Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

The Ultimate Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

After my first bite of a real chopped cheese in Harlem, I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. It’s the perfect combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and sautéed veggies piled high on a toasted roll.

It’s become my go-to for a fast, satisfying meal that never disappoints. You get all the flavor of a complex dish with minimal effort. While you’re here, you can also explore our guide for our Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I’ve made this sandwich more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way.

• Chop, Don’t Just Stir: The “chop” is the most important part. I use a sturdy metal spatula to continuously chop the beef as it cooks. This creates the signature texture of the sandwich.
• Don’t Fear the Fat: Stick with 80/20 ground beef. I once tried it with leaner beef to be “healthier,” and it was dry and disappointing. The fat is where the flavor and moisture come from.
• Master the Cheese Melt: The secret to that perfect cheesy blanket is steam. Add the cheese, cover the pan immediately, and turn the heat down. Don’t lift the lid for a full minute.
• Toast the Roll: A lightly toasted roll provides the perfect textural contrast to the soft filling and helps prevent the sandwich from getting soggy.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you master the classic, feel free to get creative. This sandwich is a great base for experimenting with different flavors. You can find more inspiration in our other dinner recipes.

• Cheese Swap: While American is classic, provolone adds a sharper flavor, and pepper jack brings a spicy kick.
• Mushroom Lover’s: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for an earthy, umami-rich addition.
• Breakfast Style: Top the finished sandwich with a fried egg. A runny yolk creates an incredibly rich and delicious sauce.
• Spicy Upgrade: Add diced jalapeños with the bell peppers or swap the regular mayo for a spicy chipotle aioli.

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, which is part of its charm.

• 10-inch Skillet: A cast-iron or other heavy-bottomed skillet is best for getting a good sear on the beef.
• Metal Spatula: Essential for chopping the meat effectively as it cooks. A plastic one won’t be sturdy enough.
• Sharp Knife: Makes dicing the onions and peppers quick and easy.

How to Serve Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

A chopped cheese is best served hot and fresh, right out of the skillet.

• Wrap it in wax paper or aluminum foil for that authentic bodega experience and easier handling.
• Serve alongside classic dill pickles and a bag of salt and vinegar potato chips for the perfect crunch and tang.
• For a sweet finish, consider making our Churro Saltine Toffee Recipe for a simple, no-fuss dessert.

Calories Count

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one sandwich.

• Calories: ~650
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sodium: ~980mg
• Sugar: 8g

How to Store the Chopped Cheese Sandwich

While best eaten immediately, you can store leftovers.

• Storing: Wrap the cooled sandwich tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to two days. The beef mixture alone can be stored in an airtight container for three days.
• Freezing: The cooked beef mixture freezes well for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the sandwich in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in a dry skillet over medium heat to re-crisp the bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this sandwich will become a staple in your home. Here are a few:

• Incredibly Fast: From start to finish, this satisfying meal is ready in under 30 minutes.
• Budget-Friendly: It uses simple, inexpensive ingredients you might already have on hand.
• Amazing Flavor: The combination of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and sautéed veggies is pure comfort food.
• Fully Customizable: Easily swap cheeses, add extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to make it your own.

More Tips for Sandwich Success

The beauty of the chopped cheese lies in its simplicity. Make sure your skillet is hot before you add the beef to get a nice initial sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you’re doubling the recipe, cook the beef in two batches to ensure it browns properly instead of just steaming.

Finally, don’t be shy with the seasoning. Taste the beef mixture before you add the cheese and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This simple step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Ben Carraoli

Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

A quick, delicious NYC classic! This simple recipe brings the famous bodega-style chopped cheese sandwich straight to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Dinner

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 lb ground beef 80/20 blend: Don’t go too lean! The 20% fat content is crucial for a juicy, flavorful result and helps the cheese melt perfectly.
• 1 fresh hoagie roll: Look for a roll that’s soft on the inside with a slightly firm crust that will hold up to the filling without getting soggy.
• 2 slices American cheese: This is non-negotiable for an authentic chopped cheese. It melts into a creamy sauce that no other cheese can replicate.
• 1/4 onion finely diced: A white or yellow onion adds a foundational sweet and savory flavor that complements the beef.
• 1/2 bell pepper diced: Green bell pepper is the classic choice for its slightly bitter note, but any color will work well.
• 1 tbsp ketchup: This adds a subtle tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise: Spread on the roll it creates a barrier to prevent sogginess and adds a creamy texture.
• 1 tsp hot sauce optional: A dash of your favorite hot sauce gives it that signature NYC kick.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning as you cook is key to building layers of flavor.

Method

 

1. First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a sturdy spatula to break it apart. As it starts to brown, continue to chop it into small, pea-sized pieces. This creates more surface area for browning and flavor.
2. After about 3 minutes, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Keep stirring and chopping, allowing the vegetables to soften and absorb the beef fat. Once the beef is fully cooked, season generously with salt and pepper, then stir in the ketchup and optional hot sauce.
3. Gather the beef and vegetable mixture into an even layer in the pan. Place the American cheese slices directly on top, covering the entire mixture. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid for about one minute to let the steam melt the cheese into a perfect blanket.
4. While the cheese is melting, split your hoagie roll and toast it lightly. A quick toast in a toaster oven or face-down in the skillet works great. Spread mayonnaise on both halves of the toasted roll, then scoop the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half. Top with the other half of the roll and enjoy immediately.