Why You’ll Love Copycat Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich Recipe

I like this recipe because it comes together in minutes and delivers big flavor with very little effort. It’s perfect for busy days, casual lunches, or when I’m craving something nostalgic without leaving the house. I also enjoy being able to control the ingredients while still keeping that familiar taste everyone recognizes.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Copycat Arby’s Sauce
⅔ cup ketchup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp mayonnaise
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp salt

Cheddar Sauce
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
¾ cup milk
¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
¼ tsp salt

Roast Beef
1 lb thinly sliced deli roast beef
1 cup beef broth
4 onion buns

Directions

I start by whisking together all the ingredients for the copycat Arby’s sauce in a small bowl until smooth, then set it aside.

For the cheddar sauce, I melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stir in the flour, and cook it for about one minute. I slowly whisk in the milk, then add the shredded cheddar cheese and salt, stirring until the sauce is melted, smooth, and creamy. I remove it from the heat and set it aside.

To prepare the roast beef, I heat the beef broth in a large skillet over medium-low until it begins to simmer. I separate the slices of roast beef and add them to the skillet, heating gently for about two minutes before removing from the heat.

For assembly, I spread the Arby’s sauce on the bottom half of each onion bun, pile on the warm roast beef, spoon the cheddar sauce over the top, and finish with the top bun. I serve the sandwiches immediately while everything is hot.

Servings and Timing

I usually make 4 sandwiches from this recipe. The prep time is about 5 minutes, the cook time is around 10 minutes, and the total time from start to finish is roughly 15 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add sliced provolone or Swiss cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor. When I want extra richness, I double the cheese sauce. I also like to toast the onion buns lightly for a bit of texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover roast beef and sauces separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I gently warm the beef in a skillet with a splash of broth and heat the cheese sauce over low heat, stirring often.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can prep the sauces in advance and reheat them when ready to assemble the sandwiches.

What kind of roast beef works best?

I prefer thinly sliced deli roast beef because it heats quickly and stays tender.

Can I use a different bun?

I sometimes use brioche or regular sandwich buns if onion buns aren’t available.

Is this sandwich spicy?

I find it mildly tangy but not spicy at all.

Can I freeze the roast beef?

I don’t recommend freezing it once heated, as the texture can change.

How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?

I keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent clumping.

Can I make it gluten-free?

I use gluten-free buns and substitute a gluten-free flour blend in the cheese sauce.

What sides go well with this sandwich?

I like serving it with fries, potato chips, or a simple salad.

Can I double the recipe?

I often double everything easily to feed a crowd.

Does it really taste like Arby’s?

I think it comes very close, especially with the sauce and onion bun combination.

Conclusion

I find this copycat Arby’s roast beef sandwich to be an easy, delicious way to recreate a fast-food classic at home. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a recipe I enjoy making whenever I want comfort food without the wait.