Ingredients
For the Sandwich Filling
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 slices American cheese
For the Sandwiches
- 4 hero rolls or hoagie rolls
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 12 dill pickle slices
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Yellow mustard (optional)
Equipment
- Large skillet or flat-top griddle
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Onions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Chop and Melt
Using your spatula, chop the beef and onions together into small pieces. Lay the American cheese slices over the meat mixture and allow them to melt.
Continue chopping and mixing until the cheese is fully incorporated into the beef.
Step 4: Toast the Rolls
Slice the hero rolls without cutting all the way through. Lightly toast them in a dry skillet or under the broiler until warm.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread mayonnaise and ketchup inside each toasted roll. Add mustard if desired.
Fill each roll with the hot chopped cheese mixture.
Top with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and dill pickles.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately while the sandwich is hot and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Tips for Success
- Use ground beef with a little fat (80/20) for the juiciest filling.
- Chop the meat finely while it cooks for the authentic deli-style texture.
- Toast the rolls lightly to help prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chopped Cheese sandwich with:
- French fries
- Potato chips
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Onion rings
- Sweet potato fries
- Fresh lemonade or iced tea
Storage
Store leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then assemble fresh sandwiches. The filling can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition (Per Sandwich, Approximate)
- Calories: 690
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
