This recipe is going to turn your kitchen into the coolest sandwich shop on the block – Slow Cooker Chopped Cheese Sandwiches!
We’re bringing the rich flavors of a New York City bodega right into your home, combining the cheesy, beefy goodness of the famous chopped cheese with the ease and convenience of a slow cooker.
Whether you’re planning a get-together for the big game, looking for a hearty meal to share with your family, or just in the mood for a deliciously satisfying sandwich, this recipe has got you covered.
Those slices of American cheese do such a great job of melting into the beef mixture. Let that cheese melt, and be amazed at its flavor. Ha!
It’s simple, it’s tasty, and it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re a native New Yorker craving a taste of home or someone looking to try something new, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy you.
A word of caution to those who haven’t tried these sandwiches. They are seriously addictive! I can’t help but go back for seconds and thirds. It helps to make a big batch!
So, let’s dive into how you can make this amazing Chopped Cheese and bring a taste of East Harlem to your table!
Some of our other favorite sandwich recipes we have on our site include: Taco Joes Sandwich Recipe (Taco Sloppy Joe’s), Ultimate Italian Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Viral TikTok), and Easy Pizza Sandwich Recipe (Grilled Cheese).
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Simplicity: With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you’re free to relax or prepare other dishes.
- Bursting with Flavor: Slow cooking the beef ensures that every bite is packed with savory goodness.
- Keeps Warm: The slow cooker keeps the beef and cheese mixture warm, making it great for serving at gatherings.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Lean ground beef
- Diced onion
- Beef broth
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Black pepper
- Cornstarch and cold water for thickening
- American cheese slices
- Hero roll or sub buns
- Lettuce and tomato for that fresh crunch
HOW TO MAKE CHOPPED CHEESE:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown up the ground beef and onion until there is no longer any pink left and the onion is translucent.
- Drain off any grease.
- Add the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add your beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Let cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Mix the cornstarch with the cold water, add to the slow cooker, and stir, cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cheese slices and stir until melted.
- Build your subs with lettuce, tomato, and the beef mixture. Serve immediately.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I MAKE THIS ON THE STOVE TOP?
Absolutely! Grab a large skillet or a cast iron skillet and cook over medium-high heat.
This method is great for achieving that perfect golden brown crust on your chopped meat. Just make sure to stir the mix of ground beef well with a wooden spoon or a metal spatula to ensure even cooking.
This stovetop method brings out the rich flavors reminiscent of the iconic New York sandwich found in real bodegas like the famous Bodega Blue Sky Deli in Upper Manhattan.
HOW TO REHEAT?
For a quick and efficient warm-up, giving it a zap in the microwave works, but if you’re looking for that freshly cooked taste, reheating in a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat is the way to go.
Add a little water to the pan to prevent the beef from drying out and cover it briefly to steam the meat gently, restoring its juicy melty cheese goodness.
This method helps retain the delicious flavors and keeps the chopped cheese fix as good as when it was first made.
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHEESE?
Sure thing! While American cheese slices are the classic choice for that creamy melt, provolone cheese, cheddar, or even Cheez Whiz make delicious alternatives, adding a unique twist to your sandwich.
Each type of cheese brings its own flavor profile and meltability, catering to personal consumption preferences and potentially offering a new spin on the traditional chopped cheese sandwich recipe.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect cheesy blend.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Yeppers! These chop cheese sandwiches are super easy to change up. Check it out!
- Sauteed mushrooms for an earthy flavor
- Caramelized onions for sweetness
- Pickled jalapenos for a tangy kick
- A drizzle of hot sauce for spice lovers
- Creamy mayo or tangy mustard on the bun
- Crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence
- Chopped green peppers for a fresh bite
- A sprinkle of garlic powder for depth
- Freshly sliced avocado for creaminess
- A dash of adobo seasoning for an authentic New York taste
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
I personally like hoagie rolls and use those from time to time. Here are some other easy swaps!
- Swap out ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option
- Brioche buns offer a sweet and buttery alternative
- For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free buns
- Instead of ketchup, try barbecue sauce for a smoky twist
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days for freshness.
Freezer: Freeze the beef mixture separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Get a Good Sear: Browning the beef well adds incredible flavor to your sandwiches.
- Drain the Fat: Keep your sandwich from getting greasy by draining off excess fat.
- Stir the Pot: Mixing occasionally ensures the beef cooks evenly and soaks up all the sauce.
- Cheese It Up: Don’t shy away from adding extra slices of cheese for that gooey, melty delight.
- Toast Your Buns: Lightly toasting the buns adds texture and prevents sogginess.
- Make It Your Own: Encourage everyone to customize their sandwich with their favorite toppings.
Chopped Cheese is not just a meal; they’re an experience. They bring together the ease of slow cooking with the unbeatable flavors of an iconic New York sandwich, making them perfect for any meal or occasion.
So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the tastiest, cheesiest, and most unforgettable sandwiches you’ve ever made.
Happy cooking, and here’s to bringing a piece of the Big Apple into your kitchen!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this CHOPPED CHEESE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Slow Cooker Chopped Cheese Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium sweet onion diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 12 slices American cheese
- 6 sub buns
- Lettuce and tomato for topping
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown up the ground beef and onion until there is no longer any pink left and the onion is translucent.2 pounds lean ground beef, 1 medium sweet onion
- Drain off any grease.
- Add the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add your beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Stir to combine.1 cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Let cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Mix the cornstarch with the cold water, add to the slow cooker, and stir, cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken slightly.1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons cold water
- Add the cheese slices and stir until melted.12 slices American cheese
- Build your subs with lettuce, tomato, and the beef mixture. Serve immediately.6 sub buns, Lettuce and tomato for topping
Notes
- Get a Good Sear: Browning the beef well adds incredible flavor to your sandwiches.
- Drain the Fat: Keep your sandwich from getting greasy by draining off excess fat.
- Stir the Pot: Mixing occasionally ensures the beef cooks evenly and soaks up all the sauce.
- Cheese It Up: Don’t shy away from adding extra slices of cheese for that gooey, melty delight.
- Toast Your Buns: Lightly toasting the buns adds texture and prevents sogginess.
- Make It Your Own: Encourage everyone to customize their sandwich with their favorite toppings.
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