Description
Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are the ultimate comfort sandwich, combining juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and a tangy homemade sauce between crispy grilled bread. It’s a hearty, diner-style classic that’s quick and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 4 slices rye bread or sourdough
- 2 tbsp butter (for toasting)
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices Swiss or American cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and paprika to make the secret sauce. Set aside.
- Shape the ground beef into two thin, wide patties that match the shape of your bread. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Cook the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and add a bit of butter. Cook the sliced onions for 10–15 minutes until caramelized and golden.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer cheese, a cooked patty, caramelized onions, a spoonful of secret sauce, more cheese, and top with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
- Place the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted, pressing gently with a spatula.
- Slice and serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Add caramelized mushrooms or sautéed peppers for extra flavor.
- Swap cheeses—cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack work well.
- Use whole grain or Texas toast if rye is unavailable.
- Add a fried egg for a breakfast-style patty melt.
- Store leftovers in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in skillet or oven to keep crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
