Patty Melt with Caramelized Onions (Print view)

Classic diner sandwich with juicy beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese on buttery grilled rye bread.

# Ingredient List:

→ Beef Patties

01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 1/2 tsp salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Caramelized Onions

04 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 1 tsp sugar

→ Sandwich Assembly

07 - 8 slices rye bread or sourdough
08 - 8 slices Swiss cheese (or American cheese)
09 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
11 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring often, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 20–25 minutes. Set aside.
02 - While onions cook, season ground beef with salt and pepper. Shape into 4 thin oval patties, roughly the size and shape of your bread slices.
03 - In a separate skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, cook the patties for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through. Remove from heat.
04 - Lay out 8 slices of bread. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. If desired, spread Dijon mustard or mayonnaise on the unbuttered side.
05 - On 4 slices (unbuttered side up), layer 1 slice of cheese, a beef patty, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Top with remaining bread, buttered side facing out.
06 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from heat and let rest for 1–2 minutes. Slice in half and serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of sweet caramelized onions and salty Swiss cheese hits every flavor craving at once
  • Buttered griddled bread gives you that perfect crunch without needing a deep fryer
  • Cooks in one skillet and comes together faster than waiting for delivery
02 -
  • Don't rush the caramelized onions because they provide most of the flavor and sweetness in this sandwich
  • Shape your patties slightly smaller than your bread slices so the cheese can melt and seal everything together
  • Keep the heat medium-low when griddling the sandwiches so the bread gets crispy without burning before the cheese melts
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one because it holds heat evenly and creates the best crust on both the patties and bread
  • Place a lightweight pan or foil-wrapped brick on top of the sandwiches while cooking for even better contact with the skillet
Go back