Ingredients:

  • 1/2 pound (225 g) lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil or neutral cooking oil
  • 4 slices American cheese (or processed cheddar slices)
  • 2 hero rolls, sub rolls, or hoagie rolls (about 6–7 inches long)
  • Lettuce leaves (iceberg or romaine), shredded
  • Tomato slices, about 4 thin slices
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Ketchup and/or mayonnaise (optional but traditional)

Instructions:

  1. Finely chop the onion, slice the tomato, and shred the lettuce.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in the skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add remaining oil and the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spatula, break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  4. Layer the cheese slices evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet. Let melt for 1 to 2 minutes until gooey and well combined.
  5. Slice the hero rolls lengthwise without cutting through. Toast lightly in a toaster oven or on a dry skillet for crispness.
  6. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture evenly onto each roll. Top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles if using, and a drizzle of ketchup or mayonnaise as desired.