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Patty Melt

With golden brown onions, toasty rye bread, and melty cheese, this patty melt recipe is a diner-style classic you can easily make at home!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 3 sandwiches
Calories: 713 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef I used 90% lean
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1 large yellow onion halved and thinly sliced
  • 6 slices sturdy rye bread
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese or sharp white cheddar, divided

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To keep the sandwiches warm between batches, preheat the oven to 200°F.
  2. In a large bowl, place the beef, oil, Worcestershire, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and the pepper. With your hands, gently combine. Divide meat into thirds and shape into 3 oval patties that are each about 6 inches at their longest part and x 4 inches across the center.
  3. In a large nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Cook the patties in a single layer on the first side until they are well browned, about 5 minutes (no need to flip them in the pan). Transfer to large plate, browned-side up. If needed, cook the patties in batches so they do not touch while browning.
  4. To the pan with the patty drippings, add the onions and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are turning golden brown, about 8 minutes.
  5. Reduce the skillet heat to medium. With a spatula, carefully transfer the patties to the skillet and place them on top of the onions, keeping the browned-side up. Pour in any juices that have collected on the plate around the patties.
  6. Let the patties cook, shaking the pan every few minutes to loosen up the onions, until onions are tender and the burgers are cooked through; they should register at least 135°F on an instant read thermometer, about 3 to 5 minutes. Note the burgers temperature will continue to rise and do not overcook or the patty melts will be dry. Remove the patties and onions to a plate.
  7. Assemble the sandwiches: Place ¼ cup of shredded cheese on each of 3 slices of the bread. Top with patties, onions, remaining cheese, and the remaining 3 slices of bread.
  8. With paper towels, carefully wipe the skillet fairly clean. Melt ½ tablespoon butter in the skillet over medium heat. Cook 2 sandwiches on both sides until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side (if your skillet is very large, use all the butter and cook all 3 at once). Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining ½ tablespoon butter and remaining sandwich. Slice and serve immediately.

Notes

  • TO STORE: Assembled patty melts do not keep well, so if you know you’ll have leftovers, store the patties and onions in the refrigerator, then assemble patty melts when you plan on eating them. The patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container, while assembled patty melts will keep for 1-2 days.
  • TO REHEAT: To reheat the patties and onions, place them in a skillet over medium heat and cook each side of the patties until warmed through, then assemble your burgers and toast them as directed in the recipe. If your patty melts are already assembled, heat them in a 350ºF oven until warmed through. You can use the microwave in a pinch, but it’s harder to reheat a sandwich or burger evenly.
  • TO STORE: Assembled patty melts do not keep well, so if you know you’ll have leftovers, store the patties and onions in the refrigerator, then assemble patty melts when you plan on eating them. The patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container, while assembled patty melts will keep for 1-2 days.
  • TO REHEAT: To reheat the patties and onions, place them in a skillet over medium heat and cook each side of the patties until warmed through, then assemble your burgers and toast them as directed in the recipe. If your patty melts are already assembled, heat them in a 350ºF oven until warmed through. You can use the microwave in a pinch, but it’s harder to reheat a sandwich or burger evenly.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1patty melt Calories 713kcal (36%) Carbohydrates 36g (12%) Protein 53g (106%) Fat 39g (60%) Saturated Fat 19g (95%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 13g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 164mg (55%) Potassium 761mg (22%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 691IU (14%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 558mg (56%) Iron 6mg (33%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3sandwiches

Amount Per Serving

Calories 713

% Daily Value*

Serving 1patty melt
Calories 713kcal 36%
Carbohydrates 36g 12%
Protein 53g 106%
Fat 39g 60%
Saturated Fat 19g 95%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 164mg 55%
Potassium 761mg 16%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 691IU 14%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 558mg 56%
Iron 6mg 33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.