Classic Patty Melt with Caramelized Onions (Printable)

Juicy beef patties with sweet caramelized onions and melted cheese, grilled between buttery rye bread slices for the ultimate comfort food experience.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Beef Patties

01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef, 80/20 fat ratio
02 - 1/2 tsp salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Caramelized Onions

04 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 1 tsp sugar

→ Sandwich Assembly

07 - 8 slices rye bread or sourdough
08 - 8 slices Swiss or American cheese
09 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
11 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and sugar, stirring frequently. Cook for 20-25 minutes until onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - Season ground beef with salt and black pepper. Shape into 4 thin oval patties, matching the approximate size and shape of your bread slices.
03 - Heat a separate skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side until well-browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Lay out all 8 bread slices. Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice. Optionally, apply Dijon mustard or mayonnaise to the unbuttered sides for added flavor.
05 - On 4 buttered slices (butter side down), layer 1 cheese slice, cooked beef patty, generous portion of caramelized onions, and another cheese slice. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
06 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with spatula. Grill until bread is golden brown and cheese is completely melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice each sandwich diagonally in half and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of sweet caramelized onions and salty melting cheese creates that perfect diner flavor you crave
  • Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup easier than you would expect
02 -
  • Rushing the caramelized onions is the biggest mistake, because they need at least 20 minutes to develop that deep sweetness
  • The bread toasts faster than you expect, so keep the heat at medium and watch closely to prevent burning
03 -
  • Make a double batch of caramelized onions and save half for tomorrow's burger or steak dinner
  • Letting the assembled sandwiches sit for 5 minutes before grilling helps them hold together better
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