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:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir well and set aside.
Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized (about 15-20 minutes).
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the Beef Patties:
- Divide ground beef into four thin patties, slightly larger than the bread slices (they will shrink when cooked).
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet, cook patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place four slices, butter-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- 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:
- Cook each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
- Remove from skillet and let rest for 1 minute.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American