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Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 9 reviews

This classic Patty Melt recipe features juicy, seasoned ground beef patties layered with caramelized onions, Swiss and cheddar cheeses, and a tangy secret sauce, all sandwiched between butter-toasted rye bread. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop for a deliciously melty and crispy finish, this dish serves as a hearty and comforting meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Secret Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 12 ounces 85/15 ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and develop a deep golden brown color, about 30 minutes. If the onions begin to dry or stick, add a splash of water and reduce the heat slightly. Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Form and Cook Patties: In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Shape the mixture into four thin, oblong patties matching the size and shape of your bread slices. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties until nicely browned on both sides. Remove from heat and wipe excess grease from the pan.
  4. Assemble and Cook Sandwiches: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. In the skillet over medium heat, assemble each patty melt by layering, in order: a slice of bread (buttered side down), a slice of Swiss cheese, the cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, secret sauce, a slice of cheddar cheese, and finally the second slice of bread (buttered side up). Cook until the bottom is golden brown, approximately 1-2 minutes, then carefully flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted.
  5. Serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet and slice if desired. Serve hot to enjoy the perfect balance of melted cheese, savory beef, sweet onions, and tangy sauce.

Notes

  • For best caramelized onions, be patient and cook low and slow to develop rich flavor.
  • If you prefer a spicier secret sauce, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
  • Using rye bread gives a great flavor, but you can substitute with sourdough or sandwich bread if preferred.
  • Make sure patties are thin to match bread size and ensure even cooking and proper melt.
  • To keep patties juicy, avoid pressing down while cooking.