Description
This Smashing Patty Melts recipe features juicy seasoned beef patties layered with gooey American cheese and sweet caramelized onions, all nestled between buttery rye bread slices. Finished with a tangy signature sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish, this classic sandwich is pan-grilled to golden perfection for a crispy, melty delight perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Signature Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Patties and Sandwich
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (non-alcoholic)
- 8 slices rye bread
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for caramelizing onions)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling sandwiches)
- Cooking spray or neutral oil, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Signature Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld.
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become deeply golden and softened, which takes about 15 minutes. Once done, transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.
- Form the Beef Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed, being careful not to overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a thin, wide patty slightly larger than the size of the bread slices.
- Cook the Beef Patties: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or a neutral oil to prevent sticking. Sear each beef patty for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate and keep warm.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out 8 slices of rye bread on a clean surface. Spread the prepared signature sauce onto 4 of the bread slices. On each sauced slice, layer 1 slice of American cheese, then place one cooked beef patty on top. Add a generous amount of the caramelized onions over the patty, then place another slice of cheese. Finally, top each sandwich with a plain slice of rye bread.
- Grill the Patty Melts: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a clean skillet over medium heat. Place each assembled sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula to ensure even grilling. Continue until the bread is crisp and golden brown and the cheese inside has melted thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and cut each in half. Serve the patty melts hot with extra signature sauce on the side for dipping, enjoying the perfect balance of savory flavors and melty textures.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef blend ensures the patties are juicy with a good balance of fat and flavor.
- Caramelizing onions requires patience but adds a deep sweetness key to the sandwich.
- If rye bread is unavailable, a dense sourdough or whole wheat bread can be substituted.
- Pressing the sandwich lightly during grilling helps achieve a crisp crust and melted cheese inside.
- For a spicier sauce, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the signature sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
