*Copy-Cat* Arby’s Beef N’ Cheddar

One of my favorite fast food sandwiches is the Arby’s Beef ‘N Cheddar with it’s roast beef smothered in cheese sauce topped with tangy Arby’s sauce. The problem is that is physically pains me to pay for fast food when I can make something of equal or greater quality and taste at home. My husband, a die-hard Arby’s flavor fanatic, agreed this sandwich is an Arby’s clone.

I have a confession to make…I haven’t been completely honest with you. These don’t taste  like the Arby’s beef & cheddar sandwiches we all know and love. These taste better!! It’s the same great flavor you love, but without any of the old greasy taste. Also, if you don’t feel like mixing up your own Arby’s sauce, you can sub Catalina dressing. I have it on good authority that that’s actually the secret, much coveted loved, Arby’s sauce.

Have you tried making your own fast food favorites at home?

*Copy-Cat* Arby’s Beef N’ Cheddar

recipe adapted from Oh Sweet Basil

onion buns
thinly sliced roast beef
4-5 slices of american cheese
3 tablespoons milk
1/4 tsp garlic powder
dash of pepper

For the Arby’s sauce:

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tsp water
pinch of salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

Directions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the meat and place a lid over the top, and then turn the heat to medium low.
2. Meanwhile, stir together the Arby’s sauce ingredients and spread on the buns.
3. In a pot on the stove on medium-low heat, add cheese, milk, garlic powder, and pepper and stir until completely melted and evenly combined.
4. Place the meat on the buns, add the cheese sauce, a little more Arby’s sauce (if desired), and serve!

For an authentic (at-home) Arby’s experience, serve with curly fries.

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Cheeseburger Macaroni

Have you ever pulled a box of Hamburger Helper, or something similar, out of the pantry for a quick and easy meal for your family on a rushed evening? I, myself,  am guilty of having done this at least a few times. Even when I’ve bought these ‘box’ meals on sale or with coupons it’s still not particularly ‘cheap’ considering I always have to add more pasta, spices, and other ingredients to spruce it up. It doesn’t even taste that good to my husband or I, although I am sure my kids would eat it any day with no complaints. I know in the past I’ve sacrificed our personal preferences, quite a few times, for efficiency, using a ‘box’ meal to get dinner served to my kids on time, but NO MORE! Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is creamy, cheesy, and easy. Both the kids and the adults will love it. It even takes about the same amount of time to make as it’s pre-packaged competition. Ditch the ‘helping hand’ and make your own batch from scratch. My recipe feeds my family of six, with enough leftovers for my husband’s lunch the next day. The recipe can easily be cut in half to accommodate a smaller family.

Cheeseburger Macaroni

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 lb. box of pasta, elbows or small shells work best
• 2 packets of taco seasoning
• 2 10 oz cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 4 cups beef broth

Cheese Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• 1 and 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Directions

1. In a dutch oven brown hamburger meat until cooked through and then drain and return meat to the pot.
2. Stir in taco seasoning, tomatoes, beef broth, and macaroni.
3. Heat to boiling, now reduce heat and cover. Simmer 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cheese Sauce

1. While the beef and noodle mixture cook, melt butter in a saucepan. 
2. Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat, constantly whisking for 2-3 minutes.
3. Slowly add in the milk, whisking constantly, and bring to a boil.
4. When your sauce base is smooth and thickened remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
5. Add the salt and pepper to the cheese sauce.
6. Pour the cheese sauce over the hamburger mixture. Stir gently until evenly combined.
7. Remove pot from heat and let sit about 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken up and serve.