Classic Patty Melt

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 slices rye bread 4 slices rye bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 520 / 2176
• Fat (total, saturated): 36g, 16g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into 4 patties.
2. 2.
   Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, cook the beef patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and Dijon mustard to make the tangy sauce.
5. 5.
   Spread the remaining butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. Place the bread, buttered side down, in the skillet and toast until golden brown.
6. 6.
   Remove the bread from the skillet and assemble the sandwiches. Spread the tangy sauce on the untoasted side of each slice of bread. Place a beef patty on top of one slice, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and finally, another slice of bread with the tangy sauce side facing down.
7. 7.
   Return the assembled sandwiches to the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Make sure to season it well to enhance the flavor of the patty.
• Rye bread — Look for a good quality rye bread with a firm texture. Toasting the bread adds a nice crunch to the sandwich.
• Swiss cheese — Opt for a high-quality Swiss cheese that melts well. You can also experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Caramelized onions — Slowly cook the onions over low heat to achieve a sweet and tender result. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• Tangy sauce — Adjust the quantities of mayonnaise, ketchup, and Dijon mustard according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Tips & Tricks

• For a juicier patty, avoid pressing it down with a spatula while cooking.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or marble rye, to add variety to your Patty Melt.
• Add a slice of crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Serve with a side of pickles or coleslaw to complement the richness of the sandwich.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the tangy sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Patty Melt hot, either as a standalone meal or accompanied by a side dish and a pickle spear. Cut it in half diagonally for an appealing presentation.

Presentation advice

Place the Patty Melt on a plate, with the melted cheese oozing out from between the slices of toasted rye bread. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.