Craving that iconic Arby's Beef & Cheddar? Forget the drive-thru and the potential wait – let's make it at home! This recipe delivers that same delicious, juicy roast beef and melty cheddar goodness, all from the comfort of your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy, quick, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. Get ready for a flavour explosion that will have you saying "Arby's… but better!"
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your hungry crew!
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For the Roast Beef:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef roast (eye of round or top round work well)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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For Assembly:
- 3 large hamburger buns
- Optional: thinly sliced red onion, lettuce, tomato slices
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Roast Beef
- In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper.
- Add the thinly sliced beef roast and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary for even cooking.
Step 2: Making the Cheesy Goodness
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. This is the base of your delicious cheese sauce.
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 3: Assembling Your Arby's Masterpiece
- Warm the hamburger buns lightly.
- Spread a generous layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
- Top with the cooked roast beef.
- Add your favorite toppings, like red onion, lettuce, and tomato slices, if desired.
- Cover with the top half of the bun and enjoy!
Tips for Beefy Perfection:
- For extra flavour, try adding a pinch of brown sugar to the beef marinade.
- Don't overcook the roast beef; it should be tender and juicy.
- If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it's too thin, simmer it a bit longer.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Variations:
- Spicy Beef & Cheddar: Add a dash of hot sauce to the beef marinade or cheese sauce.
- Swiss Cheese Delight: Substitute Swiss cheese for the cheddar.
- BBQ Beef & Cheddar: Add a layer of your favorite BBQ sauce to the sandwich.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on bun and toppings) Protein: ~35g Fat: ~30g Carbohydrates: ~40g
This is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that delivers all the flavour of your favorite Arby's sandwich without the fuss. Enjoy!