Description
A classic New York-inspired sandwich featuring seasoned ground beef chopped together with melted American cheese, served on toasted hoagie buns with fresh lettuce and tomato. This easy and quick chopped cheese recipe is perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Buns & Spread
- 4 hoagie buns (hot dog buns work)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef (lean or standard)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 cup lettuce (chopped)
- 1 large tomato (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Toast Buns: Halve the buns and lightly toast them until slightly crispy and golden. Spread mayonnaise evenly on one side of each bun to add creaminess.
- Cook Onions: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add butter. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onion and cook until fragrant and softened, then push the onions to one side of the pan.
- Cook Beef: Place the ground beef in the pan without breaking it apart. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the beef for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Chop Beef & Combine: Slowly break apart the beef into smaller pieces and fold it through the cooked onions. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned with no pink inside. Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions.
- Add Cheese: Place 2 slices of American cheese on top of each beef portion and cook for 2 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey. Use a spatula to chop the cheese into the meat mixture, blending the flavors.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Transfer each cheesy beef portion into a toasted hoagie bun. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce and thin slices of tomato for freshness and crunch. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the hoagie buns with any soft sandwich buns if preferred.
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce grease and keeps the sandwich less oily.
- Add a dash of garlic powder with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor while cooking the beef.
- Feel free to customize toppings such as pickles, hot sauce, or extra veggies.
- Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess from the juicy meat and tomato.
