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Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

A classic New York-style chopped cheese sandwich recipe featuring caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef blended with melted American cheese, and fresh toppings on a toasted hero roll. This hearty, flavorful sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meat & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil (substitute with butter or tallow)
  • 1 large peeled small diced yellow onion
  • 2 pounds freshly ground 80/20 beef
  • 4 teaspoons adobo seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons sazón seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy & Cheese

  • 4-5 American cheese slices (per 1 pound of beef)

Bread & Condiments

  • 4 soft hero (hoagie, French, or sub buns, sliced in half lengthwise)
  • 8 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 4 tablespoons ketchup

Vegetables & Toppings

  • 16 slices of fresh Roma tomatoes
  • 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and cook onions: Add the oil to a griddle or a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, about 350°F. Add the peeled, diced yellow onion, gently season with salt, and cook for 20 minutes stirring occasionally until the onions are deeply caramelized and browned. Set aside.
  2. Prepare beef mounds: While the onions cook, spread the freshly ground beef into little mounds on a parchment-lined sheet tray or platter.
  3. Cook half the beef: On the hot griddle, add half of the ground beef and spread it out thinly. Using two spatulas, press down to flatten as much as possible.
  4. Season the beef: Immediately sprinkle evenly with adobo and sazón seasonings. Alternatively, use 2 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  5. Let beef cook and chop: Let stand for 2 to 3 minutes, then chop the beef into small pieces using a spatula or griddle scraper.
  6. Mix in onions and cheese: Mix in half of the caramelized onions and then spread half the American cheese slices over the beef. Allow cheese to start melting, then chop and stir until the beef and cheese are fully combined. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  7. Repeat with remaining beef: Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining beef, onions, and cheese. If your griddle is large, cook all the beef at once.
  8. Toast buns with mayo: Brush 2 teaspoons mayonnaise on each half of the sliced buns. Place cut-side down on the griddle and toast for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned.
  9. Assemble condiments on buns: Remove toasted buns and evenly spread remaining mayonnaise and ketchup on each cut side.
  10. Build the sandwich: Evenly layer the cheesy chopped beef onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Add sliced Roma tomatoes, then shredded iceberg lettuce on top.
  11. Finish and serve: Fold the top bun over the fillings, wrap the sandwich in foil, and let stand for 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors. Slice in half and serve warm.

Notes

  • Using a cast iron skillet or griddle at medium heat helps achieve proper caramelization and cooking texture.
  • Adjust seasoning amounts to taste, especially if substituting adobo and sazón with salt and pepper.
  • For extra crispiness, toast the buns until golden brown on the griddle.
  • Cheese type can be varied, but American cheese melts best to give that classic texture.
  • Letting the assembled sandwich rest wrapped in foil enhances flavor melding and warmth.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/chopped-cheese-sandwich-recipe/