Name: Patty Melts with Caramelized Onions and Secret Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 works best); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp olive oil; Pinch of salt; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp finely diced pickles (or relish); ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough if you prefer); 8 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar for variation); 2 tbsp butter (softened, for spreading on bread)

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Introduction

Patty melts are a classic comfort food combining juicy beef patties, savory caramelized onions, and melty cheese between crispy toasted bread. This version features a flavorful secret sauce that adds a tangy twist, making each bite irresistible and perfect for any meal.

A close-up view of a sandwich cut in half, stacked one half on top of the other, resting on a wooden surface. The sandwich has three main layers: a top layer of toasted bread with a golden-brown, slightly charred crust, a middle thick layer of cooked ground beef with a juicy texture mixed with melted yellow-orange cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions that appear glossy and soft, and a bottom layer of toasted bread similar to the top. In the blurred background, there are golden French fries and a white bowl containing a dipping sauce. The whole scene is set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 works best)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt (for onions)
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp finely diced pickles or relish
½ tsp smoked paprika (for sauce)
½ tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
8 slices rye bread (or sourdough if preferred)
8 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar for variation)
2 tbsp softened butter (for spreading on bread)

Instructions

Step 1: In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 12–15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
Step 3: Divide the mixture into 4 thin patties roughly the shape of your bread slices. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
Step 4: Make the secret sauce by stirring together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, diced pickles, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
Step 5: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer the sandwich as follows: bread slice, a slice of cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, a spoonful of secret sauce, another slice of cheese, and the final bread slice, buttered side out.
Step 6: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Press gently with a spatula to help the layers meld together.
Step 7: Slice and serve warm for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a subtle kick.
Try swapping Swiss cheese for sharp cheddar or gruyère for different taste profiles.
Use sourdough bread for a tangier crust or classic rye for a traditional twist.
Make the secret sauce ahead of time to let the flavors meld and save prep time.

Storage

Store leftover patty melts wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the crispy bread and melted cheese, or use a toaster oven for best results.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a grilled sandwich cut in half and stacked, showing three main layers inside: the top layer is golden-brown toasted bread with a slightly crisp texture, the middle layer is melted cheese in creamy white and yellow shades oozing out, and the thick bottom layer consists of finely ground cooked meat mixed with small bits of cooked onions, all held together by another slice of toasted bread at the bottom. The sandwich sits on a wooden round surface with a small green garnish beside it, with a soft warm light highlighting the rich, juicy details of the melted cheese and browned bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different meats for the patties?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, though cooking times may vary and the flavor will be lighter. Adding seasonings helps boost their taste.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Make sure to spread butter on the outside of the bread slices before grilling, and cook over medium heat slowly to toast the bread evenly while melting the cheese without releasing too much moisture.