Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

This recipe for Patty Melts with Secret Sauce is a diner classic that hits all the right notes: buttery toasted rye, juicy beef, and a double dose of melted cheese. The addition of bacon bits to the secret sauce adds an extra layer of smoky flavor that sets this version apart.

Ingredients:

How To Make Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Patties: Divide the 1 lb of ground beef into 3 equal portions. Shape them into flattened patties that roughly match the shape of your rye bread slices. Season both sides of the meat generously with 1/2 tsp of onion powder, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, and salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Meat: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until they are browned and cooked through (about 3/4 minutes per side). Remove the patties from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of bacon pieces, 3 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of relish. Whisk until the sauce is well incorporated.

Step 4: Butter the Bread: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel and reduce the heat to medium. Use the 6 tablespoons of softened butter to generously coat one side of each of the 6 slices of rye bread.

Step 5: Assemble the Melts: Place 3 slices of bread in the skillet, buttered side down. On each slice, layer:

1. 2 slices of provolone cheese.
2. 1 cooked beef patty.
3. 2 slices of cheddar cheese.Spread a layer of the secret sauce on the non-buttered side of the remaining 3 bread slices, then place them sauce-side down on top of the cheese.

Step 6: Toast and Flip: Cook until the bottom slice of bread is golden and toasted. Carefully flip the patty melts over. Continue to toast until the second side is golden and the cheese on both sides of the meat has completely melted.

Step 7: Serve: Remove from the skillet, slice diagonally, and serve warm with any extra secret sauce on the side for dipping.