As soon as my mom tasted it, she rushed over to get the recipe from me.
These traditional patty melts are the perfect comfort food meal — crispy toasted bread, juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions all layered together. The homemade sauce adds a creamy tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich beef and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Large onion, thinly sliced | 1 |
| Rye bread | 8 slices |
| Swiss cheese | 4 slices |
| Cheddar cheese | 4 slices |
| Butter | For grilling |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Ketchup | 2 tablespoons |
| Sweet pickle relish | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Onions
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until soft and deeply golden, about 15–20 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Patties
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into thin patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook in the same skillet over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet.
4️⃣ Assemble the Patty Melts
Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place 4 slices butter-side down onto a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Layer each with Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and another slice of bread with the buttered side facing up.
5️⃣ Grill and Serve
Cook each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, until the bread is crisp and golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Let rest briefly before slicing in half.
