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Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

A perfect fusion of a classic burger and a grilled cheese sandwich featuring juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted cheese between crispy, buttery slices of toasted rye bread, topped with a creamy, tangy secret sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Patties

  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Secret Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • 1 tsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Patty Melt

  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese or cheddar for a sharper taste
  • 2 medium onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter for sautéing onions
  • 4 tbsp butter for toasting bread

Instructions
 

Prepare the Secret Sauce

  • In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth, then set aside in the refrigerator.

Caramelize the Onions

  • Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Patties

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently, being careful not to overwork the meat. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
  • Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked through and nicely browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Patty Melt

  • Spread 1 tbsp of butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. On the unbuttered side, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, a drizzle of secret sauce, and another slice of cheese. Top with another slice of rye bread, buttered side facing out.

Grill the Sandwiches

  • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.

Serve

  • Slice each patty melt in half and serve hot with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping.
Keyword beef patty melt, grilled cheese burger, patty melt recipe, secret sauce sandwich