Classic Patty Melt Sandwich (Printable)

Juicy beef patties with caramelized onions and melted cheese grilled between buttery bread for a classic diner favorite.

# Ingredient List:

→ Beef Patties

01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
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 cheese (or American cheese)
09 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Condiments

10 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
11 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise

# How To Make It:

01 - Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - While onions caramelize, combine ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into 4 thin oval patties, matching the 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, spread Dijon mustard or mayonnaise on the unbuttered sides.
05 - On 4 buttered slices (buttered side down), layer: 1 cheese slice, cooked patty, generous portion of caramelized onions, second cheese slice. Top with remaining bread, buttered side facing up.
06 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle to medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully 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 Tips:

01 -
  • The onions cook down into something like candy while the beef stays impossibly juicy
  • This sandwich hits every single craving comfort food button in one bite
02 -
  • Do not rush the onion caramelization step because that sweetness is what makes this sandwich special
  • Pat beef patties slightly wider than your bread since they shrink during cooking
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one for the best crust development
  • Keep caramelized onions refrigerated up to a week for quick sandwich assembly
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