Description
The Patty Melt is a classic diner-style sandwich featuring juicy ground beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, and melty Swiss cheese sandwiched between buttery toasted rye bread. This quick and easy recipe delivers a crispy, gooey, and savory comfort food experience that’s perfect for lunch or dinner in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter (for caramelizing and toasting)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: mustard, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then form into thin, even patties slightly larger than your bread slices to ensure quick cooking and juicy bites.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook the thinly sliced onions with a bit of butter or oil for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and sweet, developing rich flavor.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned on the outside but still juicy inside.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Butter one side of each rye bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Top with the second slice of bread with the buttered side facing out.
- Grill to Perfection: Place the sandwich in a hot pan or griddle and cook 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
Notes
- Don’t skip caramelizing the onions to add sweet depth and balance to the sandwich.
- Butter the bread generously for a perfect golden crust and rich flavor.
- Form thin, evenly sized patties so they cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and a great sear.
- Press gently on the sandwich while grilling to meld flavors and keep it together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: patty melt, sandwich, ground beef sandwich, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, diner food, quick recipe, comfort food