Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and become caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.
3. Cook the Patties
Form the ground beef into four patties, slightly larger than the size of your rye bread slices (to account for shrinkage during cooking). Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
In the same skillet where you caramelized the onions, cook the beef patties over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melt
Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On the non-buttered side of 4 slices, spread a generous layer of the secret sauce. Top each with a slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Place another slice of bread on top, buttered side facing up.
5. Grill the Patty Melt
Clean the skillet or use a separate one. Heat it over medium heat and carefully add the assembled sandwiches. Grill each sandwich for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread browns too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.
Tips for a Better Patty Melt:
- Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture before cooking.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack can add a new twist.
- Sides: Serve your patty melt with a side of crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or a refreshing side salad to complete the meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This patty melt combines all the elements of comfort food with the added richness of Swiss cheese and a perfectly balanced secret sauce. The caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness, while the crisp, buttery rye bread brings everything together. Whether you’re making this for a weekend treat or a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to hit the spot every time.
Enjoy this classic American comfort food, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste!
