Massive Chopped Cheese Hero (Print version)
A bodega-style chopped cheese hero made with smashed beef patties, onions, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and a toasted roll.
# Ingredients:
For the beef filling
01 -
8 oz (225 g) 80/20 ground beef, divided into 2 loose patties
02 -
1 teaspoon neutral oil
03 -
1/3 cup finely diced yellow onion
04 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
06 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
2 slices American cheese
For the hero
08 -
1 large hero roll or hoagie roll, 10-12 inches
09 -
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
10 -
1 tablespoon ketchup
11 -
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
12 -
1 small tomato, thinly sliced
13 -
Hot sauce, optional
14 -
Pickled jalapenos or dill pickles, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Split the hero roll without cutting all the way through. Toast it cut-side down in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until lightly crisp, then set aside.
02 -
Heat the oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and lightly browned at the edges.
03 -
Add the two beef patties to the hot skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Smash firmly with a spatula and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep crust forms.
04 -
Flip the patties and chop them into small pieces with the onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, until the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains.
05 -
Lay the American cheese over the chopped beef. Cover for 30-45 seconds, then fold the melted cheese through the beef until glossy.
06 -
Spread mayonnaise and ketchup on the toasted roll. Pile in the cheesy chopped beef, then top with lettuce, tomato, hot sauce, and pickles if using. Serve hot.
# Good to know:
01 -
Cook ground beef to 160°F for food safety.
02 -
Best served right after assembly while the cheese is melted.
03 -
This makes one massive hero or two smaller servings.