and milk: these get you that smooth, homemade cheesy sauce. Real butter and whole milk make it extra good.
- Sesame seed or onion buns: both give a hint of sweetness. Onion buns really make it taste just like the classic.
- Arby’s-style sauce or an easy fake: ketchup with a hint of paprika gets you close to the tangy kick.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: these give all the right flavors in both cheese and special sauces.
- Bit of water for heating the beef: toss this in so the meat stays juicy, not dry.
Simple How-To Steps
- Put It All Together:
- First, slather a good amount of the tangy sauce on your bottom bun. Add the warm beef, drizzle over the cheesy sauce, pop on your top bun, and press a little for that classic feel.
- Toast the Buns:
- If you want crunch, toast the cut sides for like two minutes till just browned in a dry pan or oven. Totally your call. Makes everything sturdier.
- Warm Up the Beef:
- Drop slices in a hot pan, splash with a bit of water. Use tongs to toss so the steam heats them up in half a minute—keeps ’em moist and not tough.
- Whip Up the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt your butter, then sprinkle in flour and whisk fast for about a minute. Slowly add milk, always whisking out lumps. Stir till thick. Cut the heat, toss in shredded cheese one handful at a time, keep stirring until it’s all melted and smooth. Finish it with onion and garlic powders for the signature taste.
Pin
My family’s obsessed with the extra cheese sauce, especially for dipping fries. I always make more sauce than I need because the tangy version is also awesome on grilled chicken the day after.
Keeping Leftovers
Stash leftovers in the fridge, tightly wrapped or in containers. But if you want the best texture, store buns, beef, and cheese sauce on their own. Heat the beef with a dash of water, warm the sauce in short stints on the stove or microwave, and toast your buns fresh each time.
Switch Things Up
No onion buns? Brioche or potato buns work too. Go lower-cal with lean roast beef and lighter cheese. Try American or pepper jack for a change in flavor. If you dig smoky, add a splash of liquid smoke to your sauce mix.
Pin
Ways to Serve
Pair with curly fries or crispy potato wedges—totally feels like fast food night. Add extra sauce on the side for dipping. Try some pickles or toss together a quick lettuce slaw for crunch and a fresh bite.
Backstory and Culture
This beef and cheddar classic’s been loved since the seventies, known for its soft bun, bold sauce, and melty cheese. Fans swear by that fuss-free, old-school American fast food taste. Making it at home lets you pick your best stuff and enjoy that epic flavor anytime you want.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → How do I keep the beef nice and juicy?
Just toss the beef in a pan with a splash of water. Heat for about half a minute so it turns out soft and juicy.
- → Is it okay to prep the cheese sauce early?
Totally! Make it ahead, stash it in the fridge, and heat it slowly with a stir so it turns smooth again when you’re ready.
- → No onion buns—what else could I use?
Try fluffy sesame buns or even regular hamburger buns. Toast them for a nice crunch and flavor.
- → How do I make this lower in sodium?
Pick lean deli beef with less salt and whip up your own sauce for big flavor with less sodium.
- → Can I switch up the taste of the sauce?
For sure! Toss in extra onion powder, more garlic, or something smoky like paprika for a sauce that’s all yours.
- → What’s the best way to make lots of these at once?
Warm up the beef, cheese sauce, and buns in bigger batches. Let everyone build their sandwich—makes it super simple for a crowd.