Patty melts are a classic diner favorite, featuring a juicy burger patty, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and grilled rye bread. This recipe puts a delicious twist on the traditional patty melt by adding a few extra ingredients and techniques to elevate the flavors. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, these patty melts are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Juicy Patty Melts with Caramelized Onions:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 slices rye bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- Thousand Island dressing, for serving
- Pickles, for serving
How to Make Juicy Patty Melts with Caramelized Onions:
- In a large bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the meat into 4 patties, slightly larger than the size of the bread slices.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and swirl to coat the pan. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the burger patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Wipe out the skillet and return it to the heat. Place 4 slices of rye bread in the skillet. Top each slice with a slice of Swiss cheese, a burger patty, a spoonful of caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining 4 slices of rye bread.
- Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Cut each sandwich in half and serve with Thousand Island dressing and pickles on the side.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: The ground beef is the star of the patty melt, providing a juicy and flavorful patty. Look for ground beef with a higher fat content for the juiciest results.
- Rye Bread: Rye bread adds a unique flavor and texture to the patty melt. Its slightly tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the savory beef and sweet caramelized onions.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is a classic choice for patty melts, known for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. It adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the sandwich.
- Caramelized Onions: Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory element to the patty melt. Cooking the onions low and slow helps to bring out their natural sugars, creating a rich and flavorful topping for the sandwich.
Enjoy these juicy patty melts with caramelized onions for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
