Chopped Cheese Sandwiches, affectionately known as “chop cheese,” are a staple of New York City bodegas—especially in the Bronx and Harlem. Made with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and all the classic sandwich fixings, it’s a greasy, savory, and wildly satisfying street food that’s easy to make at home. Think of it as a cross between a cheeseburger and a Philly cheesesteak—served in a hoagie roll and loaded with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich is bold, cheesy, and packed with beefy goodness. It’s easy, quick, and budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that come together in minutes. Whether you’re craving late-night comfort food or a hearty lunch, chopped cheese hits the spot with minimal effort. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable—add your favorite toppings and sauces to make it your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Salt and pepper
- Onion, finely chopped
- American cheese slices
- Hoagie rolls or hero bread
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Lettuce, shredded
- Tomato, thinly sliced
- Pickles (optional)
Directions
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper.
- As the beef starts to brown, add chopped onions and cook until softened.
- Use a spatula to chop the beef and onions together while they cook, forming small, even crumbles.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, shape it into a rough rectangle the size of your roll.
- Lay slices of American cheese over the beef and let melt.
- While the cheese melts, toast the hoagie rolls (optional) and spread with mayo and ketchup.
- Transfer the chopped beef and cheese mixture into the toasted roll.
- Top with lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is approximately 15 minutes, making it a quick 25-minute meal.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Different cheese: Swap American for cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.
- Sauce switch: Try it with chipotle mayo, mustard, or barbecue sauce.
- Breakfast twist: Add a fried egg on top for a morning version.
- Veggie option: Use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese for a meatless chopped cheese.
Storage/Reheating
Chopped cheese is best eaten fresh, but you can store the cooked beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble the sandwich fresh to maintain texture.
FAQs
What is a chopped cheese?
It’s a sandwich made with chopped ground beef, onions, melted cheese, and classic toppings like lettuce and tomato, all served on a hoagie roll.
Where did chopped cheese originate?
It originated in New York City, specifically in the bodegas of Harlem and the Bronx.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Classic chopped cheese uses American cheese, which melts smoothly and adds creaminess.
Can I make this without a skillet?
Yes, a flat-top griddle or even a cast-iron pan works just as well.
Is this the same as a cheesesteak?
Not exactly. Chopped cheese uses ground beef, while cheesesteaks use thinly sliced steak.
Can I prep the ingredients in advance?
Yes, chop the onions, slice the vegetables, and pre-portion the ground beef for quicker cooking.
What kind of bread should I use?
Use a sturdy roll like a hoagie, hero, or sub roll that can hold up to the fillings.
Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes, freeze the cooked beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before assembling.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Toast the bread and add wet ingredients like mayo and ketchup just before serving.
What are some good side dishes?
Serve with fries, chips, coleslaw, or a pickle spear.
Conclusion
Chopped Cheese Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food—simple, juicy, and undeniably delicious. With its roots in NYC street food culture, this sandwich is easy to recreate at home and just as satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving a solo snack, chopped cheese delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
PrintChopped Cheese Sandwiches
The Chopped Cheese is a legendary New York City bodega sandwich made with chopped ground beef, melted cheese, and classic toppings on a toasted hero roll. It’s juicy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner fix!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (80/20)
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 small yellow onion, finely diced
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4 slices American cheese
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2 hero rolls or hoagie buns
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2 tbsp mayonnaise
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
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1 medium tomato, sliced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the onions: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft and lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes.
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Add the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through—about 6–8 minutes.
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Melt the cheese: Spread the beef into two even piles. Lay 2 slices of American cheese over each. Let melt, then lightly chop and mix into the meat.
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Toast the rolls: While the cheese is melting, toast the hero rolls in a dry skillet or under the broiler until lightly golden.
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Assemble: Spread mayo and ketchup on each roll. Add the cheesy chopped beef, then top with shredded lettuce and tomato slices.
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Serve hot: Slice in half and dig in while it’s warm and melty!
Notes
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Rolls: Soft hero or sub rolls work best—don’t skip toasting!
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Cheese: American cheese is traditional, but provolone or cheddar also works.
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Add-ons: Feel free to add pickles, hot sauce, or sautéed peppers for extra flavor.