Description
Midwest diner classic Patty Melt brings savory beef, melted swiss, and caramelized onions between buttery grilled rye bread. Comfort cuisine perfection delivers hearty satisfaction with each juicy, golden-brown slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
Bread and Vegetables:
- 8 slices rye bread
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
Condiments and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Transform sweet onions into a rich, golden-brown delicacy by gently sautéing them in a blend of butter and olive oil. Allow the onions to slowly caramelize over medium heat, stirring periodically until they develop a deep, amber color and soft, silky texture. This process typically requires 15-20 minutes of patient cooking.
- Craft lean ground beef patties slightly larger than the bread slices, understanding they will contract during cooking. Generously season both surfaces with salt and pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavors. Sear the patties in the same skillet over medium-high heat, creating a robust exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. Splash Worcestershire sauce during the final cooking moments to intensify the savory profile.
- Construct the sandwich foundation using rye bread as a canvas. Layer Swiss cheese slices, creating a melting base and top. Position the perfectly cooked beef patty atop the cheese, then generously distribute the caramelized onions. Complete the layering with an additional cheese slice and crown with the remaining bread slice.
- Prepare the exterior of each bread slice with a thin mayonnaise coating, which guarantees a crisp, golden-brown crust when grilled. Melt additional butter in the skillet and carefully place the assembled sandwiches, allowing them to transform into a beautifully toasted, cheese-laden masterpiece.
- Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the bread achieves a perfect golden hue and the cheese melts luxuriously. Once complete, slice diagonally and serve immediately. Accompany with tangy pickles or a complementary dipping sauce to elevate the dining experience.
Notes
- Master caramelization by maintaining medium-low heat and stirring onions occasionally to prevent burning while developing rich, sweet flavor.
- Create ultra-thin patties that match bread size to ensure even cooking and perfect meat-to-bread ratio without excessive shrinkage.
- Enhance sandwich’s crispiness by spreading mayonnaise on exterior bread surfaces, which promotes golden-brown coloration and adds subtle tangy notes.
- Transform recipe for dietary needs by substituting ground beef with plant-based alternatives, using gluten-free bread, or swapping Swiss cheese with dairy-free options for vegetarian and vegan adaptations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg