Homemade Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak Recipe

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When I first decided to tackle this Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak recipe, I was slightly skeptical—how could I match the mouthwatering goodness of a restaurant classic? But once I nailed the succulent beef, gooey cheese, and perfectly toasted bread, it felt like I’d unlocked a secret.

How to make Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak

Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak is a hot deli-style sandwich that’s Arby’s take on the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak. It’s built around thinly sliced Angus steak, melted cheese, and sautéed-style onions, all served in a long sandwich roll.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your version of Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak:

For the Sandwich

• Angus Steak – 1 lb of thinly sliced ribeye, sirloin, or chuck beef. (Angus beef is preferred for its tenderness and flavor.)
• White American Cheese – 6-8 slices, or substitute with Cooper® cheese (for the authentic gooey texture).
• Caramelized Onions – 1 large onion, thinly sliced.
• Hoagie Rolls – 4 sesame hoagie or sub rolls (lightly toasted).
• Butter – 1-2 tablespoons, for cooking the onions and toasting the rolls.

Seasoning

• Garlic Powder – 1 tsp.
• Onion Powder – 1 tsp.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tbsp (adds richness to the beef).
• Olive Oil – For cooking the steak.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Freeze and Slice: To achieve the classic shaved texture like Arby’s, freeze the beef for about 30-40 minutes. This makes it firm enough to slice thinly. Use a sharp knife to cut the beef into very thin slices.
2. Season the Beef: Toss the thin beef slices with garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Caramelized Onions

1. Heat a Pan: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook Onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook them slowly, stirring often until they are soft and golden brown. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Cook in Batches: Heat a little olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer and cook until it’s browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking – work in batches if necessary.
2. Combine with Onions: Once all the beef is cooked, add the onions back to the skillet and toss for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

1. Melt Directly: Lower the heat and top the beef and onion mixture with slices of white American cheese. Let the cheese melt directly over the beef so everything melds together.
2. Cover: If the cheese isn’t melting fast enough, cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes to trap the heat.

Step 5: Prepare the Rolls

1. Toast the Hoagie Rolls: Split the sesame hoagie rolls and lightly butter the insides. Toast in a skillet, toaster oven, or under the broiler until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Layer the Beef and Onions: Spoon the cheesy beef and onion mixture onto the toasted hoagie rolls.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sandwiches hot, and enjoy the gooey, savory deliciousness of your homemade Angus Cheesesteak!

Tips for Success

• High-Quality Beef: Go for well-marbled cuts like ribeye or Angus for the most tender, flavorful results.
• Preheat the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef to give it a nice sear.
• Use Fresh Rolls: The bread is a key part of the sandwich. Go for sesame hoagie rolls or soft sub rolls for the perfect bite.
• Customize the Cheese: While white American cheese mimics Arby’s, you can experiment with provolone, mozzarella, or a mix for a different flavor.
• Add Veggies: If you want to spruce it up, you can add sautéed bell peppers or a few banana peppers for a hint of heat.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak in your kitchen doesn’t have to be stressful, even if you’re missing some key ingredients. The magic of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to swap in substitutes that are just as delicious while accommodating dietary needs, ingredient availability, or simply your personal preferences.

1. Angus Beef Substitute

The key component of this Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak is thinly sliced Angus beef, but if Angus isn’t readily available, here are some excellent alternatives:

• Ribeye Steak: This is the gold standard substitute for Angus beef due to its tenderness and marbling, which mimic the juicy texture of Angus.
• Sirloin: More budget-friendly than ribeye, sirloin is leaner but still flavorful. Just be sure to cook it quickly to avoid toughness.
• Chuck Roast: If you’re on a tighter budget, chuck roast works well. Be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.
• Pre-Sliced Roast Beef (Deli Meat): In a pinch, good-quality deli-style roast beef or shaved beef can be used. This option requires virtually no prep and works great for a quick cheesesteak fix.
• Ground Beef: For a unique twist, seasoned cooked ground beef can work in place of thinly sliced steak—but the texture will differ significantly.

Plant-Based Options (For vegetarians/vegans):

• Use plant-based beef alternatives such as Beyond Beef®, Impossible Beef®, or store-bought vegan steak slices.
• Thinly sliced mushrooms, such as portobellos or creminis, can mimic a “meaty” texture and add umami richness.

2. Cheese Substitute

Arby’s uses gooey white American cheese on its Angus Cheesesteak, which offers a creamy and mild flavor. If this cheese isn’t available, try these options:

• Provolone Cheese: One of the most traditional cheeses for cheesesteaks, it provides a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
• Swiss Cheese: A great option for a nutty and slightly stronger taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: If you prefer a sharper and tangier option, cheddar works well and melts beautifully when grated.
• Mozzarella: Adds a stretchy, gooey texture but has very mild flavor, so pair it with seasoned beef.
• Velveeta Cheese: For ultra-creamy cheesesteaks, Velveeta is a great processed cheese substitute.
• Vegan Cheese (For plant-based diets): Brands like Violife, Daiya, or Follow Your Heart offer great plant-based melting cheeses in varieties like provolone or mozzarella.

3. Sesame Hoagie Rolls Substitute

The hoagie roll is key to holding all the cheesy, meaty goodness together. If sesame hoagie rolls aren’t available, here are substitutions:

• Standard Hoagie/Submarine Rolls: Any soft yet sturdy hoagie or sub roll will work just fine, with or without sesame seeds.
• French Bread or Baguette: Choose a baguette with a soft interior and lightly crispy crust.
• Ciabatta Rolls: These rolls have a chewy texture and work well for a heartier bite.
• Pretzel Rolls: A fun and unique twist with a slightly salty, chewy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Bread or Buns (For gluten intolerance): Many brands offer gluten-free baguettes, hoagie rolls, or even burger buns that can stand in for hoagie rolls.

4. Caramelized Onions Substitute

Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet flavor to the sandwich, but if you’re looking for alternatives or variations:

• Sautéed Onions: If you don’t have time to caramelize onions (which takes 10-15 minutes), sauté them until golden and soft for a quicker alternative.
• Shallots: These have a sweeter, milder flavor than standard onions and caramelize beautifully.
• Bell Peppers: Add a colorful, savory twist with sautéed green, red, or yellow bell peppers. Combine them with onions for a Philly cheesesteak vibe.
• Mushrooms: For an earthy and hearty flavor, use lightly sautéed mushrooms like button or portobello.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to channel your inner Arby’s chef and bring this iconic sandwich into your own kitchen. Trust me, once you take a bite of your homemade Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak, you won’t miss the drive-thru!

More Arby’s Recipes:

• Copycat Arby’s Half Pound Roast Beef Sandwich Recipe
• Copycat Arby’s Meat Mountain Sandwich Recipe