Quick ‘n Easy Patty Melt (25 Minutes)

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A patty melt is a classic American sandwich that combines a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and tangy sauce, all sandwiched between slices of toasted rye bread. A cross between a burger and a grilled cheese, this warm and comforting meal is loved by all ages. Let’s get started, shall we?

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices of rye bread
  • 4 slices of Swiss cheese
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Butter, for grilling

Instructions

  1. Begin by shaping the ground beef into two patties, ensuring they are slightly larger in diameter than the bread slices. Season the patties with salt and pepper.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter and add the sliced onions. Cook the onions for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized. Once done, transfer the onions to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, cook the beef patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
  4. While the patties are cooking, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice. On the opposite side of two bread slices, spread a mixture of ketchup and Dijon mustard.
  5. Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean and return it to medium heat.
  6. Assemble the patty melt by layering a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the mustard-ketchup side of two bread slices. Place a cooked beef patty on top of the cheese and divide the caramelized onions evenly between the two patties. Top each patty with another slice of Swiss cheese, and then cover with the remaining two bread slices, mayonnaise-side down.
  7. Melt a tablespoon of butter in the skillet and place the assembled sandwiches in the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  8. Once the sandwiches are nicely grilled and the cheese is gooey, remove them from the skillet. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Choose good-quality bread and cheese that complement each other well. Rye bread is the traditional choice, but you can also use sourdough or another hearty bread of your preference. When caramelizing the onions, cook them slowly over medium-low heat to achieve a sweet and tender result. Adjust the condiments to suit your taste preferences—feel free to add more or less mayo, ketchup, or mustard. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add pickles or sliced tomatoes to the sandwich. Serve your patty melts with a side of crispy fries or a refreshing salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 43g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Pair this with...

Oven Baked Potato Chips

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take 2 to 3 large potatoes and slice them as thinly as you can, preferably using a mandolin slicer. This will ensure even cooking. Rinse the slices in cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess starch. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure they aren't overlapping. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil. Sprinkle some finely chopped rosemary over the top if desired - the fresher, the better. Season with sea salt according to your preference. Pop them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they're crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end, to ensure they don't burn. Once out, let them cool slightly to further crisp up.

Oven Fries

To start, grab a couple of good-sized spuds and slice them into wedges, not too thick or thin. Now, toss them in a mixing bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and whatever seasonings you fancy - maybe some paprika, garlic powder, or even rosemary. Spread them out on a baking sheet, making sure they aren't crowded so they get crispy all around. Pop them into a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Give 'em about 25-30 minutes, but flip them halfway so they get golden brown on both sides. Once they're crispy outside and soft inside, they're done! Pull them out, let them cool just a smidge, and then dive in.

Macaroni Salad

To whip this dish up, start by boiling a pot of water and cooking your macaroni until it's al dente. While it cooks, chop up some crunchy celery, sweet bell peppers, and a red onion for a burst of color and flavor. Once the pasta is done, drain and let it cool. In a separate bowl, mix together mayo, a splash of vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and some mustard to create that tangy dressing we all love. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, toss the cooled macaroni with the chopped veggies, and then fold in the dressing, ensuring everything gets a good coat. Let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours to let those flavors meld. Before serving, give your Macaroni Salad a sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley.

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