How to Make the Perfect NYC Chopped Cheese
American · Easy · 22 min · 2 servings
A New York City bodega icon made from ground beef chopped and mixed with onions and American cheese on a griddle. It is served on a hoagie roll with all the fixings.
Why this recipe works
This NYC Chopped Cheese recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 22 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 780 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
- 2 whole hero or hoagie rolls
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the onions
Heat a cast iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions with a small drizzle of oil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes stirring occasionally until they are softened and beginning to turn golden at the edges.
Step 2: Add and brown the beef
Add the ground beef directly on top of the onions. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the beef cook without stirring for 2 minutes to develop browning on the bottom, then break it apart and mix it with the onions.
Step 3: Chop and combine
Using a stiff spatula or bench scraper, chop and fold the beef and onions together repeatedly until the mixture is finely broken down and well combined. This chopping action is what defines the texture of a proper chopped cheese.
Step 4: Melt the cheese
Shape the beef mixture into two mounds roughly the length of your rolls. Lay 2 slices of American cheese over each mound. Cover with a dome lid or a metal bowl for 30 seconds to trap steam and melt the cheese completely.
Step 5: Load the roll and serve
Toast the inside of the hero rolls on the griddle for 30 seconds. Spread mayo on one side and ketchup on the other. Use a spatula to slide each cheese-covered mound into a roll. Add shredded lettuce and sliced tomato if desired and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- American cheese → Velveeta slices for an even creamier melt
- hero roll → a toasted sub roll or thick Italian bread
- ketchup → hot sauce for a spicier bodega-style version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not chopping the beef finely enough which makes the texture too chunky
- Skipping the cheese-melting step with a cover which results in unmelted cheese
- Using lean ground beef which makes the filling dry instead of juicy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 780 calories, 42g protein, 52g carbs, 42g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →