This beloved sandwich is made with seasoned ground beef and American cheese on a hoagie roll with toppings.
It can easily be replicated at home, here’s how.
I dont exactly want to wade into the debate between NYCs chopped cheese and Phillys cheesesteak.
Simply Recipes / Nick Evans
Im an equal opportunity sandwich man and will take whichever cheesy delicious sandwich is presented to me.
For starters, chopped cheese sandwiches use ground beef while cheesesteaks use slivered steak.
This difference means that chopped cheese is easier to make at home.
Simply Recipes / Nick Evans
While cheesesteaks only have cooked vegetables, chopped cheese usually has some fresh tomato and lettuce on the sandwich.
Since few home cooks have one, this recipe makes modifications using a pot and a cast iron skillet.
In a bodega, a chopped cheese often starts off with one or two pre-formed hamburger patties.
Simply Recipes / Nick Evans
Stir regularly as the beef browns.
They will essentially cook in the rendered fat from the ground beef.
After 4-5 minutes, they will be softened.
Simply Recipes / Nick Evans
Season the beef filling with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
The filling is now ready to use in your chopped cheese sandwiches.
Use a spatula to scoop up the sandwich and scrape up any extra filling and add to the roll.
Simply Recipes / Nick Evans
Garnish each sandwich with tomato and lettuce and serve immediately!
Most sources point to East Harlems Blue Sky Deli as the birthplace of the sandwich.
Slowly cook so the fat renders out.
Simply Recipes / Nick Evans
Cook for another 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften.
Season the filling with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Let the filling get hot and then cover it with two slices of American cheese.
Simply Recipes / Nick Evans
Let it sit long enough got the cheese to melt.
If you like, roughly chop the cheese into the beef mixture with the side of a metal spatula.
After 30 seconds, use a spatula to flip the roll, keeping the filling inside.
If any filling falls out, use the spatula to add it back to the roll.
Repeat as needed to make other sandwiches.
Add shredded lettuce and sliced tomato to the sandwich.
Cut in half and serve immediately.
Leftover chopped cheese filling can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
you’re able to add the filling straight from the fridge to a griddle to make a sandwich.
Only make as many sandwiches as you oughta, but if you have leftover filling, thats great!
