Patty Melt Recipe

Form Patties

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Lightly form into thin patties about the diameter of the bread slices and about 1/4 inch thick. Do not overwork the meat. Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and a light sprinkle of Worcestershire sauce.

Preheat Skillet

Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 3 minutes. Do not add fat yet if using a well-seasoned skillet.

Cook Patties

Place patties in the hot skillet (work in batches if needed). Cook 2–3 minutes per side for medium (longer for well-done). Press gently with a spatula only to ensure contact; avoid squeezing out juices. Remove cooked patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Slice Onions

While patties cook, halve and thinly slice the yellow onion into half-moons.

Caramelize

In a separate large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter with 1 tsp vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook slowly, stirring every 2–3 minutes, until softened and richly golden, about 15–20 minutes. If desired, stir in 1/2 tsp brown sugar after 10 minutes to accelerate caramelization. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Prepare Bread

Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each rye bread slice. On the unbuttered side of four slices, spread about 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard if using.

Build Sandwiches

Place a cooked burger patty on each mustard-topped slice (unbuttered side). Top each patty with 2 slices of Swiss cheese (or one folded slice if large). Spoon a generous portion of caramelized onions over the cheese, then top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.

Grill Sandwiches

Wipe out the skillet used for the patties, then return to medium heat. Place assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula or using a grill press, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. Reduce heat if bread browns too quickly; cover the skillet briefly (30–60 seconds) on the second side to help cheese melt if necessary.

Rest & Serve

Remove sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1–2 minutes. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally and serve hot with pickles or Thousand Island dressing on the side, as desired.