Mexican Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

The Mexican Chopped Cheese Sandwich is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted pepper jack cheese, and fresh toppings, this sandwich is both hearty and delicious. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 3 hoagie rolls
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 preferred
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, more as needed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 3 tablespoons chopped chipotles in adobo
• 6 slices of pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1 cup Pico de Gallo

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat a griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough to sear the beef and toast the bread.
2. Step 2: Spread the softened butter on both sides of the hoagie rolls and toast them lightly on the hot surface. Then spread mayonnaise on one side of each roll and set aside.
3. Step 3: Divide the ground beef into three 1/3-pound portions and shape each into a patty. Place the patties on the hot surface and press down firmly with a heavy spatula to sear. Cook for a few minutes on each side until a crust forms.
4. Step 4: Using the spatula, chop the meat patties into small pieces right on the griddle. Add the chopped chipotles, Kosher salt, and chili powder evenly across the three portions. Stir and fold the beef to distribute the seasoning well. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
5. Step 5: Shape the chopped beef into the size and shape of the hoagie rolls. Place two slices of pepper jack cheese on top of each portion, then turn off the heat. Let the cheese melt slightly.
6. Step 6: Carefully transfer each melted beef and cheese portion onto the toasted hoagie rolls. Top with chopped lettuce and Pico de Gallo, then close the sandwiches.
7. Step 7: For best results, wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper to keep warm and help hold the toppings together while serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add more chipotles or serve with pickled jalapeños on the side.
• Try swapping pepper jack cheese for Monterey Jack or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
• Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear on the beef and even toasting.

Storage

Store any leftover chopped cheese components and rolls separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the beef mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat and toast the rolls again before assembling to keep the sandwich fresh and flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind the flavor and fat content will vary. Using 80/20 ground beef helps keep the sandwich juicy and flavorful.

How spicy is the sandwich?

The spiciness comes from the chipotles in adobo and chili powder, creating a mild to medium heat. You can adjust the amount of chipotles to suit your preferred spice level.

Mexican Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

This Mexican Chopped Cheese Sandwich combines juicy seared ground beef seasoned with chipotles, chili powder, and Kosher salt, topped with melted pepper jack cheese, fresh lettuce, and zesty pico de gallo, all nestled in toasted hoagie rolls. A savory, satisfying sandwich that blends classic New York chopped cheese style with bold Mexican flavors.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwiches
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Spreads

• 3 hoagie rolls
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Beef and Seasonings

• 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 preferred
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, more as needed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 3 tablespoons chopped chipotles in adobo

Cheese and Toppings

• 6 slices pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1 cup Pico De Gallo

Instructions

1. Preheat the cooking surface: Heat a griddle or cast iron skillet to medium-high, ensuring it is hot enough to sear the beef and toast the bread effectively.
2. Toast the hoagie rolls: Spread softened butter on both sides of each roll, then place them on the hot griddle to lightly toast. Remove and spread mayonnaise on one side of each toasted roll; set aside.
3. Form beef patties: Divide the ground beef into three 1/3 pound portions and shape each into flat patties.
4. Sear the beef patties: Place each patty on the heated surface and press down with a heavy spatula to create a crust. Cook for a few minutes until a brown crust forms on the underside, then flip and repeat on the other side.
5. Chop and season meat: Using the spatula, chop the seared patties into small bits while they cook. Evenly distribute the chopped chipotles, Kosher salt, and chili powder over the meat, mixing well to incorporate the flavors. Adjust salt to taste.
6. Shape and melt cheese on meat: Form the chopped meat into the shape of the hoagie rolls. Place slices of pepper jack cheese on top of the meat and turn off the heat, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.
7. Assemble the sandwiches: Carefully transfer the cheesy meat mixture onto the mayonnaise-spread hoagie rolls. Top each sandwich with chopped lettuce and pico de gallo, then close the sandwiches. Optionally, wrap in parchment paper to keep warm and hold toppings together.

Notes

• Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and flavor.
• Chipotles in adobo add a smoky heat — adjust quantity to your preferred spice level.
• Wrapping sandwiches in parchment paper helps retain heat and keeps toppings intact.
• Can be served immediately or wrapped to keep warm until serving.
• Pico de gallo can be homemade or store-bought according to convenience.

Keywords: Mexican Chopped Cheese Sandwich, pepper jack cheese sandwich, chipotle beef sandwich, hoagie roll sandwich, quick Mexican sandwich