Description
This Patty Melt Recipe brings diner magic to your own kitchen—juicy beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, creamy secret sauce, and gooey melted cheese all sandwiched between buttery, golden bread. A quick, family-approved comfort meal ready in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Patty Melts:
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 large onion, thinly sliced
8 slices rye bread (or bread of choice)
8 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar, if preferred)
2 tbsp butter, softened
For the Secret Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp dill pickle relish
1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
Make the Secret Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and paprika until smooth. Set aside.
Caramelize the Onions – In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add onions and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden. Transfer to a plate.
Cook the Beef Patties – In a bowl, combine ground beef with salt and pepper. Shape into 4 thin oval patties. In the same skillet, cook for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Sandwiches – Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices, butter-side down, in the skillet. Layer with 1 slice cheese, a beef patty, onions, some sauce, another slice cheese, then top with bread (butter-side up).
Grill the Patty Melts – Cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
Serve – Cut in half, serve hot, and offer extra secret sauce for dipping.
Notes
Shape patties to match the bread for even bites.
Use sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread if preferred.
Swap Swiss for cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for variety.
Make the sauce and onions ahead to speed up weeknight cooking.
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the patties before cooking.