Today, I want to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: the Classic Beef Patty Melt. It’s a delicious and simple meal that combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. If you love juicy beef, melted cheese, and crispy bread, you’re in for a treat.
When I first tried a beef patty melt, I was hooked. The combination of perfectly seasoned beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, and sharp Cheddar cheese all sandwiched between slices of rye bread is just mouthwatering. It’s not only tasty but also easy to make, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying lunch.
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can add your favorite toppings like pickles or tomatoes, or switch up the cheese if you prefer something different. But trust me, the classic combination is hard to beat.
To get started, you just need a few simple ingredients: ground beef, onions, Cheddar cheese, rye bread, and some basic seasonings. First, you’ll cook the onions until they’re golden and sweet. Then, you’ll shape the beef into patties and cook them to perfection. Finally, you’ll assemble the melt with cheese and bread, grilling it until it’s crispy and gooey.
This Classic Beef Patty Melt is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become one of your go-to recipes, just like it has for me. Happy cooking!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes – Classic Beef Patty Melt
- Seasoning Tips: Enhance the beef patties with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra umami flavor.
- Cheese Selection: While sharp Cheddar is classic, Swiss, Provolone, or even Pepper Jack can add a unique twist.
- Bread Choice: Jewish rye bread works best, but you can use pumpernickel or marble rye for variation.
- Onion Caramelization: Caramelize the onions low and slow for deeper flavor. You can add a pinch of sugar to speed up the caramelization process.
- Assembly: Ensure the bread is evenly coated with mayonnaise for optimal browning and crispiness.
- Cooking the Patties: Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
- Prepping Ahead: Caramelize the onions and shape the patties ahead of time for a quick assembly when ready to cook.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Alternative Ingredients: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, or use gluten-free bread for dietary restrictions.
Classic Beef Patty Melt
4
sandwiches10
minutes20
minutes650
kcal30
minutesDive into the ultimate comfort food with this Classic Beef Patty Melt! Perfectly seasoned beef patties, caramelized onions, and melty sharp Cheddar cheese are sandwiched between crispy rye bread slices. This quick and easy recipe is a must-try for any sandwich lover. Whether you’re using Jewish rye or your favorite type of rye bread, this patty melt promises to deliver a mouthwatering experience. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Ingredients
For the Patties
1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Onions
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
For the Sandwiches
6 teaspoons mayonnaise
6 slices rye bread (preferably Jewish rye)
6 slices sharp Cheddar cheese
- Alternative Ingredients:
Ground Turkey replaces ground beef for a leaner option
Swiss Cheese replaces sharp Cheddar cheese
Gluten-Free Bread replaces rye bread for gluten-free option
Olive Oil replaces butter for dairy-free option
Directions
- Season the ground beef with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty that matches the size of your bread slices. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to ensure even cooking.
- In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and cook until they become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, cook the beef patties over medium heat until they reach your desired level of doneness, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of rye bread. Place three slices of bread mayonnaise-side down in the skillet. Layer each with one slice of sharp Cheddar cheese, one beef patty, a portion of caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and top with another slice of bread mayonnaise-side up.
- Cook the sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3-4 minutes per side. Flip each sandwich carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until both sides are crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Serve immediately.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Mixing bowls
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 650kcal
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 25mg
FAQ – Chef’s Notes – Classic Beef Patty Melt
Can I use a different type of bread for the patty melt?
Yes, you can use different types of bread like pumpernickel, marble rye, or even sourdough. The key is to choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the fillings and provide a nice crispy texture when grilled.
What can I use instead of sharp Cheddar cheese?
You can substitute sharp Cheddar with Swiss, Provolone, or Pepper Jack cheese for a different flavor profile. Each type of cheese will add its unique taste to the patty melt.
How can I make the onions caramelize faster?
To speed up the caramelization process, you can add a pinch of sugar to the onions while they cook. This helps to draw out the moisture and accelerates the browning process.
Can I prepare any components of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions and shape the beef patties ahead of time. Store the onions in the refrigerator and the patties in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to cook them.
What sides go well with a Classic Beef Patty Melt?
Classic sides include crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with coleslaw, pickles, or a side of soup for a hearty meal.
How can I ensure my patties cook evenly?
To ensure even cooking, make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This prevents the patties from puffing up in the middle and ensures they cook evenly.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option and opt for whole-grain or gluten-free bread. Additionally, using olive oil instead of butter can reduce the saturated fat content.
