Description
Classic diner-style patty melts combine juicy beef and caramelized onions between buttery grilled bread, creating a nostalgic sandwich experience. Secret sauce adds a tangy, creamy finish that elevates this comfort food favorite for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20)
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize onions in a skillet over medium heat with butter until deep golden and soft, approximately 15 minutes, then set aside.
- Create 4 thin beef patties, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
- Prepare sandwich assembly by spreading butter on one side of each rye bread slice. Layer cheddar cheese on unbuttered side of bread, followed by cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese.
- Complete sandwich construction by topping with remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered side faces outward.
- Grill assembled sandwiches in skillet over medium heat, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until bread turns crispy golden and cheese melts completely.
- Whisk secret sauce ingredients in a small bowl, creating a smooth, flavorful condiment to complement the patty melt.
- Serve sandwiches hot, with secret sauce either spread inside the melt or presented on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning, stirring occasionally for even browning.
- Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicier patties that stay tender and don’t dry out during cooking.
- Flatten patties thin and wide to match bread size, ensuring perfect coverage and even cooking in each bite.
- Experiment with cheese combinations like provolone or gruyère for unique flavor profiles that complement the rich beef and caramelized onions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 752 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg