Patty Melts
This Easy Patty Melts recipe delivers a quick, comforting meal featuring juicy ground beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions between buttery, toasted rye bread. Perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a classic diner-style sandwich that is simple to prepare and endlessly satisfying.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Not Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices rye bread
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Mustard, for serving
- Pickle slices, for serving
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for about 15 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and sweetly fragrant.
- Form and Cook the Patties: Divide the ground beef into equal portions and gently shape into thin patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season each patty with salt and pepper. Cook on a medium-high skillet or griddle for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Layer the cooked patties, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese between two slices of rye bread. Ensure the cheese generously covers the patties for a good melt.
- Grill the Patty Melts: Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich. Place in a hot skillet or panini press and cook over medium heat until the bread is golden, toasted, and the cheese has melted—about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and let the sandwiches rest for a minute. Slice each Patty Melt in half and serve warm with your choice of mustard or pickles.
Notes
- Don’t press the patties while cooking to preserve their juiciness and tenderness.
- Cook onions low and slow to develop their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Use room temperature butter to spread evenly and achieve a perfect golden crust on the bread.
- Cover the pan loosely while grilling to help the cheese melt thoroughly without burning the bread.
- Let sandwiches rest before slicing to keep cheese from oozing out and maintain sandwich integrity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: patty melts, comfort food, easy sandwich, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, rye bread, quick meal