Chopped Cheese Sandwich

Tender ground beef, cheese and carefully chosen seasonings are piled high on hoagie rolls, along with condiments, tomatoes and lettuce, for a delicious and hearty treat.

You might also like a Reuben sandwich, a Rachel sandwich, a rotisserie chicken salad sandwich, or some easy meal prep buffalo chicken bowls.

Why You’ll Love It           

So meaty and hearty: The richness of beef and the added appeal of cheese, butter and soft hoagie rolls makes these sandwiches so hearty and flavorful.
Easy to prepare: You just need to combine and cook the beef mixture, add the cheese, and pile it all into hoagie rolls. Add your preferred condiments and toppings and enjoy.
A versatile treat: Whether you want to munch something tasty for game day, you’re looking for an easy dinner idea or you have beef and hoagie rolls to use up, this chopped cheese sandwich is a great choice.

Beef Chopped Cheese Sandwich Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base of the sandwich—rich in flavor and protein.
Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor of the beef.
Garlic powder: Delivers a subtle garlicky warmth that complements the savory meat.
Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs like basil and oregano for a balanced, aromatic boost.
Dried rosemary: Adds a piney, slightly floral note that pairs well with the richness of the beef.
Cumin: Contributes a warm, earthy spice that deepens the flavor profile.
Butter: Infuses the beef with rich, buttery flavor while helping to brown and cook it evenly.
American cheese: Melts beautifully into the beef, adding creaminess and that signature chopped cheese texture.
Hoagie rolls: Serve as a sturdy, fluffy vehicle for the beef filling and toppings, holding everything together.
Condiments: Ketchup brings tangy sweetness and moisture to each bite, while mustard adds a sharp, vinegary contrast that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. These are both optional.
Tomatoes and iceberg lettuce: Tomatoes offer juicy freshness and a slight acidity to lighten up the sandwich while shredded iceberg lettuce adds a refreshing crunch and cool texture that contrasts the warm filling.

How to Make a NYC Style Chopped Cheese

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Season the beef: Mix the ground beef with onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, rosemary, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let this meat mixture sit for 15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Cook the beef: Sauté the mixture in butter over a medium to medium high heat until browned and cooked through.
Add cheese: Place slices of cheese on top of the beef, let it melt, and then chop and mix it all together.
Assemble the sandwiches: Fill hoagie rolls with the chopped beef mixture and top with ketchup and/or mustard. Add lettuce and tomato slices too, if liked.
Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free buns.
Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken or a plant-based meat alternative for a leaner or vegetarian option. Another option is using leftover cooked beef. You might need to adjust the seasonings in the recipe depending on what seasonings are in the leftover cooked beef. Or even substitute a ground beef patty for the seasoned ground beef and cheese mixture.
American cheese: Any melty cheese you want to use will be fine in this recipe. Use cheddar, provolone, Swiss cheese, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Butter: Substitute with olive oil or your preferred cooking oil.
Hoagie rolls: Use brioche buns, ciabatta, homemade Irish soda bread, sandwich thins, or gluten-free rolls for a twist on texture or to suit different dietary needs.
Change up the seasonings: Try taco seasoning, adobo seasoning, smoked paprika or Cajun spices for a different flavor theme.
Optional toppings: Add pickles, raw onion, bacon or turkey bacon, hot peppers or jalapeños, roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor. Or swap the ketchup for garlic marinara sauce.
Make it spicy: Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes or diced green chilies to the beef mixture for a kick. You can also add some spicy mayo.
Make it deluxe: Melt extra cheese on the hoagie rolls before filling, or toast the assembled sandwich briefly for a gooey, crispy bite.
Prefer crispier bread? Lightly toast the hoagie rolls with a small amount of butter before assembling if you prefer a crispier texture.

Serving Suggestions

As a snack: Watching the game? Enjoy a chopped cheese sandwich with some other simple bites such as party nuts or Cajun shrimp deviled eggs.
As a main dish: Possible side dishes include charred zucchini salad, cowboy beans or shaved Brussels sprouts slaw.

How to Store Chopped Cheese Sandwiches

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container or wrap with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3 days.
Freeze: The beef mixture can be frozen for up to 1 week.
Thaw: Thaw the beef mixture overnight in the fridge before reheating, and then assemble the sandwich with fresh vegetables.