Classic Patty Melt

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (divided into 4 thin patties)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
• 8 rebanadas rye bread
• 4 rebanadas Swiss cheese
• 4 rebanadas cheddar cheese
• 2.5 tbsp butter (divided for the onions and bread)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (for the optional sauce)
• 1 tbsp ketchup (for the optional sauce)
• 1 tsp mustard (for the optional sauce)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter.

2. 2

   Add the sliced onions and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown.

3. 3

   Shape 4 thin patties from the ground beef, ensuring they are slightly larger than the bread slices.

4. 4

   Season the patties with salt and pepper to taste.

5. 5

   Cook the patties in a skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked to your preference.

6. 6

   Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.

7. 7

   On the unbuttered side of four slices, place a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by the beef patty, a portion of caramelized onions, and a slice of cheddar cheese.

8. 8

   Top with the other four slices of bread, leaving the buttered side facing out.

9. 9

   Cook the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the bread is crispy and the cheese has completely melted.

10. 10

    If you want the optional sauce, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl and serve alongside the sandwich.

11. 11

    Serve hot, ideally accompanied by French fries, pickles, or coleslaw.

Notes

For best results, ensure the patties are thin so they cook quickly and the sandwich isn't too tall to toast evenly.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• sandwich
• beef
• lunch
• dinner
• comfort food
• pan-fried