Classic Patty Melt
A diner-style sandwich of ground beef patties and melted cheese on griddled rye bread with caramelized onions. Ready in 25 minutes with simple pan techniques.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 625
- Protein
- 35g
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Cut the onion in half from root to tip, then lay each half flat and slice crosswise into thin strips about 1/8 inch wide, creating half-moon slivers.
- 2
Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and gently shape each into a patty about 3.5 inches wide and 3/8 inch thick, rougher than a burger patty. Do not overwork the meat.
- 3
Place a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter and the onion slices with a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft with some caramelization on the edges, about 12 minutes.
- 4
Transfer the onions to a plate, increase skillet heat to medium-high, and add the two beef patties, leaving space between them, cooking for 3 minutes without moving them.
- 5
Flip each patty and cook for 2 more minutes until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 6
Reduce heat to medium-low and remove the patties to a clean plate.
- 7
Working in the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and lay two rye bread slices flat in the butter.
- 8
Top each bread slice with one beef patty, then divide the caramelized onions evenly between them, piling the onions directly on top of the patty.
- 9
Place two cheese slices on top of the onions on each patty, covering them completely.
- 10
Place the remaining two rye bread slices directly on top of the cheese to close each sandwich, press gently, and cook over medium-low heat for 2 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
- 11
Carefully flip each sandwich using a wide spatula and cook the other side for 2 minutes until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- 12
Slide each patty melt onto a serving plate and serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and gooey.
Tools you’ll need
- 12-inch skillet
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- spatula (wide)
- tongs or fork
- plate
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