Homestyle Patty Melt: Crispy Onions, Cheesy Goodness (Print Version)

Whip up a classic Homestyle Patty Melt! Caramelized onions, melty cheese, and a juicy patty grilled between rye. A simple, comforting meal for any night.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Comfort Food

# Ingredients:

→ Burger Base

01 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 chuck
02 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
03 - ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
04 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

→ Flavor Builders

05 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
06 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

→ The Bread & Cheese

07 - 8 slices rye bread (marbled or light)
08 - 8 slices Swiss cheese

→ Grilling Essentials

09 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first, those onions need love and time. Thinly slice your yellow onions – I’m talking almost paper-thin, it helps them cook down evenly. Melt a good knob of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and stir them around. This is where patience comes in, seriously. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they're deeply golden brown and wonderfully sweet. Don't rush it; that rich flavor is worth every minute. I always forget how long this takes, but it's crucial!
02 - While the onions are doing their thing, let's get those patties ready for our Homestyle Patty Melt. Gently mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Don't overmix, or your burgers will be tough – nobody wants that! Divide the meat into four equal portions and form them into oval-shaped patties, about ½-inch thick. Make them slightly larger than your bread slices, as they'll shrink a bit when cooked. I like to make a little divot in the center of each patty; it helps them cook flat.
03 - Heat a separate griddle or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil. Once hot, place your patties in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more well-done. You want a nice, crusty sear on the outside. This step always smells amazing, making my stomach rumble! Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This is where I sometimes get a little messy with grease splatters, but it's worth it!
04 - Now for the magic! Once your patties are cooked and the onions are caramelized, it's assembly time. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. Place two slices, butter-side down, on your griddle (medium heat). Top each with a slice of Swiss cheese. Place a cooked patty on one cheesy slice, then pile on a generous spoonful of those sweet caramelized onions. Top with another slice of Swiss cheese.
05 - Carefully place the other cheesy bread slice on top of the patty and onions, butter-side up. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is gloriously melted and oozing. This is where I always get impatient and try to peek too early, but resist the urge! You want that perfect crunch. If it's cooking too fast, just lower the heat. My kitchen always smells incredible at this point!
06 - Once your Homestyle Patty Melt is perfectly grilled, carefully remove it from the griddle. Slice it in half, diagonally, for that classic diner presentation. The cheese will be stretching, the onions will be sweet, and the beef will be juicy. The aroma alone is enough to make you happy. Serve immediately and just soak in that comforting goodness. Honestly, it's such a satisfying sight! Don't forget to admire your handiwork.

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the onions, seriously. Low and slow is the only way to get that deep, sweet caramelization.
02 - Leftover patty melts are okay, but they're *really* best fresh. If you must reheat, use a pan to get the bread crispy again, not the microwave.
03 - Try a little Dijon mustard spread on the inside of the bread before grilling for an extra tangy kick – I love it!
04 - A classic Homestyle Patty Melt absolutely needs rye bread, don't even think about white bread, trust me.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - spatula
03 - griddle or frying pan

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 35g

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