Arby’s-Inspired Loaded Roast Beef Sandwiches (Easy Copycat Recipe)

Why You’ll Love These Arby’s-Inspired Loaded Roast Beef Sandwiches

If you love a warm roast beef sandwich piled high with tender meat, melted cheddar, crispy onions, and a creamy, tangy sauce, these Arby’s-Inspired Loaded Roast Beef Sandwiches are a delicious way to bring those familiar fast-food flavors into your own kitchen.

This homemade version features thinly sliced roast beef gently warmed in savory beef broth, soft toasted sesame buns, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy fried onions, and a quick sandwich sauce made with pantry staples.

Tiffany

Arby’s-Inspired Loaded Roast Beef Sandwiches

These Arby's-Inspired Loaded Roast Beef Sandwiches feature tender roast beef, melted cheddar, crispy onions, and a creamy homemade sauce on toasted sesame buns. An easy, satisfying meal ready in about 25 minutes.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 sandwiches

Course: Lunch, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Sandwiches

• 1 lb thinly sliced cooked deli roast beef
• 4 sesame seed sandwich buns
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
• 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened

For the Homemade Sandwich Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp brown sugar optional
• 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

• Large skillet with lid
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, optional brown sugar, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Toast the Buns: Spread softened butter over the cut sides of the sesame buns. Toast in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Warm the Roast Beef: Add beef broth to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked roast beef and warm gently until thoroughly heated.
4. Melt the Cheese: Divide the warm roast beef into four portions. Place one slice of cheddar over each portion. Cover briefly over low heat until the cheese melts.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread sauce over the toasted bun bottoms. Add the cheesy roast beef and crispy fried onions. Drizzle with extra sauce if desired.
6. Serve: Place the top buns over the fillings and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Recipe Tips

• Use thinly sliced, fully cooked deli roast beef for the best texture.
• Warm the roast beef gently in beef broth to help keep it tender.
• Toast the buns before assembling to prevent sogginess.
• Add crispy fried onions just before serving.
• Substitute warm cheddar cheese sauce for sliced cheddar if preferred.

Make Ahead: Prepare the sandwich sauce in advance and refrigerate it until needed.

Storage: Refrigerate the components separately. Follow the roast beef package’s storage instructions.

Reheating: Warm the roast beef until steaming hot and assemble the sandwiches with freshly toasted buns.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with French fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or dill pickles.

Tips for the Best Loaded Roast Beef Sandwiches

Making delicious roast beef sandwiches at home is simple, but a few small details can make a big difference.

Choose thinly sliced roast beef. Thin slices are easier to warm evenly and create a tender sandwich filling. Fully cooked deli roast beef is a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Warm the beef gently. Instead of frying the roast beef over high heat, warm it in a small amount of beef broth. This helps prevent the meat from becoming dry.

Toast the sandwich buns. A lightly toasted sesame bun adds flavor and helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy after adding the sauce.

Use freshly melted cheese. Sharp cheddar gives these sandwiches a rich flavor. For an extra creamy variation, try a warm cheddar cheese sauce.

Keep the onions crispy. Add the crispy fried onions immediately before serving so they maintain their texture.

What to Serve with Loaded Roast Beef Sandwiches

These sandwiches are satisfying on their own, but they also pair beautifully with classic American side dishes.

Try serving them with oven-baked French fries, crispy potato wedges, creamy coleslaw, dill pickles, or a simple green salad.

For game-day gatherings, arrange the sandwiches on a large platter and serve the sauce on the side.

Easy Recipe Variations

Spicy Roast Beef Sandwiches

Add sliced jalapeños or a small amount of hot sauce to the sandwich sauce for extra heat.

Extra Cheesy Sandwiches

Replace sliced cheddar with warm cheddar cheese sauce for an extra creamy filling.

Caramelized Onion Roast Beef Sandwiches

Use caramelized onions instead of crispy fried onions for a softer texture and sweeter flavor.

Storage and Reheating

For the best results, store the sandwich ingredients separately.

Refrigerate cooked roast beef promptly and follow the package storage instructions. Once opened, deli roast beef should generally be used within 3–5 days.

Keep the homemade sauce refrigerated in a covered container and use within 3–4 days.

When ready to serve, reheat the roast beef until steaming hot, toast the buns, and assemble with fresh toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover roast beef?

Yes. Thinly sliced, fully cooked leftover roast beef works well. Warm it gently in beef broth before assembling.

Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and portion the ingredients in advance. For the best texture, assemble the sandwiches immediately before serving.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is a great choice, but provolone, Swiss cheese, or warm cheddar cheese sauce can also work.

Are these official Arby’s sandwiches?

No. This is an independent homemade recipe inspired by American roast beef sandwiches, not an official Arby’s product.