Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorites – the Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwich! You know those days when all you want is something comforting and satisfying? Well, this recipe hits the spot like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s funny how a good sandwich can transport you to a certain time and place, isn’t it? For me, it takes me back to the lunch breaks during road trips with friends, when we’d snag one of these sandwiches at Arby’s and devour them with smiles plastered across our faces.
What makes this version special is that it’s not just about replicating the taste—it’s about making it your own. I love that I can customize it with my favorite extras, and there’s something gratifying about whipping it up at home. Now, are you ready to dive into this savory goodness and see what you need to make your own Beef and Cheddar sandwiches? Let’s go!
What’s in Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches?
Roast Beef: The star of the show! Tender, thinly sliced roast beef is essential. I’ve found that using deli-style roast beef works wonders here. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even slow-cook a roast at home.
Sandwich Buns: Go for onion or burger buns—they add a lovely flavor and texture. A toasted bun is key to holding all that juicy goodness together without falling apart!
Cheddar Cheese Sauce: This creamy sauce is what brings everything together. Store-bought is totally fine, but if you want to impress yourself, homemade is extra special!
Arby’s Sauce: Ah, here’s where the magic happens! This sauce has that tangy and slightly sweet flavor that makes the sandwich irresistible. Feel free to switch it out with your favorite BBQ sauce if you prefer.
Mayonnaise: This is an optional layer of creaminess. Trust me, adding it to the bun elevates the sandwich to a whole new level!
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon of this adds a nice umami flavor to the beef.
Garlic Powder: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Optional: Pickled Jalapeños or Sliced Onions: If you like a little heat or crunch, these are killer additions for garnish!
Is Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches Good for You?
Now, let’s chat a bit about the health angle. While these sandwiches are undeniably delicious, they’re also quite indulgent, particularly with that cheese sauce and roast beef combo. But hey, we all deserve a treat sometimes!
Roast Beef: Packed with protein, it’s a great way to fuel your day! Just be mindful of the sodium levels, especially if you’re watching your intake.
Cheddar Cheese Sauce: This is where things can get a little rich. Cheese is nutritious—hello, calcium!—but too much can add up in terms of calories and fat.
Arby’s Sauce: Depending on the brand you choose, the sugar content can vary. It’s delicious but can be high in sugar.
In moderation, this sandwich can be part of a balanced diet. Pair it with a fresh salad or some baked sweet potato fries to add some extra nutrients to your meal!
What You’ll Need
– 1 lb roast beef, thinly sliced
– 4 sandwich buns (preferably onion or burger buns)
– 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup Arby’s sauce (or similar BBQ sauce)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: pickled jalapeños or sliced onions for garnish
This recipe yields 4 hearty sandwiches that are just begging to be devoured!
How to Make Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches?
1. In a skillet over medium heat, combine the sliced roast beef with the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is warmed through, about 5 minutes. Don’t be tempted to skip this step—it makes a world of difference in flavor!
2. While the beef is heating, toast your sandwich buns lightly until they’re golden brown. This adds such a nice crunch and helps prevent sogginess from the sauces.
3. If you’re feeling fancy, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each toasted bun.
4. Place a generous portion of the warmed roast beef on the bottom half of each bun, allowing the juices to soak in beautifully.
5. Drizzle your desired amount of Arby’s sauce over the beef. Go wild—this is where the flavor party kicks off!
6. Pour that luscious cheddar cheese sauce over the top of the beef and watch it melt into perfection.
7. Cap it off with the top half of the bun so all that goodness is tucked in nicely.
8. For those who like a little zing, feel free to add pickled jalapeños or sliced onions on top before serving.
9. Serve immediately while they’re still warm, and download the recipe in your heart because you’re going to want to make these again and again!
Hacks and Extras for Your Homemade Sandwich Delight!
Now, here’s where you can get creative! Want to spice things up? Try adding some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor. And if you’re a cheese lover, mixing in a slice of provolone for a melty twist can only enhance the experience!
Don’t forget to pair these beautiful sandwiches with some crispy fries or even a light coleslaw to balance out the richness. And if you happen to have leftovers (haha, I rarely do after making these!), they store well in an airtight container in the fridge, but I bet they won’t last long!
I genuinely encourage you to try making this Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwich at home. It’s an easy recipe, and the satisfaction you’ll feel when biting into your creation is unparalleled! I can’t wait for you to take the plunge—tell me how it turns out!