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+ servings
recipe image of a top down mise en place shot showing fresh ground beef American cheese butter onion bread ketchup mustard Worcestershire sauce salt pepper garlic powder arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Classic Patty Melt Recipe

A comforting and hearty classic patty melt recipe that combines juicy beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all encased in crispy toasted bread.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef 80/20 lean to fat ratio
  • 2 Large Yellow Onions thinly sliced
  • 8 slices Bread rye, sourdough, or thick cut brioche
  • 4 slices Cheese American, Swiss, or sharp cheddar
  • 4 tbsp Butter unsalted
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup for serving
  • 2 tbsp Mustard for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet,
  • Mixing bowl
  • - Spatula

Method
 

Caramelize the Onions
    Prepare the Beef Patties
      Sear the Patties
        Assemble the Patty Melt
          Griddle to Perfection
            Rest and Serve
            1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. If they start to stick, add a tiny splash of water to deglaze the pan. Set aside once caramelized.
            2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into oval patties that are slightly larger than the bread slices.
            3. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side until they have a beautiful crust. Remove the patties and wipe the excess grease from the skillet, leaving a little for flavor.
            4. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Layer a slice of cheese, the cooked beef patty, a mountain of caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
            5. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich. If you have a heavy lid or another skillet, use it to press down lightly to ensure the cheese is fully melted. Cook until the second side is crispy and the cheese has completely melted.
            6. Let the sandwich sit for a minute before slicing it on a diagonal. Serve with ketchup and mustard on the side.

            Nutrition

            Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 40g

            Notes

            This classic patty melt recipe is perfect for a comforting meal. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the sandwich back in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, covered with a lid for a minute to melt the cheese, then remove the lid and toast each side until the bread is crunchy again.
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