Description
Savor the classic Patty Melt, a delightful combination of juicy beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled between crispy rye bread. This comforting sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or American cheese)
- 4 slices of rye bread (or Texas toast)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the thinly sliced onions.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and caramelized. If the onions start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside. You can keep them warm by covering them with aluminum foil.
- In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. If needed, add a little more butter or oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the beef patties. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a nice crust.
- Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties reach your desired doneness (medium-rare is about 130°F, medium is about 140°F).
- Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- While the patties are resting, prepare the bread. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. If you prefer, you can also spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the unbuttered side for added flavor.
- In the same skillet used for the patties, reduce the heat to medium. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
- On each slice of bread, layer one beef patty with melted cheese and a generous portion of caramelized onions.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up. Press down gently to help the sandwich hold together.
- Cook the assembled patty melts for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, ensuring the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the patty melts from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before slicing. This helps to keep the cheese from oozing out too much when you cut into them.
- Using a sharp knife, slice each patty melt in half diagonally for a classic presentation.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as fries, onion rings, or a simple salad. Enjoy your delicious homemade patty melt!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes