These Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches combine warm, tender roast beef with rich cheddar cheese sauce and soft toasted sandwich rolls. A layer of tangy homemade sandwich sauce adds even more flavor, creating an easy restaurant-style meal you can prepare at home in about 30 minutes.

They’re perfect for busy weeknights, game day, casual parties, family dinners, weekend lunches, or whenever you’re craving something warm, cheesy, savory, and satisfying.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Tender and flavorful roast beef
• Creamy homemade cheddar sauce
• Easy to prepare
• Perfect for lunch or dinner
• Great for game day
• Uses simple ingredients
• Easy to customize
• Delicious with fries or onion rings
• Can be made with leftover or deli roast beef

Ingredients

Roast Beef

• 1½ pounds thinly sliced deli roast beef
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheddar Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1½ cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon mustard powder, optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Tangy Sandwich Sauce

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of smoked paprika

Sandwiches

• 6 onion rolls, sesame rolls, brioche buns, or sandwich rolls
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• Sliced pickles, optional
• Thinly sliced red onion, optional
• Sliced jalapeños, optional

How to Make Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the Sandwich Sauce

Add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to a small saucepan.

Whisk until combined.

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Cook the sauce for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

It should become slightly thicker while remaining easy to spread.

Remove it from the heat and set it aside.

The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese

Shred the cheddar cheese from a block.

Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese because it doesn’t contain as much anti-caking powder.

Set the cheese aside while you prepare the sauce base.

Step 4: Melt the Butter

Add the butter to a medium saucepan.

Melt it over medium-low heat.

Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour.

Step 5: Make the Roux

Whisk the flour and butter continuously for approximately 1 minute.

The mixture should become smooth and lightly bubbly.

Don’t allow it to become dark brown.

Cooking the flour briefly removes its raw taste and creates the base for a smooth cheese sauce.

Step 6: Add the Milk

Slowly pour the milk into the saucepan while whisking continuously.

Adding the milk gradually helps prevent lumps.

Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Cook the milk mixture over medium-low heat for approximately 3–5 minutes.

Stir frequently until it becomes thick enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon.

Don’t allow it to boil aggressively.

Step 8: Add the Cheddar

Reduce the heat to low.

Add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring after each addition.

Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Add the garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 9: Adjust the Cheese Sauce

If the cheese sauce is too thick, stir in milk 1 tablespoon at a time.

If it’s too thin, allow it to cook gently for another minute.

Keep the sauce warm over very low heat while you prepare the roast beef.

Avoid boiling the sauce because high heat can make it grainy.

Step 10: Prepare the Beef Broth

Pour the beef broth into a large skillet.

Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 11: Warm the Roast Beef

Separate the roast beef slices and add them to the simmering broth.

Turn them gently with tongs so the meat is evenly warmed.

Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes.

Avoid boiling or cooking the roast beef for too long because thin slices can become dry and tough.

Step 12: Drain the Roast Beef

Use tongs to remove the warm roast beef from the broth.

Allow the excess liquid to drip back into the skillet.

Keep the broth warm if you want to serve it as a light dipping sauce.

Step 13: Toast the Rolls

Cut the sandwich rolls horizontally.

Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the cut sides.

Arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet.

Toast under the broiler for approximately 1–2 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Watch them carefully because rolls can burn quickly under the broiler.

Step 14: Add the Sandwich Sauce

Spread a spoonful of the tangy sandwich sauce over the bottom half of each toasted roll.

Use as much or as little as you prefer.

Save additional sauce for serving.

Step 15: Add the Roast Beef

Pile the warm roast beef generously over each bottom roll.

Fold the slices instead of laying them completely flat.

Folding gives the sandwiches more height and helps the cheese sauce settle between the layers.

Step 16: Add the Cheddar Sauce

Spoon the warm cheddar cheese sauce over the roast beef.

Allow some of the sauce to run between the meat and around the edges.

Don’t add an excessive amount if the sandwiches need to be transported, because too much sauce can make them difficult to handle.

Step 17: Add Optional Toppings

Add sliced pickles, red onions, or jalapeños if desired.

For a classic roast beef and cheddar sandwich, keep the toppings simple and let the beef, sauce, and cheese remain the main flavors.

Step 18: Finish the Sandwiches

Place the top halves of the toasted rolls over the filling.

Press very gently.

Serve immediately while the roast beef and cheese sauce are warm.

The Best Roast Beef for Sandwiches

Thinly sliced deli roast beef is the easiest option.

Ask for it to be sliced thin but not shaved. Extremely thin beef can break apart when warmed in broth.

You can use:

• Deli roast beef
• Leftover homemade roast beef
• Slow-cooked chuck roast
• Top round roast beef
• Eye of round roast beef
• Sirloin roast

If using leftover roast beef, slice it thinly across the grain for the most tender texture.

Can I Use Leftover Roast Beef?

Yes.

Leftover homemade roast beef works beautifully in these sandwiches.

Slice the cold beef as thinly as possible.

Warm it gently in the seasoned broth just until heated through.

Avoid simmering thick slices for too long because lean roast beef can become tough.

The Best Cheddar for Cheese Sauce

Sharp cheddar provides a bold cheese flavor that stands up well to the beef.

Other good options include:

• Mild cheddar
• Medium cheddar
• White cheddar
• Smoked cheddar
• Colby Jack
• Pepper Jack
• American cheese

You can combine cheddar with a small amount of American cheese for an especially smooth sauce.

How to Keep Cheddar Sauce Smooth

Use freshly shredded cheese and add it over low heat.

High heat can cause cheddar to separate and become grainy.

For the smoothest sauce:

• Shred cheese from a block
• Thicken the milk before adding cheese
• Reduce the heat to low
• Add the cheese gradually
• Stir continuously
• Don’t boil the finished sauce
• Thin it with warm milk if needed

Can I Use Cheese Slices?

Yes.

Place one or two cheddar slices directly over the warm roast beef.

Broil the open sandwiches briefly until the cheese melts.

The sandwiches won’t have the same creamy cheese-sauce texture, but this method is quicker and less messy.

Can I Use Store-Bought Cheese Sauce?

Yes.

Prepared cheddar cheese sauce or canned cheddar soup can save time.

Warm it gently before adding it to the sandwiches.

If the sauce is extremely thick, stir in a small amount of milk.

Add freshly shredded cheddar for stronger cheese flavor if desired.

What Rolls Work Best?

Soft onion rolls are a particularly good choice because their savory flavor complements the roast beef.

Other options include:

• Brioche buns
• Sesame seed buns
• Kaiser rolls
• Pretzel buns
• Hawaiian rolls
• Hoagie rolls
• Ciabatta rolls
• Potato buns

Choose rolls that are soft enough to bite but sturdy enough to hold the beef and cheese sauce.

How to Keep the Sandwiches from Getting Soggy

Toast the cut sides of the rolls before assembling the sandwiches.

Drain excess broth from the roast beef.

Use a thick cheddar sauce instead of a thin cheese sauce.

Add the sauces shortly before serving.

If packing the sandwiches for later, store the roast beef, cheddar sauce, and sandwich sauce separately and assemble them when ready to eat.

Arby’s-Style Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

For a restaurant-inspired version, use soft onion rolls, very thin roast beef, warm cheddar sauce, and tangy red sandwich sauce.

Pile the beef high and add the cheese sauce over the top.

Serve with curly fries and extra sauce on the side.

Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders

Use a package of connected Hawaiian rolls.

Slice the entire slab horizontally without separating the rolls.

Layer the bottom half with roast beef and sliced cheddar.

Replace the top half and brush it with seasoned melted butter.

Bake at 350°F for approximately 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are hot.

Serve the cheddar sauce and sandwich sauce on the side.

French Dip Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Use hoagie rolls and serve the seasoned beef broth as au jus.

Add roast beef, cheddar, and caramelized onions to the rolls.

Toast until the cheese melts.

Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of warm broth for dipping.

Roast Beef Cheddar Melt

Assemble the roast beef and cheese between slices of sturdy sandwich bread.

Spread butter over the outside.

Cook in a skillet like grilled cheese until the bread is golden and the cheddar is melted.

Serve the tangy sauce on the side.

Bacon Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Add two strips of crispy bacon to each sandwich.

The bacon contributes salty crunch that works especially well with creamy cheddar sauce.

Add pickles or jalapeños to balance the richness.

Roast Beef and Horseradish Cheddar Sandwiches

Combine prepared horseradish with mayonnaise or sour cream.

Spread the mixture over the toasted rolls.

Add warm roast beef and cheddar sauce.

Start with a small amount of horseradish and add more according to your preferred level of heat.

Spicy Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Add sliced jalapeños and use Pepper Jack in the cheese sauce.

You can also mix hot sauce into the sandwich sauce.

Top with crispy fried onions for extra texture.

BBQ Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Replace the tangy sandwich sauce with barbecue sauce.

Warm the roast beef in a small amount of beef broth and barbecue sauce.

Top with cheddar cheese, pickles, and crispy onions.

Roast Beef Cheddar and Onion Sandwiches

Cook thinly sliced onions in butter until golden and caramelized.

Layer them over the warm roast beef before adding the cheddar sauce.

The sweet onions pair beautifully with savory beef and sharp cheese.

Garlic Butter Roast Beef Sandwiches

Combine melted butter with garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt.

Brush it over the toasted rolls.

Add roast beef, cheddar sauce, and sautéed onions.

Toast the assembled sandwiches briefly before serving.

Can I Make These in a Slow Cooker?

Yes.

Add the roast beef, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to the slow cooker.

Warm on low for approximately 1–2 hours.

Deli roast beef is already cooked, so it only needs to become warm.

Prepare the cheddar sauce separately and assemble the sandwiches immediately before serving.

How to Make Them for a Party

Keep the roast beef warm in a slow cooker with a small amount of seasoned broth.

Place the cheddar sauce in a second small slow cooker or insulated serving container.

Arrange toasted rolls and toppings nearby.

Guests can build their own sandwiches using:

• Warm roast beef
• Cheddar sauce
• Tangy sandwich sauce
• Pickles
• Jalapeños
• Caramelized onions
• Crispy fried onions

What to Serve with Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

These sandwiches pair well with:

• French fries
• Curly fries
• Onion rings
• Potato wedges
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Macaroni salad
• Pickles
• Tomato soup
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Chips

For game day, serve them with fries, mozzarella sticks, and dipping sauces.

Can I Prepare Them Ahead?

You can prepare the sandwich sauce and cheddar sauce ahead.

Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

The roast beef can also be portioned and the rolls sliced ahead.

Warm the sauces and meat gently, toast the rolls, and assemble the sandwiches shortly before serving.

Fully assembled sandwiches can become soggy during storage.

Storage

Store the roast beef, cheddar sauce, sandwich sauce, and rolls separately.

Refrigerate the beef and sauces in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.

Store the rolls at room temperature in a sealed bag unless they require refrigeration.

Keeping the components separate preserves the texture of the bread.

How to Reheat Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Warm the roast beef gently in a skillet with a small amount of broth.

Reheat the cheddar sauce over low heat, stirring frequently.

Add a splash of milk if the sauce has become too thick.

Toast the rolls separately and assemble the sandwiches immediately before serving.

Avoid overheating the roast beef because it can become tough.

Can You Freeze Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches?

The roast beef can be frozen in an airtight freezer container for up to 2–3 months.

The cheddar sauce may change slightly in texture after freezing, so making it fresh is recommended.

Don’t freeze the fully assembled sandwiches with both sauces.

The rolls can become soggy as the sandwiches thaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches?

They’re warm sandwiches filled with thinly sliced roast beef, creamy cheddar sauce, and tangy sandwich sauce.

What type of roast beef works best?

Thinly sliced deli roast beef or leftover homemade roast beef both work well.

Can I use leftover pot roast?

Yes. Shred or thinly slice the pot roast and warm it gently before assembling the sandwiches.

Can I use cheddar slices?

Yes. Place the slices over the beef and heat until melted.

Why is my cheddar sauce grainy?

The cheese may have been added over excessively high heat or the sauce may have boiled.

Can I use packaged shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly.

Can I use store-bought cheese sauce?

Absolutely. Warm it gently and thin it with milk if needed.

What rolls are best?

Onion rolls, brioche buns, sesame rolls, Kaiser rolls, and pretzel buns are all good choices.

Can I make these as sliders?

Yes. Layer roast beef and cheese inside connected Hawaiian rolls and bake until hot.

Can I add horseradish?

Yes. Horseradish sauce pairs especially well with roast beef.

Can I serve them with au jus?

Absolutely. The seasoned beef broth can be served as a dipping sauce.

How do I prevent soggy sandwiches?

Toast the rolls, drain the beef, use thick sauces, and assemble shortly before serving.

How long will leftovers keep?

Store the separate components in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 days.

Can I freeze them?

Freeze the roast beef separately, but avoid freezing fully assembled sandwiches.

Pro Tips

Use thinly sliced roast beef and warm it gently in seasoned broth without boiling it. This keeps the meat tender and juicy.

Shred cheddar from a block and melt it over low heat for the smoothest cheese sauce. Toast the rolls and drain excess broth from the beef before assembling.

Add the sauces shortly before serving for the best combination of tender beef, creamy cheddar, tangy sauce, and warm toasted bread.

Final Thoughts

These Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches are an easy way to create a warm, restaurant-style meal at home. Tender roast beef, creamy cheddar sauce, tangy sandwich sauce, and toasted rolls come together in a satisfying sandwich that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Make them for a quick family dinner, weekend lunch, game-day party, or casual gathering. You can also transform the same recipe into roast beef sliders, French dip sandwiches, bacon cheddar melts, or spicy jalapeño roast beef sandwiches everyone will enjoy.