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Homemade Patty Melt with Secret Sauce: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

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Juicy beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, melted cheese, and crispy rye bread come together in this classic comfort food recipe. Add a creamy, tangy secret sauce, and you’ve got the ultimate Homemade Patty Melt that rivals any diner favorite. Perfect for a hearty lunch, dinner, or indulgent treat!  
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Patty Melt:

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • Butter as needed, for grilling
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Secret Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions
 

Prepare the Secret Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Stir until smooth and set aside to let the flavors meld.

Caramelize the Onions:

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter.
  • Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and caramelized.
  • Remove from skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Beef Patties:

  • Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape into thin patties.
  • Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.

Cook the Patties:

  • Heat the skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the patties and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
  • Remove from skillet and set aside.

Assemble the Patty Melts:

  • Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
  • Place four slices, butter-side down, in the skillet over medium heat.
  • Layer each slice with one slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, a generous portion of caramelized onions, one slice of cheddar cheese, and a second slice of bread, butter-side up.

Grill the Patty Melts:

  • Grill each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Serve:

  • Let the sandwiches rest for 1 minute before cutting in half.
  • Serve with the secret sauce on the side or spread inside the sandwiches.

Notes

  • Take your time caramelizing the onions for the best flavor.
  • Use high-quality rye bread for its nutty, distinctive taste.
  • Customize with your favorite cheeses or bread varieties if preferred.