Description
Enjoy a classic Patty Melt with juicy beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled between crispy rye bread. This hearty sandwich is perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 4 slices of rye bread (or your choice of bread)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, for added flavor
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- In a cast iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to low.
- Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. If needed, add a little more butter or oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing a nice crust to form.
- Flip the patties and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more well-done. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.
- Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
- While the patties are resting, prepare the bread. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- In the same skillet used for the patties, place two slices of bread, buttered side down, over medium heat.
- On each slice of bread, layer a cooked patty with melted cheese, followed by a generous portion of the caramelized onions.
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up, to create a sandwich.
- Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Once both sides of the sandwiches are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a minute.
- Slice each patty melt in half diagonally for easier handling and presentation.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as fries, chips, or a simple salad.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some herbs or spices into the ground beef, such as thyme or smoked paprika.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique twist on the classic patty melt.
- Ensure your skillet is well-seasoned to prevent sticking and to achieve a perfect crust on the bread.
- For a more decadent version, add a slice of crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the patty melt before closing it up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes