The Ultimate Guide to Chopped Cheese

Why I Love This Recipe

This sandwich is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary icon with roots in New York City’s vibrant bodega culture. I love this recipe because it’s simple, affordable, and bursting with flavour. The chopped cheese captures the essence of comfort food, blending juicy ground beef with gooey melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and soft hero rolls.

What sets the chopped cheese apart from other sandwiches is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences—swap out the cheese, add spicy toppings, or try different sauces. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a late-night snack. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use ground beef creatively. Whether you’re familiar with chopped cheese or trying it for the first time, this recipe will win you over with its rich flavours and satisfying textures.

Ingredients Needed

Making this recipe at home requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of the show, giving chopped cheese its hearty base. Choose 80/20 for the perfect fat-to-lean ratio.
• Cheese: American cheese is traditional, but cheddar or mozzarella are delicious alternatives.
• Hero Rolls: Soft hero rolls are ideal for holding all the chopped cheese goodness together.
• Lettuce and Tomato: These fresh toppings add a crisp contrast to the rich, meaty filling.
• Onions: Sautéed onions provide a sweet and savoury flavour boost.
• Condiments: Classic options like ketchup, mayonnaise, and hot sauce are must-haves for a chopped cheese sandwich.

These simple ingredients combine to create a sandwich that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying. Feel free to experiment with additional toppings or spices to make the recipe your own.

How to Make a Chopped Cheese

Making it at home is quick and easy. Here’s how to recreate this iconic sandwich step by step:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season it with salt, pepper, and your favourite spices.
2. Add the Cheese: Once the beef is fully cooked and slightly browned, layer cheese slices on top. Let it melt into the meat, stirring gently to combine.
3. Toast the Rolls: Slice the hero rolls and toast them lightly for extra texture.
4. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread condiments on the rolls, then layer the chopped cheese mixture. Top with lettuce, tomato slices, and sautéed onions.
5. Serve: Enjoy with your warm sandwich with a side of chips or fries.

Arman’s Recipe Tips

Making requires a few insider tips. These are my recommendations for the best results:

• Choose Quality Meat: High-quality ground beef elevates the flavour. For a healthier version, try ground turkey or plant-based meat.
• Customize the Cheese: While American cheese is traditional, you can experiment with sharper cheeses for a unique twist.
• Don’t Overload: Keep the sandwich balanced. Too many toppings can overwhelm the chopped cheese flavours.
• Toast the Rolls: Toasted bread adds a delightful crunch and prevents sogginess.
• Cook in Batches: If making multiple sandwiches, cook the meat in batches to ensure even browning.

Storage Instructions

Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store the cooked meat and cheese mixture in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm the mixture in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to keep it moist.
• Assemble Fresh: For the best texture, assemble the sandwich just before serving. Toast the rolls and add fresh toppings each time.

More Delicious Ground Beef Recipes

If you love it, here are more recipes to explore:

• Classic Beef Burgers: Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling.
• Beef Tacos: A Mexican-inspired favourite packed with spices.
• Meatloaf: A hearty and nostalgic dish for family dinners.

Chopped Cheese Recipe (Recipe Card)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 slices American cheese
• 2 hero rolls
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• Condiments (ketchup, mayonnaise, hot sauce)

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet and cook the ground beef, seasoning to taste.
2. Add cheese and mix until melted.
3. Toast hero rolls and spread with condiments.
4. Assemble sandwiches with meat, lettuce, tomato, and onions.
5. Serve immediately.

Enjoy the classic flavours of a chopped cheese sandwich at home!

FQAS:

The Ultimate Guide to Chopped Cheese

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• Author: Achraf Selmouni
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

The iconic chopped cheese sandwich, a staple of New York City’s bodega culture, is a comforting and flavorful dish. Made with juicy ground beef, melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and soft hero rolls, this sandwich is easy to prepare and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy this classic in the comfort of your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 4 slices American cheese (or cheddar/mozzarella)
• 2 hero rolls (or hoagie rolls)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)
• Condiments: ketchup, mayonnaise, hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

• Cook the Ground Beef:

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter.
  • Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired spices (e.g., garlic powder or smoked paprika). Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.

• Add the Cheese:

  • Once the beef is cooked, lay the slices of cheese on top of the meat. Let the cheese melt, then mix it into the beef until fully combined.

• Toast the Rolls:

  • Slice the hero rolls in half and toast them lightly in a toaster or skillet for added texture.

• Assemble the Sandwich:

  • Spread ketchup, mayonnaise, or hot sauce (or all three!) on the toasted rolls.
  • Spoon the chopped beef and cheese mixture onto the rolls.
  • Top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and any additional toppings of choice.

• Serve Immediately:

  • Serve the sandwiches warm with a side of chips, fries, or a simple salad. Enjoy!

Notes

• For variety, try adding jalapeños, pickles, or caramelized onions.
• Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat can be substituted for ground beef.
• Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the rolls from becoming soggy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 sandwiches
• Calories: 580
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 32g

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