Description
Classic patty melt sandwiches combine juicy beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese between buttery, grilled rye bread. Midwestern comfort cuisine delivers pure satisfaction for hungry diners seeking hearty flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
Cheese and Bread:
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices rye bread
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slowly caramelize onions in olive oil over medium-low heat until deeply golden and soft, approximately 20-25 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Form ground beef into two equal patties, generously seasoning with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook beef patties in the same skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each rye bread slice.
- Layer the sandwich components: Place Swiss cheese on the unbuttered bread surface, top with cooked beef patty, spread caramelized onions, add another cheese slice, and complete with the second bread slice (buttered side facing outward).
- Heat skillet to medium-low and carefully place assembled sandwich inside.
- Grill sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread turns crispy golden brown and cheese melts completely.
- Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly to develop rich, sweet flavor without burning, which takes about 20-25 minutes on low heat.
- Choose high-fat ground beef like 80/20 for juicier, more flavorful patties that won’t dry out during cooking.
- Use room temperature butter for even spreading and better bread browning, creating a crispy, golden exterior.
- Experiment with alternative cheese options like sharp cheddar or provolone for different flavor profiles while maintaining the classic melt texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 625 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 1.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg