Chopped Cheese Sandwich

Craving a taste of New York's street food scene? Discover the Chopped Cheese Sandwich, an iconic blend of ground beef and gooey cheese that's a local favorite! This guide dives into its fascinating history, classic ingredients, and where to find the best versions in NYC. Ready to create your own delicious chopped cheese at home?

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

4 slices American cheese

4 hero or hoagie rolls

½ cup lettuce, shredded

½ cup tomatoes, diced

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.

Add the chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine all the flavors. Reduce the heat to low.

Place the slices of American cheese on top of the meat mixture, covering it completely. Allow the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes.

While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the hero rolls in another pan or oven until they are golden brown.

Once the cheese has melted, gently chop the mixture with your spatula to create a cohesive filling.

Spoon the chopped cheese mixture into each toasted roll.

Top each sandwich with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of mayonnaise, and a splash of hot sauce if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, cheesy delight!

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4