Description
These Beef Cheddar Sandwiches combine savory, spiced ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with melted sharp cheddar cheese, served on toasted hamburger buns. Perfect for a satisfying and hearty meal, this recipe balances bold spices with comforting cheese and soft buns, making it an ultimate guide to deliciousness for sandwich lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Sandwich Assembly
- 8 slices cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your preference)
- 8 hamburger buns, split
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, dill pickle chips, mayonnaise, mustard
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease to prevent the mixture from being too oily.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper if using, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to bloom the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the brown sugar and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes up to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the beef mixture after simmering and adjust seasoning as needed for balance.
- Toast Buns: While the beef simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns if desired. This adds texture and prevents sogginess.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place two slices of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture over the cheese to help it melt nicely.
- Optional Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy sandwich, add another slice of cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture before placing the top bun.
- Complete and Serve: Place the top half of each bun on the sandwich and serve immediately while warm to enjoy gooey melted cheese and flavorful beef.
Notes
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting or omitting the cayenne pepper.
- Using 80/20 ground beef ensures good flavor and enough fat for juiciness.
- Feel free to add optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise, or mustard for extra freshness and flavor.
- Toasting the buns is optional but recommended to prevent sogginess and add texture.
- Leftover beef mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for sandwiches or other dishes.
