Ingredients:

  • 4 large sub rolls or hoagie rolls (6-8 inches long)
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 ratio)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 8 slices American cheese
  • 2 tbsp water (for steaming the cheese)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and oregano to create the garlic butter. Slice the sub rolls lengthwise. Spread a thin layer of garlic butter on the inside of each roll. Toast the rolls cut-side down in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden brown and fragrant. Set aside.
  2. Heat the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring until softened and slightly translucent.
  3. Add the 80/20 ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it up roughly. Immediately season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the meat is mostly browned, use a sturdy metal spatula to aggressively chop and smash the beef mixture into fine, loose pieces. Continue chopping for 3–5 minutes until the beef reaches a loose-meat texture. If desired, carefully drain off 80% of the rendered fat.
  4. Turn the heat down to low. Arrange the 8 slices of American cheese directly on top of the chopped meat mixture. Pour 2 tablespoons of water around the edge of the beef (avoiding the cheese) and immediately cover the skillet with a lid. Let the cheese melt and steam for 1–2 minutes until gooey. Remove the lid and fold the melted cheese into the meat until it creates a cohesive, cheesy filling. Keep warm.
  5. Whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl to create the classic sauce. Spread the sauce mixture onto the toasted rolls. Fill the rolls generously with the hot chopped cheeseburger filling. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Serve immediately.