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To make the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt, you will need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp smoked paprika - 1 tsp dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 4 hoagie rolls - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained - ½ cup pickled jalapeños (optional) - Fresh parsley for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option. - If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work. - For a dairy-free version, try vegan cheese or omit the cheese entirely. - You can replace hoagie rolls with sub rolls or even pita bread. This recipe is high in protein thanks to the beef and cheese. - For gluten-free needs, choose gluten-free rolls. - If you're watching sodium, use low-sodium cheese and avoid added salt. - The dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the beef and adding beans or lentils. - Adjust the heat level by removing jalapeños or using milder peppers. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and fun. 2. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. This will add great flavor. 3. Drain the diced tomatoes. This keeps the filling from getting soggy. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait for it to shimmer. 2. Add the chopped onion. Sauté it for 3-4 minutes until it looks clear. 3. Mix in the minced garlic and ground beef. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking the beef apart. 4. Season the beef with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir it well for even flavor. 5. Lower the heat. Add in the drained diced tomatoes. Fold gently until mixed. 6. Remove the skillet from heat. Add half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the hoagies. 2. Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise. Make sure not to cut all the way through. 3. Fill each hoagie roll with the cheesy beef mixture. Pack it in well. 4. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. This will melt perfectly. 5. Place the hoagies on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese bubbles. 6. If you want some heat, add pickled jalapeños five minutes before baking ends. 7. Once done, take them out and let them cool a bit. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. To boost the cheese factor, mix in different types of cheese. Try adding provolone or gouda for a unique twist. You can also use cream cheese for a creamy filling. Layer cheese inside and on top of the hoagies. This creates a gooey, cheesy experience in every bite. Start with high-quality ground beef. Use 80/20 beef for the best flavor and juiciness. Brown the beef over medium heat. This ensures it cooks evenly. Stir often and break it up well with a spatula. Season the beef early to allow flavors to seep in. This makes the dish more flavorful. Serve your cheesy ground beef melts on a wooden cutting board for a rustic look. Drizzle extra melted cheese on top for a fun touch. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over everything for a pop of color. Place pickled jalapeños on the side for those who want a spicy kick. This makes your meal look delicious and inviting. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in your melts, ensuring a balanced flavor and texture. Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on the classic melt. Toasting the Rolls: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls before filling them to create a crispy exterior that holds up against the moist filling. Layering Flavors: For added depth, consider including sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms in the beef mixture for a richer taste. {{image_4}} You can boost flavor and nutrition by adding vegetables. Chopped bell peppers work well. Just sauté them with the onions. You can also add mushrooms for a savory taste. Spinach or kale can add some greens to the mix. Just toss them in after the meat is cooked. This makes your cheesy ground beef melt more colorful and healthy. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free hoagie rolls. Many stores offer these now. You can also use lettuce wraps instead of rolls. This keeps the dish light and fresh. Just scoop the cheesy beef mixture into the lettuce leaves. It’s still tasty and satisfying without gluten. To spice things up, add more jalapeños. You can mix them into the beef for heat. If you want extra kick, try adding red pepper flakes. A splash of hot sauce in the meat adds flavor too. Each of these choices makes your melt a fiery delight for spice lovers. To keep your cheesy ground beef melt fresh, let it cool first. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the hoagies from any extra cheese to keep them from getting soggy. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hoagies on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep the cheese from burning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, warm them for 1-2 minutes. Just be aware that the bread may become soft. You can freeze the cheesy ground beef mixture for later use. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for a quick meal. You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are some ideas: - French fries: Crispy and salty fries pair well. - Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy slaw adds freshness. - Pickles: Serve dill pickles for a tangy bite. - Salad: A light mixed salad balances the meal. These options enhance your cheesy ground beef melt experience. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the beef mixture and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, fill your hoagie rolls and bake as usual. This saves time and still gives you that fresh, hot melt. To spice up your cheesy ground beef melt, try these tips: - Add more jalapeños: Increase the amount for a bolder kick. - Hot sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce into the beef mixture. - Spicy cheese: Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar or mozzarella. These changes will add flavor and heat to your dish! In this post, I covered everything you need to know for the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking guides, and helpful tips. I shared variations to fit different diets and preferences, plus smart storage ideas. Remember, this dish is fun to make and enjoy. Add your twist to make it special. Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitchen with your family and friends.

Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt

A delicious and cheesy ground beef melt served in hoagie rolls, perfect for a hearty meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 hoagie rolls
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
  • ½ cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Add the minced garlic and the ground beef to the skillet. Cook this mixture for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking up the beef with a spatula until it's browned and fully cooked.
  • Season the beef with smoked paprika, dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to well combine the spices with the beef.
  • Lower the heat and incorporate the drained diced tomatoes into the beef mixture. Gently fold until everything is evenly blended.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and add half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the beef mixture. Stir until the cheeses are melted and create a creamy filling.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  • Carefully slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, taking care not to cut all the way through. This will create a pocket for your delicious filling.
  • Generously fill each hoagie roll with the cheesy ground beef mixture, ensuring an ample amount cascades into each roll.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the filled hoagies, allowing it to melt beautifully during baking.
  • Arrange the stuffed hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, inviting and delicious.
  • If you’d like to add some heat, sprinkle the pickled jalapeños on top of the hoagies about five minutes before they finish baking.
  • Once baked to perfection, take the hoagies out of the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Finish with a garnish of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

Serve the gooey melts on a rustic wooden cutting board. Drizzle any extra melted cheese over the top for added indulgence. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and offer a side of pickled jalapeños to give those who love spice an extra zing!
Keyword cheesy, ground beef, hoagie