Enjoy a classic diner favorite with these delicious Patty Melts with a Secret Sauce. This recipe combines juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and a tangy secret sauce, all sandwiched between crispy slices of rye bread.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Patty Melts:
- 🍔 1 pound ground beef
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🧅 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 🧈 4 tablespoons butter
- 🍞 8 slices rye bread
- 🧀 8 slices Swiss cheese (or your favorite cheese)
For the Secret Sauce:
- 🥫 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 🍅 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 🥒 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 🧄 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
📝 Directions:
- Prepare the Secret Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Reduce the heat if the onions start to brown too quickly. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef Patties:
- While the onions are caramelizing, season the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Divide the beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin patties, roughly the size of your bread slices.
- In the same skillet used for the onions, cook the beef patties over medium-high heat until they are browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread with the remaining butter.
- On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, spread a generous amount of the secret sauce.
- Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the sauce.
- Add a cooked beef patty, followed by a portion of caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Cook the Patty Melts:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the assembled sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Serve:
- Cut the patty melts in half and serve warm with any remaining secret sauce on the side.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 patty melts
Calories: 600 kcal per patty melt
💡 Notes:
- For added flavor, you can mix in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with the caramelized onions.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- These patty melts pair well with a side of fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad.