Copycat Arby's Beef & Cheddar Casserole (Print version)
A hot, cheesy roast beef casserole inspired by the Arby's Beef & Cheddar sandwich, baked with onion bun cubes and tangy red ranch sauce.
# Ingredients:
For the red ranch-style sauce
01 -
1/2 cup (120 g) ketchup
02 -
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
03 -
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
04 -
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
05 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 -
Pinch cayenne pepper, optional
For the casserole
09 -
6 onion sandwich buns, cut into 1-inch cubes
10 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) thin-sliced deli roast beef, chopped into wide strips
11 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 -
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk
14 -
2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 -
4 oz (115 g) American cheese, torn into pieces
16 -
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
17 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
18 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
19 -
1/2 cup (55 g) shredded cheddar cheese for topping, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the oven to 350°F. Spread the bun cubes on a sheet pan and toast for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges feel dry and lightly crisp.
02 -
In a small saucepan, stir together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Simmer over low heat for 3-4 minutes, then set aside 3 tablespoons for serving.
03 -
Add the chopped roast beef to the remaining red sauce and warm gently for 2-3 minutes. Do not boil it, or the beef can tighten and dry out.
04 -
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in cheddar, American cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
05 -
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add half the toasted bun cubes, then spoon the saucy roast beef over them. Pour the cheddar sauce evenly over the beef and scatter the remaining bun cubes on top.
06 -
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover, add the optional shredded cheddar, and bake 8-10 minutes more until bubbling around the edges. Rest for 5 minutes before serving with the reserved red sauce.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served hot while the cheddar sauce is creamy.
02 -
Toast the buns before layering so the casserole keeps texture.
03 -
Use thin deli roast beef rather than stew meat or ground beef for the sandwich-style bite.