Lunch 🤖 AI Generated

Chopped Cheese Sandwich – Halal Harlem Deli Classic

The iconic Harlem chopped cheese—crispy-edged ground beef, melted American cheese, sautéed onions, and hot sauce on a soft roll—gets a smart Fat Switch makeover. Save 235 calories (40% reduction) by swapping full-fat beef for lean ground beef and using reduced-fat cheese, without sacrificing that signature griddle-kissed, melty indulgence.

15m

Prep Time

12m

Cook Time

Servings

350

Calories

31g

Protein

🛒 Ingredients

✓ 6 oz 93/7 lean ground beef
✓ 1 soft hero roll or hoagie roll (2.5 oz)
✓ 3 slices reduced-fat American cheese
✓ 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
✓ 1 tbsp olive oil spray
✓ 0.5 tbsp unsalted butter
✓ 0.5 tsp kosher salt
✓ 0.25 tsp black pepper
✓ 2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank's or Louisiana-style)
✓ 1 tbsp mayonnaise (light or regular)
✓ 0.5 tsp garlic powder
✓ 0.25 tsp paprika

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Griddle & Onions: Heat a flat griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat (5 minutes). While heating, finely dice the onion and set aside. Once hot, spray with olive oil.

2. Sauté the Onions: Add diced onions to the hot griddle, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft, translucent, and lightly caramelized. Push to the side of the griddle.

3. Add Beef & Season: Add 0.5 tbsp butter to the cleared griddle space. Crumble the lean ground beef directly onto the hot griddle, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.

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4. Chop & Stir: Using two metal spatulas or a spatula and wooden spoon, constantly chop and stir the beef into tiny bits (1–3 mm), mixing it with the cooked onions. Cook for 4–5 minutes until beef is fully browned with crispy, caramelized edges.

5. Layer the Cheese: Once beef is cooked through, arrange the reduced-fat American cheese slices evenly over the beef-and-onion mixture. Turn griddle heat to medium-low and cover with a lid or foil for 1–2 minutes to melt.

6. Toast the Roll: Split the hero roll and place cut-side down on the edge of the griddle (or a separate toasted surface) for 1 minute to warm and lightly toast.

7. Spread the Base: Mix mayo and hot sauce in a small bowl. Spread 0.5 tbsp of this mixture on the bottom half of the toasted roll.

8. Transfer & Assemble: Using spatulas, slide the entire chopped beef, onion, and melted cheese mixture onto the bottom half of the roll. Top with the roll's upper half, pressing gently.

9. Wrap & Serve: Wrap the sandwich in foil or parchment to hold it together and keep it warm. Serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and the bread is warm.

📊 Nutrition per Serving

Calories350 kcal

Protein31g

Carbohydrates42g

Fat10g

🏷️ Tags

#Harlem chopped cheese sandwich#lean ground beef lunch recipes#halal cart copycat recipes

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