If you’re craving a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich that’s bursting with juicy beef and gooey cheese, you’re going to fall in love with this Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe. It’s a legendary street food classic that’s super simple to make at home, combining savory seasoned ground beef with melty American cheese, fresh veggies, and a soft hero roll. Trust me, once you get a taste, this sandwich will quickly become a favorite go-to comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Savory beef and melty cheese create a comforting flavor combo that hits the spot every time.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 25 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or weekend treat.
- Customizable: Simple base ingredients that you can dress up with your favorite extras or swaps.
- True Street Food Vibes: Brings a slice of classic New York deli culture right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe lies in a handful of modest, straightforward ingredients that come together to create big layers of flavor. Each component adds a unique texture or taste—from the tender sautéed onions to the creamy American cheese, every element plays its part beautifully.
- Neutral oil: A good-quality oil for sautéing the onions and beef without overpowering their flavors.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped for that sweet, fragrant base that softens as you cook.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and veggies.
- Lean ground beef: Use 80-85% lean for the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
- Adobo seasoning: Gives the beef a wonderful smokiness and subtle spice; homemade or store-bought works great.
- American cheese slices: Their creamy meltiness is key to that gooey, luscious texture.
- Hero rolls: Soft but sturdy, ideal for holding all the fillings without falling apart.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a rich, tangy creaminess that ties everything together.
- Iceberg lettuce: Crunchy freshness to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Vine-ripened or Roma tomatoes: Juicy slices bring a hint of sweetness and acidity.
- Freshly ground black pepper: To season everything nicely and add a mild bite.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of the best things about this Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to fit your cravings or pantry. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add or swap veggies, or even change up the seasoning blends to make it uniquely yours.
- Cheese Switch-Up: Try cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella for a different melty experience.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
- Veggie Boost: Include sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Healthier Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and whole wheat rolls for a lighter sandwich.
How to Make Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Brown the Beef
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and adding a tablespoon of neutral oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then, add the lean ground beef and sprinkle in the adobo seasoning. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and continue cooking until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, roughly 6 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation of your sandwich.
Step 2: Melt the Cheese Into the Beef
Spread the cooked beef evenly in the pan and place slices of American cheese on top. Lower the heat to medium and cover the skillet, allowing the cheese to melt gently for about 2 minutes. Once melted, stir the cheese into the beef to create a creamy, luscious mixture that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay your hero rolls on parchment and hollow out a bit from the sides to create room for the filling. Spread mayonnaise evenly on both cut sides of each roll. Then, scoop the cheesy beef mixture into the rolls, topping generously with shredded iceberg lettuce and fresh tomato slices. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Wrap your sandwiches tightly in parchment and slice in half for the perfect portable meal.
Pro Tips for Making Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: It helps brown the beef evenly and adds a nice crust that intensifies flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches if needed ensures the beef steams less and browns better.
- Let the Cheese Melt Covered: Steaming under the lid helps the cheese melt perfectly into the beef, creating that creamy texture.
- Toast Your Hero Rolls Lightly: It adds structure and prevents sogginess from the juicy fillings.
How to Serve Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this sandwich to the next level. Adding a few dill pickle slices on the side or inside the sandwich offers a delightful tang. You can also sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or add a drizzle of hot sauce to brighten the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with crispy fries, whether classic or sweet potato, or a crunchy coleslaw for freshness. A light cucumber salad or even some baked chips can round out your meal nicely without overpowering the sandwich’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your Chopped Cheese Sandwich into bite-sized sliders for parties or gatherings. Wrap each mini sandwich in parchment with a colorful toothpick. Or try serving the beef mixture over toasted bread as an open-faced sandwich for a casual yet appealing option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made extra filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep your hero rolls separate to maintain freshness and reassemble right before serving. This way, nothing gets soggy, and you get that fresh-baked bread bite every time.
Freezing
The cooked beef and cheese mixture freezes well, so portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to 2 months frozen. Avoid freezing the bread and fresh veggies—they’re best enjoyed fresh for texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the beef and cheese mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heat. Toast the rolls before assembling, then add fresh lettuce and tomatoes for a just-made taste.
FAQs
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Can I make the Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms sautéed with the same seasonings to keep that meaty texture and savory flavor without the meat.
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What is the best cheese to use for this sandwich?
Traditional American cheese melts beautifully for this recipe, giving the sandwich a creamy, gooey texture. However, mild cheddar or provolone are great alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile.
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Can I prepare parts of this sandwich in advance?
Yes! You can cook and store the beef and cheese mixture ahead of time and reheat when ready. Just assemble the sandwich fresh with mayo, lettuce, and tomato to keep everything crisp and tasty.
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How spicy is the Chopped Cheese Sandwich?
This recipe is mildly spiced thanks to the adobo seasoning, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding hot sauce, chili flakes, or fresh peppers to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this delightful Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe in your cooking arsenal, you’re just one skillet away from a truly satisfying meal. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy that comforting, cheesy bite that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
PrintChopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Chopped Cheese is a classic New York City street food sandwich featuring savory ground beef cooked with onions and adobo seasoning, melted American cheese, and fresh toppings served on a hero roll. This recipe delivers a deliciously satisfying and flavorful sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp. neutral oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 2 tsp. store-bought or homemade adobo seasoning
Cheese and Bread
- 8 slices American cheese
- 2 (12″) hero rolls
Toppings and Condiments
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 vine-ripened or roma tomatoes, sliced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook onions and ground beef: Heat a large stainless steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the oil and swirl to coat the skillet evenly. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the lean ground beef along with the adobo seasoning. Break up the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked through, about 6 minutes.
- Melt the cheese: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the pan. Top the beef with the slices of American cheese. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Allow the cheese to melt for approximately 2 minutes until it is slightly melted. Then uncover the skillet and vigorously stir the cheese into the beef to create a creamy, well-combined mixture.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place each hero roll on a piece of parchment paper. Carefully scoop out some of the bread from the center and sides of each roll to create space for the filling. Spread 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise on the cut sides of each roll. Fill the rolls generously with the cheesy ground beef mixture, shredded lettuce, and sliced tomatoes. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Tightly wrap each sandwich in parchment paper and cut in half before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute American cheese with cheddar or your preferred melting cheese for a different flavor.
- For a spicier version, add some hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the sandwich.
- Using a cast-iron skillet enhances browning and adds depth to the beef’s flavor.
- To keep the sandwich warm and melty, wrap it tightly in parchment and let it sit for a few minutes before cutting.
- Serve with classic sides like fries or pickles for a complete meal.
