Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with these incredible homemade patty melts. This isn’t just another burger – it’s a perfectly seasoned beef patty nestled between golden-brown rye bread, topped with caramelized onions, melty cheese, and our irresistible secret sauce.
Born from the classic diner tradition but perfected for your home kitchen, these patty melts strike the perfect balance between comfort food and culinary craft. The magic happens when the cheese melts into the grilled onions and that secret sauce adds just the right tangy kick.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for weeknight dinners
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
- The secret sauce can be made ahead and stored
- Customizable with different cheeses and bread options
- Crispy, melty, and juicy all in one bite
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices rye bread
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- About 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and caramelized, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the hot skillet.
- In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and some pepper until just combined. Divide the meat mixture into four equal patties and shape each into rounds slightly wider than the bread slices.
- Cook the patties in the hot skillet for 4 to 5 minutes per side until well browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Assemble the patty melts: Wipe out the skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter over medium heat. Lay 4 slices of rye bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Top each with a burger patty, a slice of Swiss cheese, half of the caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Close the melts with the remaining 4 slices of buttered bread, placing them buttered side up onto the sandwich. Recipe by Ineskohl.info
- Cook each patty melt until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, 2 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to help melt the cheese.
- Transfer the patty melts to a cutting board and slice diagonally to serve. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Press down gently on sandwiches while grilling for better cheese melting
- Substitute sourdough or Texas toast for rye bread
- Try different cheese combinations like American or provolone
- Make onions ahead of time to speed up dinner prep
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms with the onions
Serving Suggestions
Serve these patty melts with crispy pickle spears and your favorite diner-style sides. Classic pairings include french fries, sweet potato wedges, or a light coleslaw. For a lighter option, serve with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette.
Notes
- Secret sauce keeps in refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Let patties rest 5 minutes before assembling sandwiches
- Use a heavy skillet or griddle for even browning
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead of time? Prepare components separately, but assemble and grill just before serving.
- What’s the best beef to use? 80/20 ground beef provides the best flavor and juiciness.
- Can I freeze leftover patty melts? While possible, they’re best enjoyed fresh. The bread can become soggy when reheated.
- How do I know when the patties are done? Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Servings4
Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Calories—
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices rye bread
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- About 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and caramelized, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the hot skillet.
- In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and some pepper until just combined. Divide the meat mixture into four equal patties and shape each into rounds slightly wider than the bread slices.
- Cook the patties in the hot skillet for 4 to 5 minutes per side until well browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Assemble the patty melts: Wipe out the skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter over medium heat. Lay 4 slices of rye bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Top each with a burger patty, a slice of Swiss cheese, half of the caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Close the melts with the remaining 4 slices of buttered bread, placing them buttered side up onto the sandwich. Recipe by Ineskohl.info
- Cook each patty melt until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, 2 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to help melt the cheese.
- Transfer the patty melts to a cutting board and slice diagonally to serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Secret sauce keeps in refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Let patties rest 5 minutes before assembling sandwiches
- Use a heavy skillet or griddle for even browning
