Description
This classic patty melt recipe features juicy ground beef patties seasoned with garlic and onion powder, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss or cheddar cheese sandwiched between buttered rye or sourdough bread. Grilled to golden perfection on a skillet, this hearty sandwich makes for a satisfying meal in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef Patties
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 slices rye or sourdough bread
- 4 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to blend the seasonings evenly without overworking the meat. Shape the mixture into two large patties, making them slightly larger than your bread slices to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become golden brown and caramelized. Optionally, add a pinch of sugar during cooking to enhance the sweetness.
- Cook the Patties: Using the same skillet, cook the beef patties over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove the patties and set aside to rest briefly.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, layer a slice of cheese, then a cooked beef patty, followed by a generous amount of caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Top each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the Patty Melts: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches onto the skillet. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside has melted.
- Serve: Remove the patty melts from the skillet, slice them in half diagonally, and serve hot. These pair perfectly with fries, pickles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra caramelized onion flavor, cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat to avoid burning.
- You can substitute Swiss or cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese; Gruyère also works well.
- Use rye bread for a traditional flavor or sourdough for a milder taste.
- Pressing the sandwiches gently while grilling helps melt the cheese evenly and creates a crispy crust.
- Leftover patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated before assembling.
