Description

The Patty Melt is a classic diner-style sandwich that combines the best parts of a cheeseburger and grilled cheese. Featuring a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and crispy rye bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food made right on the stovetop.

Ingredients

1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter (plus more for bread)
4 slices rye bread or marble rye
4 slices Swiss cheese or American cheese
Optional: mustard, mayonnaise, Thousand Island dressing, or pickles

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Instructions

Shape the ground beef into 2 thin, wide patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 15–20 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Wipe the skillet clean. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
To assemble: place a slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Layer with 1 slice of cheese, 1 beef patty, half of the caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and a second slice of bread, buttered side up.
Cook the sandwich over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Repeat for the second sandwich. Slice in half and serve hot.

Notes

Use cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack as cheese alternatives.Add condiments like mustard or Thousand Island dressing before grilling for extra flavor.To make ahead, cook the onions and patties in advance and store until ready to assemble and grill.Use a panini press for even cooking if desired, but don’t press too hard or you’ll lose the juicy interior.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 650
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 115mg