Save to Pinterest A classic American comfort dish featuring juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melty Swiss cheese, all layered over golden rye bread and cooked in a cast iron skillet for an irresistible crispy finish.
I first made this patty melt skillet for a cozy family dinner and everyone loved the crispy bread and savory patties.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tsp
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Kosher Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
- Yellow Onions: 2 large, thinly sliced
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp for onions and 4 tbsp softened for bread
- Salt: 1/4 tsp for onions
- Rye Bread: 8 slices
- Swiss Cheese: 8 slices
- Mayonnaise: Optional 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare Patties:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper Divide into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than the bread slices
- Caramelize Onions:
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat Add 2 tbsp butter, then onions and 1/4 tsp salt Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized, about 12 15 minutes Remove onions and set aside
- Cook Patties:
- Increase heat to medium high Add beef patties to the skillet and cook for 3 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through Remove and set aside
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- Wipe skillet clean Butter one side of each bread slice Place 4 slices, buttered side down, in the skillet Top each with a slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, another slice of Swiss cheese, and finish with a second bread slice, buttered side up
- Grill Sandwiches:
- Cook over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts, about 3 minutes per side Press gently with a spatula for an even crust
- Serve:
- Slice each patty melt in half and serve hot
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings us together in the kitchen and around the table on chilly evenings.
Variations
Try swapping Swiss cheese for cheddar or American for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with pickles or French fries to recreate a true diner experience at home.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days and reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Save to Pinterest This patty melt skillet is the perfect comfort meal finished with a crisp buttery crust and gooey cheese.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beef is best for the patties?
Use an 80/20 ground beef blend to ensure juicy and flavorful patties with the right fat content.
- → How do you achieve caramelized onions?
Cook thinly sliced onions slowly in butter over medium heat with a pinch of salt until golden and soft, about 12–15 minutes.
- → Why use rye bread in this dish?
Rye bread adds a distinctive nutty flavor and holds up well to the hearty fillings and skillet cooking.
- → Can I substitute Swiss cheese?
Yes, cheddar or American cheese are good alternatives that melt well and complement the flavors.
- → What is the benefit of cooking in a cast iron skillet?
Cast iron provides even heat distribution and helps create a crispy, golden crust on the bread and meat.
- → Is mayonnaise necessary in assembly?
Mayonnaise is optional but adds a subtle creaminess and moisture inside the bread layers if used.