Mexican Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

The Mexican Chopped Cheese Sandwich is a fusion of two beloved culinary traditions: the American chopped cheese sandwich and vibrant Mexican flavors. This recipe combines juicy, seasoned beef with melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and a zesty chipotle mayo, all served on a toasted roll. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese

For the Chipotle Mayo:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt to taste

For the Sandwich:

• 4 hoagie rolls or bolillo rolls
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• Pickled jalapeños (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it starts to brown. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef mixture, and allow it to melt. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the Chipotle Mayo:

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well blended. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Prepare the Rolls:

1. Preheat a griddle or a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Slice the rolls in half horizontally. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the cut sides of each roll.
3. Place the rolls, buttered side down, on the griddle or skillet. Toast until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches:

1. Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo on both the top and bottom halves of the toasted rolls.
2. Evenly divide the beef mixture among the bottom halves of the rolls.
3. Top the beef with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños if using.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness and flavor.
5. Place the top halves of the rolls on the sandwiches and gently press down.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Serve the sandwiches immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is still melty.
2. Pair with a side of tortilla chips, salsa, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Mexican Chopped Cheese Sandwich

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables and good-quality cheese make a big difference.
• Cheese: Monterey Jack provides a nice melt and mild flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Cheddar, Queso Oaxaca, or even a spicy Pepper Jack.
• Toasting the Rolls: Don’t skip this step! Toasting the rolls adds a delicious crunch and helps prevent them from getting soggy from the fillings.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier sandwich, add more chipotle peppers to the mayo or include additional hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle.
• Customization: This recipe is versatile. You can add more vegetables like sliced avocado, grilled corn, or sautéed mushrooms to the sandwich for added texture and flavor.

Variations

• Chicken Chopped Cheese: Substitute ground chicken for beef for a leaner option. Follow the same seasoning and cooking instructions.
• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat or finely chopped mushrooms and black beans instead of ground beef. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Bacon Chopped Cheese: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Breakfast Chopped Cheese: Incorporate scrambled eggs into the beef mixture for a hearty breakfast version. Top with sliced avocado and serve with a side of salsa.

This Mexican Chopped Cheese Sandwich is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, bringing together bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

Source: chilesandsmoke.com