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Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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4.4 from 136 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.