Description
Savory classic patty melt recipe combines juicy beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese between buttery grilled rye bread. Midwest comfort cuisine delivers a satisfying sandwich perfect for hearty lunch or dinner cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
Bread and Base:
- 8 slices rye bread (marbled or seeded rye)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, for spreading)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Craft caramelized onions by heating butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low temperature. Introduce sliced onions, seasoning with salt and optional sugar.
- Stir periodically, allowing onions to transform into a rich golden-brown color over 20-30 minutes. Transfer caramelized onions to a separate dish.
- Create thin beef patties, generously seasoning with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor profile.
- Cook patties in a buttered skillet over medium heat, ensuring 3-4 minutes per side for thorough preparation. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare sandwich foundation by spreading butter on exterior sides of rye bread slices.
- Layer Swiss cheese on interior bread surfaces, creating a creamy base for each sandwich.
- Position cooked beef patties atop cheese, generously covering with previously caramelized onions.
- Complete sandwich assembly by adding another Swiss cheese slice and covering with remaining bread, maintaining buttered exterior.
- Warm griddle or skillet to medium heat for optimal grilling conditions.
- Grill sandwiches approximately 3-4 minutes per side, achieving golden-brown exterior and perfectly melted cheese.
- Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Slow-cooking onions helps develop deep, rich caramelization that enhances the sandwich’s overall flavor profile.
- Opt for high-quality ground beef with some fat content to ensure juicy, flavorful patties that won’t dry out during cooking.
- Use room temperature butter for easier spreading and more even browning on the bread’s exterior.
- Consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for an extra umami kick that elevates the meat’s natural savoriness.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg