Description
A classic Patty Melt recipe featuring juicy ground beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese on buttery toasted rye bread, all brought together with a tangy special secret sauce. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patty Melt
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices rye bread (or your preferred bread)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or American cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
For the Special Secret Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef Patties: Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and form into patties that roughly match the size and shape of your bread slices. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper. In the same skillet used for the onions, increase heat to medium-high and cook the patties for about 3 to 4 minutes per side or until your desired doneness is reached. Remove patties from skillet and set aside.
- Assemble the Patty Melts: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two bread slices, buttered side down, onto the skillet over medium heat. Immediately add one slice of cheese on each bread slice, then top each with a beef patty, a generous amount of caramelized onions, a dollop of the secret sauce, another slice of cheese, and then top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Cook the Patty Melts: Cook the assembled sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Press down lightly with a spatula as they cook to ensure even melting of the cheese and to help the sandwich hold together. Flip carefully and cook until the second side is equally golden and the cheese is melted through.
- Serve: Remove the patty melts from the skillet. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately, accompanied by any extra secret sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef mix ensures juicy, flavorful patties.
- Slow cooking the onions is essential for a rich caramelized flavor.
- Butter the bread generously to achieve a perfectly crispy, golden crust.
- Feel free to swap Swiss cheese with American cheese or your preferred melting cheese.
- Leftover secret sauce can be refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Press the sandwich gently while grilling to help cheese melt evenly without squishing out the filling.
