This Copycat Arbys Beef N Cheddar is the ultimate fast-food comfort sandwich you can make in your kitchen in under ten minutes. I discovered this combination on a weeknight when the kids begged for something quick and nostalgic. I had thinly sliced roast beef from the deli, a few slices of American cheese, and pantry staples for a tangy sauce. The first time I assembled it exactly like the chain version, my family swore it was just as good as driving through the window. The soft onion buns, warm, tender roast beef, and rich, velvety cheese sauce pull together in a satisfying bite that hits salty, creamy, and slightly sweet notes at once.

What makes this version special is how it uses ordinary ingredients to recreate precise textures: deli-sliced roast beef warmed just enough to stay tender, cheese melted low and slow so it stays silky, and a homemade signature sauce that brightens the sandwich with a ketchup-forward tang. I often make this for a quick dinner or a weekend lunch, and its also a crowd-pleaser at watch parties. With just a few simple techniques and attention to timing, you can enjoy a diner-quality sandwich without fast-food lines.

Ingredients

• Onion buns: Four soft onion rolls provide the slightly sweet, savory base that is key to the sandwich. Look for bakery-style buns or brioche-style onion rolls for the closest texture to the original.
• Deli roast beef: One pound of thinly sliced deli roast beef warmed gently keeps the meat tender. Ask your deli to slice it as thin as possible so it piles easily and reheats quickly.
• American cheese: Five slices of American cheese melt smoothly into a silky sauce. Store-brand sandwich American or classic Kraft American both work well.
• Milk: Three tablespoons whole milk keeps the sauce rich without thinning it too much. You can use 2% if preferred, but whole milk gives the best mouthfeel.
• Seasonings: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper to taste season the cheese sauce. These small touches lift the flavor without overwhelming the classic taste.
• Signature sauce: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons water, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt create the tangy sauce that defines the sandwich. Combine and let flavors marry for a minute while other elements cook.

Instructions

Warm the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced roast beef in an even layer. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low; let steam for 2 to 3 minutes until the meat is warmed through and tender. Watch for edges to curl slightly but avoid prolonged cooking which can dry the beef. Make the signature sauce: While the beef is heating, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons water, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning; the sauce should be slightly tangy and smooth. Spread a thin layer on both cut sides of the buns. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a small pot over low to medium-low heat, add 5 slices of American cheese and 3 tablespoons milk. Stir constantly until cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and a few grinds of black pepper, whisking to combine. Low heat prevents the cheese from becoming grainy. Assemble the sandwiches: Place warmed roast beef onto the sauced bottom buns. Spoon or drizzle the cheese sauce over the meat, and add a little extra signature sauce if you like more tang. Top with the other bun halves and press gently to settle everything together. Serve hot: Serve immediately with your favorite fries. For an authentic touch, pair with curly fries from the frozen section or wedge fries and a cold soda. Enjoy while the cheese is warm and the buns are soft.

Storage Tips

Store leftover sauce and warmed roast beef separately in airtight containers. Cheese sauce will keep for about 3 days in the refrigerator; cover it with plastic wrap pressed to the surface to avoid a skin. Refrigerated roast beef is best used within 2 to 3 days. Do not assemble and store full sandwiches if you want to preserve texture; buns will become soggy. For freezing, portion the warmed beef into meal-sized packets and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat meat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to steam it back to tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have American cheese, Velveeta works for an ultra-smooth sauce, or shredded cheddar may be used for sharper flavor—replace 5 slices with about 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar and increase milk by 1 tablespoon. To make it lower in sodium, use low-sodium ketchup and a lower-salt deli roast beef or roast your own thin slices of beef at home. Gluten-free buns or iceberg lettuce wraps can replace onion buns. For a dairy-free sauce, try a blended cashew cheese sauce, but expect a different texture and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sandwiches with curly fries, classic fries, or a crisp side salad to balance richness. Herbs like chopped chives sprinkled on top of the cheese sauce add a fresh note and color. For a party platter, cut sandwiches in half and serve with extra signature sauce for dipping. Pair with a crisp cola or an iced tea for the nostalgic fast-food experience at home.

Cultural Background

The Beef N Cheddar is a beloved American fast-food sandwich originally popularized by a national chain. Its combination of roasted beef and American-style cheese sauce reflects mid-century comfort food trends where processed cheeses and convenience meats became staples. Over the years, the sandwich has become a nostalgic indulgence for many, often associated with quick meals and late-night cravings. Home cooks recreate it to enjoy those flavors with fresher ingredients and control over quality.

Seasonal Adaptations

In colder months, add a layer of caramelized onions for deeper caramelized sweetness and warmth. During summer BBQs, serve smaller slider versions with sweet pickles for a tangy contrast. Swap the onion buns for toasted rolls with garlic butter in the holidays, and consider adding a smear of horseradish mayo for a wintery kick that plays well with beef.

Meal Prep Tips

For quick weeknight assembly, make the signature sauce ahead and keep it refrigerated for up to a week. Portion the cheese sauce into microwave-safe containers and reheat slowly, stirring and adding 1 teaspoon milk if it tightens. Pre-slice buns and set out plates so assembling takes less than five minutes. Pack components separately for lunchboxes and assemble just before eating to maintain bun texture.

Bringing this homemade version to your table is a small, nostalgic pleasure that tastes like a treat but comes together simply. Try it once and you may find it becomes your households fast-food remedy without leaving home.