Chopped Cheese Sandwich
In the diverse landscape of New York City's culinary scene, certain dishes emerge from local neighborhoods to become iconic staples. Among them is the chopped cheese sandwich – a flavorful concoction that has roots deeply embedded in the vibrant culture of Harlem.
From Humble Beginnings
Originally a humble creation, the chopped cheese starts with ground beef seasoned to perfection and cooked on a hot griddle. The meat is then chopped into fine pieces, mixed with melted cheese, and piled onto a roll. Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and condiments add a refreshing crunch and tangy kick to complete the sandwich. What began as a straightforward, affordable meal quickly gained popularity for its bold flavors and satisfying nature.
Chopped Cheese
4
15 minutes
15 minutes
American
Dinner
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Steak and Burger Seasoning
4 slices American cheese (or your cheese of choice)
4 sub rolls, split
Lettuce, shredded
Tomatoes, sliced
Mayonnaise and ketchup, for topping
Directions
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Season the beef with steak and burger seasoning. Stir well to incorporate the spices evenly into the meat. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Sauté Vegetables: Push the seasoned beef to one side of the skillet and add sliced onions and bell peppers to the other side. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Mix the sautéed vegetables with the seasoned beef. Lay the slices of American cheese over the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt. Once melted, stir the mixture to combine.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the split sub rolls under the broiler or in a toaster until lightly golden. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each roll. Add shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes if desired.
Top and Serve: Drizzle mayonnaise and ketchup over the top, according to your preference. Place the other half of the roll on top to complete the sandwich. Serve immediately.
