Description
Patty Melts are a comforting and indulgent sandwich featuring juicy 80/20 ground beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and perfectly toasted rye bread. Quick to prepare and packed with melty cheesy goodness, this recipe balances crispy, cheesy, and meaty flavors for a satisfying meal ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 8 slices rye bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: mustard or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and sweet. This deep caramelized flavor is essential for the Patty Melts.
- Form and Season the Beef Patties: While onions cook, divide the ground beef into equal portions and gently shape each into thin patties, slightly larger than the bread slices. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through but still juicy.
- Assemble the Patty Melts: On each slice of rye bread, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, and optionally another slice of cheese. Top with another slice of bread to form a sandwich.
- Toast the Sandwich: Butter the outsides of each sandwich generously. Toast in a skillet over medium heat for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted inside.
Notes
- Patience is key for perfectly caramelized onions—cook low and slow to avoid burning.
- Use thin beef patties so they cook quickly and fit well on the bread.
- Cast-iron skillets provide even heat ideal for browning and toasting.
- Generously butter the bread for a crispy, golden crust.
- Press sandwiches lightly with a spatula while toasting for even cooking and grill marks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg