Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sloppy Joes Recipe

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This Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sloppy Joes recipe is a little messy, a lot cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor. It’s the best of both worlds—a mashup of Arby’s signature sandwich and the nostalgic Sloppy Joes we all grew up loving.

How to make Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sloppy Joes

Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sloppy Joes are a copycat-style sandwich inspired by Arby’s classic Beef ‘n Cheddar.

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
• 1 small onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Optional, but gives extra punch to the flavor.
• 1/2 cup ketchup – A key ingredient to mimic the tangy flavor of the original.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar – Adds sweetness and caramelizes beautifully.
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – For that savory, umami flavor.
• 1/4 cup Arby’s sauce – You can use the store-bought version or make a homemade copycat version (see tips below).
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth – Helps create the perfect sloppy texture.
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese sauce – Use store-bought or homemade (recipe tip below). Warm it before assembling.
• 4 onion sandwich buns – These add a subtle sweetness and oniony flavor that’s reminiscent of the Arby’s original.

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion (and minced garlic, if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until the onions soften and turn translucent.

3. Make the Sloppy Joe Filling: Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Arby’s sauce, and water (or beef broth). Allow the mixture to simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the beef. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Heat the Cheese Sauce: While the filling simmers, warm the cheddar cheese sauce in a small saucepan or in the microwave until creamy and easy to drizzle.

5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the onion buns lightly, if desired. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Drizzle with warm cheddar cheese sauce and top with the other half of the bun.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best flavor. Pair with curly fries or a fresh side salad for the full experience!

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re craving homemade Beef and Cheddar Sloppy Joes but don’t have all the ingredients on hand—or want to make the recipe a little healthier or suit dietary preferences—there are plenty of simple substitutions you can use!

1. Ground Beef

Substitute with:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Use these as leaner, lighter alternatives. You may need to add a touch of olive oil to keep the meat moist while cooking.
• Plant-Based Ground “Meat”: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger. These mimic the texture of ground beef.
• Lentils or Chopped Mushrooms: For a meatless version, cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms work well. They absorb the flavors of the seasoning and provide a similar texture.

2. Onion

Substitute with:

• Shallots: Milder and sweeter, but they work well in place of onions.
• Green Onions: Use the white and light green parts for a similar flavor; these add freshness to the Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sloppy Joes.
• Onion Powder: If you’re out of fresh onions, 1 teaspoon of onion powder can mimic the flavor.

3. Garlic (optional)

Substitute with:

• Garlic Powder: Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic.
• Shallots: If using shallots instead of onions, they also deliver a mild garlic undertone.

4. Ketchup

Substitute with:

• Tomato Sauce: Thin it with a bit of vinegar and add a pinch of sugar to mimic ketchup’s tangy-sweet profile.
• BBQ Sauce: This can provide a smoky, tangy alternative to ketchup if you’re looking for a more robust flavor.

5. Brown Sugar

Substitute with:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners work well but will add a slightly different taste.
• White Sugar + Molasses: Mixing 1 tablespoon of molasses with 1/2 cup granulated white sugar creates a great brown sugar alternative.
• Coconut Sugar: This is a great unrefined alternative with a similar level of sweetness.

6. Worcestershire Sauce

Substitute with:

• Soy Sauce: Adds a similar salty umami flavor. For extra depth, mix it with a tiny splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
• Coconut Aminos: A gluten-free, soy-free substitute with a slightly sweeter profile.
• Balsamic Vinegar + Soy Sauce: A mix of the two can replicate the sweet, tangy, and salty notes of Worcestershire sauce.

7. Arby’s Sauce

Substitute with:

• BBQ Sauce: A smoky or tangy BBQ sauce works well as a replacement for Arby’s signature sauce.
• Homemade Arby’s Sauce: Make your own by combining ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of onion powder (see recipe in previous response).
• Tomato Paste Mixed with Vinegar and Spices: This provides a tangy and slightly sweet imitation if you don’t have ketchup or BBQ sauce.

8. Water or Beef Broth

Substitute with:

• Vegetable Broth: This works as a great beef broth alternative, especially for vegetarian versions.
• Chicken Broth: A lighter substitute that still enriches the flavors.
• No broth? Use more water and season with an extra pinch of salt or Worcestershire sauce.

Final Thoughts

This homemade version of Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sloppy Joes packs all the amazing flavors of the classic sandwich but offers the fun-to-eat, nostalgic appeal of Sloppy Joes. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and customizable to your taste.

More Arby’s Recipes:

• Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sauce Recipe
• Homemade Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
• Homemade Arby’s Mint Shake Recipe