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Patty Melts

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: patty melts, comfort food, easy sandwich, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, rye bread, quick meal