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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of patty melts, combining juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, and a creamy secret sauce all grilled between crispy rye bread.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Patty Melts
  • 1 lb ground beef Choose a quality ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced Sweet varieties work best for caramelization.
  • 4 slices rye bread The ideal vehicle for this melt; its flavor pairs perfectly with the beef.
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese Adds a rich and creamy component to the dish.
  • 4 tablespoons butter For grilling the sandwiches and adding flavor.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential seasonings for enhancing the beef patties.
For the Secret Sauce
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise Base for the secret sauce, adding creaminess.
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup Adds a hint of sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds a nice tanginess.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Deepens the umami flavor of the beef.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder A subtle touch of aromatics.

Method
 

Caramelizing the Onions
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are golden and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Patties
  1. In the same skillet, form the ground beef into two equal patties. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach the desired doneness.
Making the Secret Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well combined. Taste and adjust according to your preference.
Assembling the Melts
  1. Spread the secret sauce generously on one side of each slice of rye bread. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the sauce on each slice of bread. Add a beef patty, followed by caramelized onions and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of rye bread, sauce side down.
Grilling the Sandwiches
  1. In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Grill the assembled sandwich for approximately 4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Notes

For additional flavor, consider adding jalapeƱos to the secret sauce or swapping the rye bread for whole grain or sourdough. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.