Description
Juicy beef patties nestled between buttery grilled rye bread define this classic patty melt. Melted swiss cheese and caramelized onions create a comforting sandwich you’ll crave at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20)
Cheese:
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Bread and Grilling Ingredients:
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise or butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- Caramelize onions in a skillet with butter and olive oil over medium heat, stirring periodically until rich golden-brown and deeply sweet, approximately 15-20 minutes. Transfer onions to a separate plate.
- Season ground beef with salt and pepper, then shape into evenly sized patties slightly larger than bread slices to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Cook beef patties in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring a robust exterior crust and achieving desired internal temperature.
- Generously spread mayonnaise or butter across one side of each rye bread slice, creating a uniform coating for optimal golden-brown crispiness.
- Layer cheese slices (cheddar and Swiss) on unbuttered bread sides, creating a foundational cheese base for each sandwich.
- Position cooked beef patties directly onto cheese-covered bread, then distribute caramelized onions evenly across meat surface.
- Complete sandwich assembly by placing remaining bread slices on top, ensuring buttered exterior faces outward for ideal grilling.
- Grill sandwiches in skillet over medium heat, pressing gently with spatula, until bread transforms into a crispy, golden-brown exterior and cheese melts completely, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove from heat, let rest momentarily, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crisp.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly on low-medium heat to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Choose high-fat ground beef like 80/20 chuck for juicier, more flavorful patties that stay tender during cooking.
- Use room temperature butter for easier spreading and more even browning on bread, creating a crispy golden exterior.
- Experiment with cheese combinations like sharp cheddar and smoky gouda for extra depth and complexity in the sandwich’s flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg