Description
These Beef Cheddar Sandwiches are a savory, cheesy delight perfect for a hearty meal. Ground beef is browned and simmered with aromatic spices and a rich tomato sauce, then layered with cheddar cheese on toasted buns for an irresistible sandwich experience.
Ingredients
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
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 Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices and release their flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the beef mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Toast the Buns: While the beef mixture is simmering, lightly toast the hamburger buns if desired.
- Prepare the Sandwich Base: Place two slices of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each hamburger bun.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Generously spoon the beef mixture over the cheese on each bun.
- Extra Cheese (Optional): Add another slice of cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture for extra cheesiness.
- Top the Sandwich: Place the top half of the hamburger bun on top of the beef and cheese.
- Serve: Serve the beef cheddar sandwiches immediately while they are warm and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Notes
- For spicier sandwiches, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce.
- You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and reheat before assembling.
- Try using different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for variation.
- Optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles add freshness and crunch.
- If you prefer, cook the buns on a grill or skillet instead of toasting for added flavor.
