Description
Enjoy a delicious Patty Melt with juicy beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all nestled between crispy rye bread. This comforting sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 4 slices of American cheese (or Swiss cheese, if preferred)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional: Worcestershire sauce, for added flavor
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt and pepper. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Gently mix the ingredients with your hands until just combined. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the patty tender.
- Divide the mixture into two equal portions and shape them into patties, about ½ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and stir to coat them in the butter.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. If the onions start to stick, you can add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
- Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside. Keep the skillet on the heat for the next step.
- In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed, and increase the heat to medium-high.
- Place the beef patties in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, without moving them, to achieve a nice sear.
- Flip the patties and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more well-done.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese.
- While the cheese is melting, take the slices of rye bread and spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
- On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer the caramelized onions evenly.
- Place a cooked beef patty with melted cheese on top of the onions on each slice.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing out.
- In the same skillet used for the patties, carefully place the assembled sandwiches, buttered side down.
- Cook the sandwiches over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, ensuring the cheese is fully melted and the bread is golden brown.
- If necessary, you can cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt more thoroughly.
- Once both sides of the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute.
- Using a sharp knife, cut each sandwich in half diagonally for easier handling.
- Serve the patty melts hot, with your choice of sides such as fries, chips, or a simple salad.
- Optional: Serve with pickles or a side of your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- For a more flavorful patty, consider adding minced garlic or herbs to the beef mixture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes