Chopped Cheese Sandwich
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and satisfying sandwich that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than the Chopped Cheese Sandwich. This classic deli-style creation, often found in the heart of New York City, combines seasoned ground beef, melty American cheese, and fresh toppings—all nestled within a soft hoagie bun. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or a late-night snack, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Why This Recipe Works
The Chopped Cheese Sandwich is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The juicy ground beef is seasoned to perfection, while the American cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy layer that binds the ingredients together. The fresh iceberg lettuce and ripe tomatoes add a crisp contrast, making each bite refreshing. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite sauces and toppings!
What You’ll Need
- 4 hoagie buns
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4-8 slices American cheese
- ½ cup ketchup (optional)
- ½ cup good quality mayonnaise (optional)
- Iceberg lettuce, sliced into thin strips
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
Prep & Cook Tools
- Skillet: For cooking the beef and onions.
- Spatula: To chop and mix the meat as it cooks.
- Knife: For slicing onions, tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping.
- Plate: To assemble your sandwich.
Chopped Cheese Sandwich: How It’s Done
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Push the onions to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the other side. Season the beef with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes without stirring, letting it brown slightly.
Step 3: Chop and Combine
Using your spatula, begin to chop the beef into smaller pieces, mixing it with the sautéed onions. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about another 3-4 minutes. If there’s excess grease, feel free to drain it off.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Layer the slices of American cheese over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully over the meat and onions.
Step 5: Prepare the Hoagie Buns
While the cheese is melting, spread the remaining tablespoon of butter on the hoagie buns. Toast them in a separate skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwich
Once the cheese has melted, use your spatula to scoop the beef and onion mixture into the toasted hoagie buns. Top with sliced tomatoes and iceberg lettuce. If desired, drizzle with ketchup and mayonnaise for an extra layer of flavor.
Substitutions by Diet
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative.
- Use whole wheat hoagie buns for a healthier bread choice.
- Try provolone or cheddar cheese instead of American for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free hoagie rolls.
Slip-Ups to Skip
- Don’t rush the onion sautéing process—caramelized onions add depth of flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the beef; it should be juicy, not dry.
- Ensure the cheese is properly melted before serving; it’s part of the sandwich’s charm.
- Don’t skip toasting the hoagie buns; it adds a delightful crunch.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To store leftovers, place the assembled sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for 30-60 seconds. For freezing, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I make Chopped Cheese Sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and onion mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble the sandwich.
What can I serve with my Chopped Cheese Sandwich?
Chopped Cheese Sandwiches pair perfectly with crispy fries, potato chips, or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While American cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other types such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Chopped Cheese Sandwich is not inherently spicy, but you can add hot sauce or jalapeños if you enjoy some heat!
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Bring It Home
Now that you have all the tools and tips to create a mouthwatering Chopped Cheese Sandwich, it’s time to get cooking! This sandwich is not only a treat for your taste buds but also an enjoyable cooking experience. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and relish in the joy of making and sharing this delicious meal together. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will impress and satisfy every time. Enjoy every bite of your Chopped Cheese Sandwich!
Chopped Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Push the onions to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for about 3-4 minutes without stirring.
- Chop the beef into smaller pieces, mixing with the onions. Continue cooking until fully browned, about another 3-4 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Layer slices of American cheese over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Spread the remaining butter on the hoagie buns and toast them in a separate skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
- Scoop the beef and onion mixture into the toasted hoagie buns. Top with sliced tomatoes and iceberg lettuce. Drizzle with ketchup and mayonnaise if desired.
Notes
- Caramelize the onions for deeper flavor.
- Don’t overcook the beef; it should remain juicy.
- Ensure the cheese is melted for the best taste.
- Toast hoagie buns for extra crunch.
