Chopped Cheese Sandwiches
Rebecca
I’ll never forget the first time I tried making a chopped cheese sandwich at home. It brought back the comforting, savory flavors of a classic bodega staple right to my kitchen. The combination of juicy, seasoned ground beef, melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomatoes stuffed into a soft roll hits all the right notes.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
- Ground beef
- White onion
- Garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- American cheese
- Hoagie or bolillo rolls
- Mayonnaise
- Iceberg lettuce
- Tomatoes
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add the ground beef. Stir occasionally as the fat renders, breaking the meat into crumbles. Once it’s partially cooked, stir in the chopped onions and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions have softened.
Sprinkle in kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good mix to evenly distribute the flavors. Keep the meat over medium heat for a few minutes, allowing the seasonings to infuse into the filling.
Slice the hoagie rolls in half and toast them on a griddle or skillet until golden brown. This step adds texture and prevents the bread from getting soggy.
Divide the beef filling into portions in the skillet and place two slices of American cheese on each portion. Allow the cheese to melt completely, then roughly chop it into the beef with a spatula.
Spread a little mayo on the cut side of each roll. Scoop the cheesy beef filling onto the bottom half of the roll. Top with shredded lettuce and tomato slices. Close the sandwich with the other half of the roll.
Cut the sandwich in half, serve immediately, and indulge in the melty, savory goodness!
- Don’t Rush the Beef: Cooking the beef over medium-low heat ensures the fat renders out, which adds flavor to the entire dish.
- Chop as You Go: Use the side of a spatula to chop the beef while it cooks, just like it’s done at NYC bodegas.
- Serve While Hot: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh and warm, so don’t wait too long before serving it.
Keyword Chopped Cheese Sandwiches