Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: ~650 kcal per serving

🧂 Ingredients

For the Patty Melts:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp butter (plus more for spreading)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Secret Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp relish (sweet or dill)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Make the Secret Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Ketchup
  • Relish
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt and pepper

Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Cover and set aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions

  • In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  • Add the thinly sliced onions and season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook slowly, stirring often, until the onions are soft and golden brown — about 10–15 minutes.
  • Transfer onions to a plate and set aside.

3. Cook the Beef Patties

  • Form the ground beef into 4 patties, slightly larger than your bread slices (they’ll shrink a little as they cook).
  • Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • In the same skillet, cook patties over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side (for medium doneness).
  • Remove and set aside.

4. Assemble the Patty Melts

  • Butter one side of each bread slice.
  • On the non-buttered side of 4 slices, spread a generous amount of the secret sauce.
  • Layer each with:
    1. One slice of Swiss cheese
    2. One cooked beef patty
    3. A spoonful of caramelized onions
    4. Another slice of Swiss cheese
  • Top each sandwich with another bread slice, buttered side facing out.

5. Grill the Patty Melts

  • In a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat, cook each sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  • Press lightly with a spatula for even browning.

6. Serve

Cut each patty melt in half and serve hot with:

  • Extra secret sauce for dipping
  • Pickles or fries on the side

🔥 Chef’s Tips

  • Swap rye for sourdough or whole wheat if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Use lean beef (90% or higher) for a lighter version.
  • For extra crunch, add a thin layer of grilled onions and sautéed mushrooms.
  • Try blending a bit of Greek yogurt into the sauce for added protein!