New York-Style Chopped Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 4 slices American cheese or Cooper Sharp
• 2 hero, hoagie or sub rolls
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• Optional: hot sauce, dill pickles, butter for toasting

Instructions

1. Toast the rolls. Split the rolls, lightly butter if desired, and toast cut-side down on a griddle or skillet until golden. Set aside.
2. Cook the onions. Heat a cast-iron skillet or flat-top over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Brown and chop the beef. Add the ground beef in two piles. Season with salt and pepper. Let it brown for about 2 minutes, then chop it into small pieces with a metal spatula while mixing it with the onions. Cook until no pink remains.
4. Add the cheese. Lay two slices of cheese over each pile. Let it melt for about 30 seconds, then chop and fold the cheese through the meat.
5. Build the sandwiches. Spread mayo on one side of each roll and ketchup on the other. Fill with the cheesy beef mixture, then add lettuce, tomato and any optional toppings.
6. Steam and serve. For the bodega effect, wrap each sandwich tightly in foil for 2-3 minutes before serving. This softens the roll and helps the flavors meld.