This Chopped Cheese Sandwich recipe is a mouthwatering combination of seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite condiments, all nestled in a soft hero roll. This iconic New York staple is easy to make and perfect for quick lunches or weeknight meals.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.
Table of Contents
What is a Chopped Cheese
It's a type of sandwich that originated in the New York City area, particularly in the Harlem and Bronx neighborhoods, and are often associated with bodegas, corner stores, and delis. It's super popular and usually includes the following key ingredients:
- Ground Beef: The core of the sandwich consists of seasoned, ground beef, often cooked on a griddle or flat-top grill. The beef is typically chopped or minced during cooking, giving the sandwich its name.
- Cheese: American cheese is typically melted on top of the chopped beef to create a creamy, gooey consistency.
- Roll or Bread: These are traditionally served on a hero roll or sub roll. The roll is usually toasted or grilled for added flavor and texture.
- Toppings: Various toppings can be added to the sandwich, depending on personal preferences. Common options include lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce.
What Type of Bread to Use
- Hero Roll (Sub Roll): The classic choice, a hero roll is often the go-to bread for a chopped cheese sandwich. It's readily available in most delis and bakeries.
- Italian Bread: A fresh loaf of Italian bread is a good alternative. It has a similar texture and flavor to a hero roll.
- French Baguette: A baguette can be used for a more rustic take. It offers a crunchy crust and soft crumb.
What Type of Cheese to Use
The authentic sandwich is usually made with American cheese. American cheese is known for its meltability and creamy texture, which makes it a popular choice for creating the signature gooey and cheesy filling of the sandwich.
Here are some other options:
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar cheese can add a more robust and tangy flavor to your sandwich. It melts beautifully and complements the beef.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a different texture. It's a great choice for those who enjoy Swiss cheese's unique taste.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: If you like a spicy kick, pepper jack cheese with its bits of jalapeño pepper can add some heat.
- Provolone Cheese: Provolone has a mild, slightly smoky flavor that can pair well with beef. It melts smoothly and provides a creamy consistency.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is another classic melting cheese, known for its stretchiness. It has a mild flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that offers a mild, buttery flavor. It melts nicely and works well.
Spices and Seasoning
I use my Homemade Burger Rub and Seasoning. You can also use a store-bought burger rub if preferred.
How to Make Chopped Cheese Sandwich
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef.
- Add in Worcestershire sauce, sliced onions, spices, and garlic. Stir and cook until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, seasoned, and crumbled, add the cheese to the skillet. Stir the cheese into the hot beef.
- Load the beef onto buns with condiments, lettuce, tomatoes, and additional cheese if you prefer a very cheesy sandwich.
How to Substitute Beef
Ground turkey, either lean or with some fat content, can be a healthier alternative to beef. It's lighter in flavor but can be just as delicious when seasoned well.
Similar to ground turkey, ground chicken provides a leaner and milder flavor.
Ground pork can add a unique and slightly sweet flavor to your chopped cheese. It's a good choice for those who enjoy pork.
How to Chop the Cheese and the Beef
- Once the beef is fully cooked and crumbled, add the cheese to the skillet.
- Stir the cheese into the hot beef, allowing it to melt and mix with the meat.
- Continue to cook for a minute or two, just until the cheese is fully melted and evenly distributed throughout the chopped beef.
- Once the cheese is fully melted into the beef, turn off the heat.
Condiments and Add-ins
- Mayo
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Hot Sauce
- Barbecue Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Thousand Island Dressing
- Aioli
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onions
- Bell Peppers
- Pickles
- Jalapeños
- Olives
- Mushrooms
- Bacon
- Avocado
How to Store
Store leftover cooked beef in the fridge tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days. I don't recommend storing assembled sandwiches. The bread will turn soggy and the texture will lose its appeal.
How to Reheat
You can reheat leftover beef in the microwave or on the stove at medium heat until warm.
Freezer Tips
Cooked beef can typically be stored in the freezer for 2 to 3 months without a significant loss of quality. After that, it's safe to eat but may not taste as fresh.
Pair With These Recipes
Air Fryer French Fries
Southern Coleslaw
Soul Food Potato Salad
Southern Style Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
Traeger Smoked Corn on the Cob
More Sandwich Recipes
Kings Hawaiian Sliders
French Dip with Au Jus
Blackened Chicken Sandwich
BLT Wrap
Breakfast Crunchwrap
Lobster Grilled Cheese
Chopped Cheese Sandwich
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup sliced onions
- American cheese I use 4-5 slices.
- Hero or Hoagie Rolls
- mayo
- sliced tomatoes
- shredded lettuce
Homemade Burger Rub Seasoning (You can use store-bought if preferred and season to taste)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or sweetener
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Regular paprika is fine.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onions
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for spicy.
- 2 garlic cloves Minced or ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks using a meat chopper, wooden, or silicone spoon. Stir and cook until the meat is fully cooked, and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef and pat the meat dry using towel(s). This is important to avoid soggy buns. Excess grease will soak into your rolls/buns.
- Add in the Worcestershire sauce, sliced onions, spices, and garlic. Stir and cook until the onions are soft and fragrant. Taste the ground beef and add additional spices if necessary.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, seasoned, and crumbled, add the cheese to the skillet. Stir the cheese into the hot beef, allowing it to melt and mix with the meat. (Instead of stirring the cheese into the beef you can also also allow it to melt on top of the beef if preferred)
- Continue to cook until the cheese is fully melted and evenly distributed throughout the chopped beef.
- Once the cheese is fully melted into the beef, turn off the heat.
- For Toasted Buns: Remove the beef from the skillet and use the same skillet to toast the buns at medium heat.
- Load the beef onto buns with condiments, lettuce, tomatoes, and additional cheese if you prefer a very cheesy sandwich.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Traci says
One word ... scrumptious! Ok more words ... easy and fun! This is the family night dinner that will always win. Thanks for sharing!
Andrea says
I am loving all the flavors in this chopped cheese sandwich. It's a quick, easy meal that's terrific for lunch or dinner.
staysnatched says
Thank you! I agree.
Erik says
Totally love how easy this is to make. Good old fashioned satisfying meal!
staysnatched says
Yes, exactly.
sisley says
Cheese always makes everything better!
staysnatched says
Definitely.
justi says
Used pepper jack to add some heat and was so good. Thanks!
staysnatched says
Such a great idea.