Description

This is the sandwich that made Arby’s famous, and now you can make it at home with ingredients that are actually pronounceable. We’re talking tender, seasoned roast beef piled high on a toasted onion roll, smothered in that iconic liquid gold cheddar sauce and tangy Arby’s sauce that somehow tastes like ketchup’s sophisticated older brother. This copycat version captures all that nostalgic fast-food magic but with better quality ingredients and the satisfaction of making it yourself. It’s messy, it’s indulgent, and it’s exactly what you’re craving when you want comfort food that hits different.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Roast Beef:

2 lbs deli-sliced roast beef (get it from the deli counter, not pre-packaged)
2 cups beef broth
1 packet onion soup mix
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Legendary Cheddar Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
Pinch of paprika
Salt to taste

For the Arby’s Sauce:

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper

For Assembly:

4–6 onion rolls or sesame seed buns
Extra cheddar sauce for drizzling
Red onion slices (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Make That Legendary Arby’s Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This sauce is the secret weapon.

Step 2: Prep the Roast Beef

In a large saucepan, combine beef broth, onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer. Add the roast beef and heat through, about 3-4 minutes. Keep it warm on low heat.

Step 3: Make That Liquid Gold Cheddar Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, making sure there are no lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).

Remove from heat and gradually stir in shredded cheese until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt to taste. Keep warm on lowest heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Toast Those Buns

Slice the rolls and toast them lightly until just golden. You want them sturdy enough to hold all this goodness without falling apart.

Step 5: Assembly Magic

Spread Arby’s sauce on the bottom bun. Pile on the warm roast beef (be generous — this isn’t the place to be shy). Drizzle generously with cheddar sauce. Add red onion if using. Top with the other bun half.

Step 6: The Final Drizzle