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 remember making this patty melt skillet for my family after a long day, and everyone loved how the crispy rye bread combined with the savory beef and gooey cheese made it feel like dining at a classic American diner.
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
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Yellow onions: 2 large, thinly sliced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (for onions), 4 tbsp softened (for bread)
- Salt: 1/4 tsp (for onions)
- Rye bread: 8 slices
- Swiss cheese: 8 slices
- Optional: 2 tbsp mayonnaise
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.
- Cook 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 Making this recipe always brings my family together at the dinner table enjoying hearty, satisfying food and sharing stories.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with pickles or French fries for an authentic diner experience. A side of coleslaw also pairs nicely with the rich flavors.
Variations
Try swapping Swiss cheese for cheddar or American cheese to customize your melt. Add a thin layer of mayonnaise inside the bread for extra flavor.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness instead of the microwave.
Save to Pinterest This patty melt skillet is a comforting classic that comes together quickly to satisfy any craving.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of cheese works best?
Swiss cheese melts beautifully and offers a mild, nutty flavor that complements the beef and onions perfectly.
- → How do I achieve caramelized onions?
Cook sliced onions slowly in butter over medium heat until golden and soft, which usually takes 12–15 minutes.
- → Can I use a different bread?
Rye bread provides the ideal texture and flavor, but sturdy breads like sourdough can be a good alternative.
- → How to ensure patties stay juicy?
Use an 80/20 blend of ground beef and avoid pressing the patties while cooking to retain moisture.
- → Why use a cast iron skillet?
Cast iron provides even heat distribution and helps achieve a crisp, golden crust on the bread and patties.