Skip the drive-thru and make your own Arby’s roast beef sandwich at home with this spot-on copycat recipe.
It has all three key elements of an authentic copycat: the beef broth-infused roast beef, the Red Ranch sauce, and the cheddar cheese sauce.
Pile everything high on a soft onion bun, and OMG. All you’re missing are the curly fries and a fountain soft drink!
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Why You’ll Love This Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
Iconic Savory Flavor: Savor the classic combo of tender roast beef, Arby’s zesty sauce, and creamy cheddar. It has everything that makes the REAL Arby’s sandwich so famous. Customizable Toppings: There are only so many ways you can customize your roast beef sandwich in the drive-thru line. But at home, you can add anything you like. I’m talking juicy tomatoes, crispy onions, mayo, peppers, and more! Homemade Convenience: Sure, fast food is convenient when you’re driving down the interstate. But not so much when it’s 8 o’clock at night, and you’re already in your bunny slippers and PJs. This recipe lets you create a restaurant-quality sandwich right in your own kitchen. Bunny slippers and all!
Ingredients
Deli Roast Beef: Use thinly sliced deli roast beef for the best flavor and texture. The packaged lunch meat variety is okay, but fresh from the deli is best.
Beef Broth: Warm the roast beef in broth to make it juicy and enhance its meaty taste.
Onion Hamburger Buns: Soft and slightly sweet, these onion-infused buns perfectly complement the savory fillings.
Arby’s Red Ranch Sauce: You may have plenty of packets sitting around at home. If you don’t, don’t worry. You can make it yourself with ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cheddar Cheese Sauce: You’ll make this creamy, rich sauce, too. It’s simply whole milk, butter, flour, sharp cheddar, salt, and pepper.
How to Make Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
However you dish it up, this is serious sandwich satisfaction that rivals the real deal.
But believe it or not, there are only five steps to crafting the perfect copycat of Arby’s roast beef sandwich:
- PREP: Gather all ingredients and set out a medium and small saucepan for sauces. 2. RED RANCH: In a medium saucepan, warm the ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add water as needed. Set aside. 3. CHEESE SAUCE: Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in the flour, followed by the milk, cheese, salt, and pepper. Cover and keep warm. 4. BEEF: Warm the beef broth in a large skillet. Add the roast beef, cooking for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. 5. ASSEMBLE: Toast the buns if desired. Spread the Red Ranch sauce on the buns, add the roast beef, drizzle with cheese sauce, and top with the buns. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
There’s something so satisfying about recreating a fast food favorite in your own kitchen.
And the combo of the savory roast beef, zesty sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese in this one is pure magic.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you get cooking:
Use ultra-thin beef. You want it to be ultra, ultra thin. That will mimic the texture of Arby’s original sandwich. Get it from the deli counter if you can.
Simmer; don’t boil. Heat the beef broth just to simmering, not boiling. Then, add the roast beef and heat until it’s warmed through. If you overcook it, it’ll become tough.
Adjust the cheese sauce as needed. If it’s too thick, add a little milk to thin and smooth it. If thinness is the issue, add extra cheese to bulk it up.
Toast the buns. I highly recommend toasting the buns so they don’t go soggy. I usually do it in the skillet before warming the broth.
To microwave or not to microwave. I don’t usually do this because I keep everything warm. But if you want them extra warm and a more authentic fast-food texture, nuke them for 20-30 seconds.
Try variations. Experiment with different cheeses, such as Swiss or Provolone, or top it off with sautéed onions, garlic butter mushrooms , jalapeños, etc.
Serve with sides. Pair it with curly fries for an authentic Arby’s experience. You can also serve it with mozzarella sticks , French fries , onion rings , or a simple side salad .
How to Store
Unfortunately, these sandwiches don’t store well. You can, however, store the Arby’s sauce and cheese sauce for more sandwiches later.
To Store: Store the sauces in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate them for 3 to 4 days. To Reheat: Microwave the sauces in 15-second intervals, stirring well between each spin until warm and smooth.
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Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
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Arby’s roast beef sandwich is loaded with tender beef, melty cheddar, and tangy Red Ranch sauce—perfect for satisfying your fast-food cravings at home!
Ingredients
- Arby’s Red Ranch Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons water
- Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Arby’s Sandwiches
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 onion hamburger buns
Instructions
- Make the Red Ranch sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Warm over medium heat, stirring often, until smooth and warm. Add water, as needed, to reach the desired consistency. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the top and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the shredded cheese, a little at a time. Stir until melted between additions. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and keep warm.
- Make the sandwiches: Warm the beef broth in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s simmering, add the roast beef, separating the slices so they cook evenly. Warm the meat in the broth for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a plate with kitchen tongs, allowing excess broth to drip off.
- If desired, lightly toast the buns. Then, spread the Red Ranch sauce on both sides. Top the bottom buns with the warm roast beef and drizzle with cheddar cheese sauce. Cover with the top buns, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Use ultra-thin beef to mimic the actual Arby’s sandwich.
Adjust the texture of the cheese sauce as needed. Add milk to thin it and cheese to thicken it.
Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. I usually do this in the skillet before warming the broth.
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