Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices rye bread
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- About 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and caramelized, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the hot skillet.
- In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and some pepper until just combined. Divide the meat mixture into four equal patties and shape each into rounds slightly wider than the bread slices.
- Cook the patties in the hot skillet for 4 to 5 minutes per side until well browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Assemble the patty melts: Wipe out the skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter over medium heat. Lay 4 slices of rye bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Top each with a burger patty, a slice of Swiss cheese, half of the caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Close the melts with the remaining 4 slices of buttered bread, placing them buttered side up onto the sandwich. Recipe by Ineskohl.info
- Cook each patty melt until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, 2 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to help melt the cheese.
- Transfer the patty melts to a cutting board and slice diagonally to serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Caramelize the onions slowly – Be patient and cook the onions over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This long cooking time develops complexity of flavor.
- Use high quality ingredients – Splurge on bread from an artisan bakery and good melting cheese like Swiss or aged cheddar. This makes a difference.
- Butter the bread generously – Butter provides crucial flavor and crispy texture when frying the sandwich. Mayo or oil make bread soggy.
- Smash the sandwich gently – Use a spatula to press down while the patty melts cook. This melds the fillings together and crisps the bread. But don’t press too hard or the bread tears.
- Slice on a bias – Cut the patty melts diagonally rather than straight across. This creates broader surface area for the juicy fillings in each bite. It just looks prettier too!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Diner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving