Description
This classic Patty Melt recipe features juicy ground beef patties seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder, topped with melted Swiss and cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and sandwiched between slices of toasted rye bread. Cooked on the stovetop to golden perfection, it’s a perfect diner-style comfort food sandwich that’s delicious and easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Onions
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
For the Sandwich Assembly
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Optional: Thousand Island dressing or spicy mayo for spreading
Instructions
- Prepare the beef patties: In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into thin, wide patties slightly larger than the bread slices. Set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 to 15 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the beef patties: Wipe the skillet clean. Over medium-high heat, cook the prepared beef patties for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of rye bread. On each slice, place one slice of Swiss cheese and one slice of cheddar cheese. Next, add a cooked beef patty on top, followed by a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions. Optionally, spread Thousand Island dressing or spicy mayo inside the bread before assembling. Top each with the remaining bread slices to complete the sandwich.
- Grill the sandwiches: Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice in half if desired, and serve hot with pickles or fries on the side for a classic diner-style meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, spread Thousand Island dressing or spicy mayo on the bread before adding the fillings.
- You can substitute the cheeses with provolone, American, or pepper jack for a different twist.
- To make a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese and butter alternatives.
- Ensure the patties are slightly larger than the bread to maximize coverage.
- Cooking onions slowly is key to developing a deep caramelized flavor.
