
Yields:
1
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Jumoké Jackson is a private chef for the stars, with a client list filled with some of the most famous people in the country. Also known as Mr. Foodtastic, Jackson has cooked for the likes of J. Cole and Gayle King. But one of his most notable clients is Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe-winning superstar Lady Gaga.
Even though Jackson rarely gets starstruck, Gaga was one celebrity he was especially nervous to meet. But when she immediately greeted him with a hug, he knew that they'd get along great. Jackson followed Lady Gaga along during The Monster Ball Tour from 2009 to 2011, so he got a backstage look while the star performed one of her most critically acclaimed albums in cities all over the world. He also got insider intel on her favorite meals. And during that whirlwind tour, Jackson cooked for both Gaga and her crew, ran around international cities to find ingredients, and celebrated each show with VIP afterparties.
If you somehow don't know, Lady Gaga is "just an Italian girl from New York," so naturally she wants some Big Apple staples while she's on the road. And few dishes capture the magic of the city quite like a chop cheese (or chopped cheese, depending on who you ask). The combination of ground beef, American cheese, lettuce, and tomato evokes the savory comfort of a great cheeseburger. But instead of a patty on a bun, the meat is crumbled and served on a long hero roll. Watch the video for some tips and tricks on how to make one of Lady Gaga's favorite New York meals.
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Ingredients
- 1
hero roll
- 2 Tbsp.
unsalted butter, divided
- 1 1/2 lb.
(85% lean) ground chuck
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2
medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 8
slices American cheese
- 1/4 cup
mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup
ketchup
- 1/2
head iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced (about 2 c.)
- 1/2
large tomato, thinly sliced
Directions
- Step 1Slice roll parallel to work surface, being careful not to cut all the way through. In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Toast roll cut sides down, rotating occasionally, until browned in places, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer roll to a plate.
- Step 2In same skillet over medium-high heat, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Form meat into a ball shape; season with salt and pepper. Using your hand or a spatula, press meat down into skillet to flatten. Cook, undisturbed, until bottom is browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn meat, then add onions. Cook, breaking up meat into small pieces, until just browned and onion is translucent, about 3 minutes more.
- Step 3Arrange cheese slices over beef mixture. Remove from heat, cover skillet, and let melt.
- Step 4Spread cut sides of roll with mayonnaise, then ketchup. Scoop meat mixture onto one side of roll. Top with lettuce and tomatoes. Close roll as best as you can, then cut in half.
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