Description
This classic Patty Melt recipe combines juicy, flavorful ground beef patties with sweet caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery marble rye bread slices. Cooked in a cast-iron skillet, these sandwiches deliver a perfect balance of savory and sweet with a delightful crunchy exterior.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Onions
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced
For the Patties
- 1½ pounds 85% lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
For the Sandwiches
- 8 slices marble rye bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- Remaining 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized. Transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Patties: While the onions cook, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into an oblong patty.
- Cook the Patties: In the same cast-iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the beef patties and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until your preferred doneness. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate and tent with foil to keep them warm.
- Toast the Bread: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then return it to the stovetop and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Working in batches if necessary, toast the marble rye bread slices until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Add more butter between batches if needed.
- Assemble the Patty Melts: On one slice of toasted bread, place one slice of Swiss cheese. Add a cooked beef patty on top, then a generous layer of caramelized onions, followed by another slice of Swiss cheese. Finish by placing a second slice of toasted bread on top. Repeat to assemble all 4 sandwiches.
Notes
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve even cooking and a perfect crust on the patties and bread.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a little Dijon mustard or Thousand Island dressing when assembling the sandwiches.
- You can substitute marble rye bread with your favorite rye or sourdough bread if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the patties or toasting the bread to ensure even cooking.
