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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

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These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce bring classic diner-style comfort food to your kitchen! Juicy ground beef patties, caramelized onions, and Swiss and cheddar cheeses are grilled between buttery rye bread for the ultimate crispy, melty sandwich. Paired with a tangy secret sauce, this homemade patty melt is an irresistible meal perfect for any occasion!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Patty Melts:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 tbsp butter, for grilling
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Secret Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Make the Secret Sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce.
  2. Stir well and set aside.

Caramelize the Onions:

  1. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized (about 15-20 minutes).
  3. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Cook the Beef Patties:

  1. Divide ground beef into four thin patties, slightly larger than the bread slices (they will shrink when cooked).
  2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. In the same skillet, cook patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
  4. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Assemble the Patty Melts:

  1. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
  2. Place four slices, butter-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  3. On each slice, layer:
  • 1 slice Swiss cheese
  • 1 beef patty
  • Caramelized onions
  • 1 slice cheddar cheese
  • Another slice of rye bread, butter-side up

Grill the Sandwiches:

  1. Cook each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.

Serve:

  1. Remove from skillet and let rest for 1 minute.
  2. Slice in half and serve with the secret sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Notes

  • Bread Swap: Use sourdough or Texas toast instead of rye for a different flavor.
  • Add Extra Flavor: Mix minced garlic into the butter before spreading it on the bread.
  • Make Ahead: Caramelize onions and prepare patties in advance for faster assembly.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days and reheat in a skillet to keep crispy.
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Sandwich
  • Method: Pan-fried
  • Cuisine: American