Description
This classic Patty Melt features juicy, seasoned ground beef patties topped with melted Swiss cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a luscious secret sauce all sandwiched between buttered rye bread and grilled to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting diner-style meal that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened, for spreading)
- 8 slices Swiss or American cheese
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely diced pickles or relish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, finely diced pickles or relish, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use to develop flavors.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and stir occasionally, cooking for 15–20 minutes until they turn golden and caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Patties: Shape the ground beef into 4 thin, oval-shaped patties approximately the size of your bread slices. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Using the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Place the buttered side down onto a skillet or griddle. On each slice, layer a slice of cheese, then a cooked beef patty, followed by caramelized onions, a spoonful of secret sauce, and another slice of cheese. Top with the remaining bread slice, buttered side facing up.
- Grill the Patty Melts: Cook the assembled sandwiches over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Traditional rye bread works best, but sourdough or Texas toast can be substituted.
- Try cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss for a different flavor twist.
- The secret sauce doubles as a great dip for fries or onion rings.
