The Best Chopped Cheese Recipe for Keto Lovers

Estimated reading time: 2 mins

I live the ketogenic lifestyle. But chopped cheese, a beloved culinary icon of New York City delis, is a traditionally features a savory blend of ground beef, melted cheese, and onions served on a hoagie roll. How do I make this keto-friendly?

This recipe reimagines this classic street food for a keto-friendly diet, maintaining the rich, comforting flavors while eliminating the carbs typically found in the bread. By substituting the hoagie roll with low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps, this version offers a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re a keto enthusiast or just looking for a healthier alternative to a comfort food staple, this keto chopped cheese recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings with its delicious combination of juicy meat, melted cheese, and customizable toppings.

Keto Chopped Cheese Ingredients

• For the Meat:
• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• For the Cheese:
• 4 slices of American cheese or cheddar (you can use a mix)
• 2 slices of provolone cheese (for extra creaminess)
• For Serving:
• Low-carb tortillas (if < 35g carb per serving) or lettuce wraps (as a bread substitute)
• Mayonnaise, mustard, and/or sugar-free ketchup (optional)
• Sliced pickles (optional)
• Additional toppings (such as sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers, if desired)

Method

1. Prep Ingredients: Begin by chopping the onions and mincing the garlic. Set them aside. Prepare your serving options (lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas) and toppings.
2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they start to become translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break the beef into smaller chunks with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Cheese: Lower the heat to medium. Lay the cheese slices directly on top of the cooked meat. Let the cheese melt into the meat, occasionally stirring to combine. The cheese should create a creamy, cohesive mixture with the meat.
5. Assemble: Take your low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps and place them on a plate. Scoop the cheesy meat mixture onto your chosen base. Add any additional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or pickles.
6. Optional Condiments: If you’re using any condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, or sugar-free ketchup, you can spread them on the tortillas or lettuce wraps before adding the meat, or drizzle on top of the meat.
7. Serve: Fold the tortillas or lettuce wraps around the filling and serve hot. Enjoy your keto-friendly chopped cheese!

This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on portion sizes. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food while sticking to a keto diet.

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