Description
This classic Patty Melt recipe features juicy, seasoned beef patties grilled to perfection, topped with sweet caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, and a flavorful special secret sauce, all sandwiched between buttered rye bread slices and grilled until golden and crispy. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal that combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Caramelized Onions
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of salt
Sandwich
- 4 slices of rye bread (or your preferred bread)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or American cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
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, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, then cover and refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the rest of the patty melt components.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt one tablespoon of butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Shape and Season the Beef Patties: Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and shape each into patties matching the size and shape of your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Beef Patties: Using the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Remove patties and set aside.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble the Patty Melts: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet over medium heat. On each slice, layer a slice of cheese, a cooked beef patty, some caramelized onions, a dollop of secret sauce, another slice of cheese, and then top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Cook the Patty Melts: Grill the sandwiches over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side, and the cheese inside is melted. Press down lightly with a spatula to help melt the cheese evenly.
- Serve: Remove the patty melts from the skillet. Slice each sandwich in half and serve hot with any extra secret sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Using an 80/20 blend of ground beef ensures juicy, flavorful patties.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly develops their sweetness and adds depth to the sandwich.
- Butter the bread generously to get a crispy, golden crust when grilling.
- The secret sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to swap Swiss cheese with American or cheddar cheese based on preference.
- Use rye bread for a classic flavor, but any sturdy sandwich bread works well.
- Pressing the sandwich gently with a spatula helps melt the cheese evenly and compress the sandwich for easier eating.
