I love making this patty melt when I want something rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of juicy beef, sweet caramelized onions, melty cheese, and crispy rye bread always hits the spot for me. This is one of those recipes I turn to when I want a diner-style classic made right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it uses simple ingredients but delivers big flavor. I like how quickly everything comes together, making it perfect for busy days. I also appreciate how flexible it is, since I can easily change the cheese or bread based on what I have in my kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ pound ground beef
4 slices rye bread
2 slices muenster cheese
2 slices cheddar cheese
1 small onion, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 teaspoons mustard, divided
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons dill pickle relish
2 tablespoons ketchup
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Directions
I begin by making the burger sauce. I mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and 1 teaspoon of mustard in a small bowl, then set it aside in the refrigerator.
Next, I heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. I add the sliced onion, red wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. I cover the skillet and let the onions cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized. Once done, I transfer them to a plate.
While the onions cook, I form the ground beef into two patties. I season both sides with salt and pepper, then rub the remaining mustard and Worcestershire sauce onto each patty.
I heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 4 minutes per side until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
To assemble the sandwiches, I butter one side of each slice of rye bread. I place two slices butter-side down in the skillet and spread burger sauce on the top side. I add a slice of cheddar cheese to each piece of bread, followed by the caramelized onions and a beef patty. I top each patty with a slice of muenster cheese and finish with the remaining bread slices, sauce-side down.
I grill the sandwiches until the bread is golden and crisp, then carefully flip and cook the other side until the cheese is fully melted.
Servings And Timing
I usually make this recipe to serve 2 people.
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: about 20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes
Variations
I like switching out the rye bread for sourdough or French bread when I want a different texture. Sometimes I use Swiss, provolone, or American cheese instead of cheddar and muenster. I also enjoy adding sautéed mushrooms or extra onions for more flavor.
Storage/Reheating
When I have leftovers, I store the patty melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I reheat them in a skillet over low heat so the bread stays crispy and the cheese melts evenly.
FAQs
Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance?
I often make the burger sauce and caramelized onions ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until I’m ready to cook.
What type of ground beef works best?
I usually use an 85/15 ground beef blend because it stays juicy without being too greasy.
Can I cook the patties in advance?
I prefer cooking the patties fresh, but I can cook them ahead and reheat gently in a skillet if needed.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
I make sure the skillet is hot and grill the bread until golden, which helps keep it crisp.
Can I make more servings?
I regularly double or triple this recipe when cooking for family, and it scales very easily.
Conclusion
I keep this patty melt recipe on repeat because it delivers comfort and flavor every time. From the caramelized onions to the melty cheese and crispy bread, every bite feels satisfying. When I want a reliable, hearty sandwich, this is always the one I make.
This diner-style patty melt combines juicy ground beef, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and crispy rye bread for a rich, comforting sandwich. Quick to prepare and packed with bold, savory flavor.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:2 servings
Ingredients
1/2 pound ground beef
4 slices rye bread
2 slices muenster cheese
2 slices cheddar cheese
1 small onion, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 teaspoons mustard, divided
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons dill pickle relish
2 tablespoons ketchup
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and 1 teaspoon mustard to make burger sauce. Chill in refrigerator.
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onion, red wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized. Transfer to a plate.
Form ground beef into two patties and season both sides with salt and pepper. Rub each with remaining mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook patties for about 4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices butter-side down in skillet. Spread burger sauce on each, then add cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, a beef patty, muenster cheese, and top with remaining bread slices, sauce-side down.
Grill the sandwiches until bread is golden and crisp. Carefully flip and cook other side until cheese is melted and sandwich is heated through.
Notes
Switch rye bread for sourdough or French bread for a different texture.
Use Swiss, provolone, or American cheese for variety.
Add sautéed mushrooms or extra onions for more flavor.
Prepare burger sauce and onions ahead to save time.
Reheat leftovers in a skillet to keep bread crispy.
