Introduction to Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm sandwich, especially when it’s a Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate! I get it—between work, kids, and life’s never-ending to-do list, cooking can feel like just one more chore. This recipe offers a quick solution for a busy day, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in just 25 minutes. Plus, it’s so good that you might just impress even the pickiest eaters in your family. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar
This Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar is not just quick and easy; it’s downright delicious! Imagine sinking your teeth into tender roast beef, topped with creamy cheese sauce, all nestled inside a soft onion bun. Perfect for busy nights, this sandwich comes together faster than you can say “drive-thru.” With simple ingredients and minimal fuss, it’s a meal that satisfies cravings without taking over your evening.
Ingredients for Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for creating the perfect Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar. Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouth-watering sandwich:
- Arby’s sauce: This tangy sauce is a key component, giving your sandwich that familiar zest. You can easily make your own with simple ingredients.
- Ketchup: A basic staple, it adds sweetness and balance to the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Light brown sugar: Sweetness is crucial. This sugar helps enhance the flavors and offers a bit of caramel-like richness.
- Apple cider vinegar: A touch of acidity, this vinegar brightens up the sauce and complements the savory flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash imparts a bold umami depth, making your sauce taste homemade and scrumptious.
- Garlic powder: For a kick of flavor, this will add warmth and richness to your sauce.
- Onion powder: Another essential for flavor layering; it works wonderfully alongside the garlic powder.
- Unsalted butter: A must-have for the cheese sauce, it provides a rich, creamy base after melting.
- All-purpose flour: This will thicken your cheese sauce beautifully, making it perfectly gooey!
- Whole milk: It enhances the creaminess of the cheese sauce. You could also use a non-dairy milk if preferred.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show! It melts beautifully, giving that dreamy cheesy texture.
- Low sodium beef broth: This is the comforting water for warming your roast beef, keeping it moist.
- Deli roast beef: The heart of the sandwich—opt for thin, tender slices for the best bite.
- Onion hamburger buns: A little crunch and onion flavor make these buns a perfect vessel for your sandwich!
This recipe is versatile! Feel free to customize it. You might add jalapeños for spice or use turkey for a lighter variant. Remember, the exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article for easy printing.
How to Make Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar
Making this Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have warm, gooey goodness on your plate in no time.
Step 1 – Prepare the Arby’s Sauce
Let’s kick things off with that signature sauce! In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. You want a smooth sauce that sings with flavor. This sauce is the magic that brings your sandwich to life, so give it a good mix!
Step 2 – Make the Cheese Sauce
Next up is the cheese sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s nice and bubbly, stir in the all-purpose flour, cooking for about a minute. You’re creating a roux here! Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously until the mixture simmers. Allow this creamy concoction to heat for around five minutes. Remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, letting it melt into that dreamy, gooey sauce we all crave.
Step 3 – Warm the Roast Beef
Now, let’s get that roast beef ready! In a large skillet over medium heat, bring the low sodium beef broth to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens for your deli roast beef. Gently separate the slices and add them one by one into the broth. This keeps everything nice and warm without letting them stick together. Let them soak for about 1-2 minutes, just enough to get them hot and tender.
Step 4 – Assemble the Sandwich
It’s finally time to assemble your mouthwatering creations! Take an onion hamburger bun and spread a generous amount of the prepared Arby’s sauce on the bottom half. Now, layer on that warm roast beef, making sure it’s heaped nicely! Drizzle the velvety cheese sauce over the beef like a cheesy waterfall. Now, close your sandwich with the top half of the bun. Voila! You’ve just created a Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar that’s ready to be devoured.
Tips for Success
- Properly whisk your Arby’s sauce to avoid lumps for a smooth finish.
- Keep an eye on the cheese sauce; don’t overheat it, or it will clump.
- For a richer flavor, sauté some onions and mix them into the roast beef.
- Warm your buns in the oven for a few minutes for a delightful crunch.
- Experiment with toppings like jalapeños or pickles to add zing!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: Ideal for whisking sauces. A mason jar also works if you prefer shaking.
- Small saucepan: Necessary for making your cheese sauce. An extra bowl for double boiling is great, too.
- Large skillet: Used for warming the roast beef. A pot could be handy as an alternative.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly. A fork can suffice in a pinch!
Variations of Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar
- Turkey or Chicken Version: Swap out the roast beef for thinly sliced turkey or chicken to create a lighter sandwich that still packs a punch!
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the cheese sauce or Arby’s sauce for an extra zing that spice lovers will adore!
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace the meat with grilled mushrooms or sautéed peppers for a hearty, plant-based option that’s just as satisfying.
- Cheese Extravaganza: Mix a variety of cheeses such as pepper jack or gouda with the sharp cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in some dried herbs like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika into the cheese sauce to elevate the taste with aromatic notes.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Fries: Serve your Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar with crispy French fries for that fast-food feel.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the sandwich.
- Iced Tea: Pair your meal with a tall glass of sweet iced tea for a touch of Southern charm.
- Pickles: A side of pickles adds a tangy crunch that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Presentation: Serve the sandwiches on a wooden board for a rustic, inviting look.
FAQs about Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar
Can I make the Arby’s sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whip up the Arby’s sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Just give it a good stir before using it for your sandwiches!
What can I use instead of roast beef?
If you’re not a fan of roast beef, you can substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter, yet equally delicious, Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar. They work great with the cheese sauce!
Can I freeze the homemade cheese sauce?
Freezing the cheese sauce is not recommended, as it can separate when thawed. Instead, make only what you need for the sandwiches and enjoy the creamy goodness fresh!
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
For a healthier twist on this recipe, opt for whole grain buns, leaner cuts of meat, or even use plant-based cheese to create a veggie version. It’s all about enjoying your treats in moderation!
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from getting lumpy?
The key is to whisk the flour and butter together well before adding the milk. Gradually mix in the milk to keep it smooth. If you do get lumps, blending with an immersion blender can save the day!
Final Thoughts
Creating a Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar at home isn’t just about satisfying cravings; it’s about relishing the joy that comes with cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. The aroma of the beef and cheese sauce wafting through the kitchen reminds me of cherished moments spent around the dinner table. This recipe is more than a quick dinner option; it’s a way to bring comfort and warmth into our busy lives. Plus, the smiles on my family’s faces as they devour these delicious sandwiches make every minute spent cooking worthwhile. So, roll up your sleeves and savor the experience!
Print
Copycat Arby’s Beef Cheddar
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A homemade version of Arby’s Beef Cheddar sandwich featuring roast beef and a rich cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- Arby’s sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Cheese sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Sandwich assembly
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 4 onion hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
- Over medium heat, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring.
- Gradually add milk while whisking, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Heat for 5 minutes before removing from heat and stirring in shredded cheese until fully melted.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, bring beef broth to a simmer for 5 minutes. Separate roast beef slices and add them individually into the broth to prevent sticking. Warm the beef for 1-2 minutes and remove.
- Spread prepared Arby’s sauce on the bottom half of an onion hamburger bun. Top with warm roast beef, followed by cheese sauce. Close the sandwich with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure not to overheat the cheese sauce to avoid clumping.
- For extra flavor, consider adding pickles or jalapeños to the sandwich.
- Can use turkey or chicken instead of roast beef if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
