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Close-up of a perfectly grilled patty melt sandwich with melted cheese

Classic Patty Melt

A classic patty melt features a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, and melty cheese between slices of buttered, griddled rye bread. It's a comforting and flavorful sandwich perfect for a quick meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef 80/20 lean
  • 8 slices good quality rye bread marbled or plain
  • 4 slices American or Swiss cheese or a mix
  • 1-2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil vegetable or canola
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Mayonnaise or Thousand Island dressing for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Griddle (optional)

Method
 

Caramelize Onions
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat with 1 tablespoon of butter and neutral oil.
  2. Add thinly sliced onions, season with salt, and cook for 20-30 minutes until deeply golden and sweet; then set aside.
Prepare Patties
  1. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into thin, oval or square patties to match the rye bread size.
  2. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper.
Cook Patties
  1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until desired doneness.
  2. Remove cooked patties from the skillet and set aside.
Assemble & Griddle
  1. Lightly butter one side of each of the 8 rye bread slices and place two butter-side down on a clean griddle over medium heat.
  2. On one bread slice, layer cheese, a patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and the second bread slice (butter-side up); repeat for remaining sandwiches.
Grill to Perfection
  1. Cook each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is melted; press gently with a spatula ensuring good contact with the griddle.
  2. For extra melty cheese, cover the skillet for the last minute or two of cooking.
Serve
  1. Cut each patty melt in half and serve hot, optionally with mayonnaise or Thousand Island dressing.

Notes

For best results, take your time caramelizing the onions—the flavor development is crucial. You can also toast the bread slightly before assembling for an extra crispy exterior.