Go Back
Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe
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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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.