Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Patty Melts with Secret Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Juicy patty melts with secret sauce bring classic diner comfort straight to your kitchen. Melted cheese, caramelized onions, and perfectly seasoned beef nestled between crispy rye bread create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 beef patties

Bread and Cheese:

  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 4 slices swiss cheese
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 large onion
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Slice the onion into thin rings and caramelize in a skillet with olive oil over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and soft.
  2. Season ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Form into 4 equal patties, creating a slight indentation in the center to prevent bulging during cooking.
  3. Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, and dijon mustard in a small bowl to create the secret sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle to medium-high heat. Cook beef patties for 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  5. Remove patties and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter and lightly toast rye bread slices until golden brown on both sides.
  6. Assemble the patty melts by placing a beef patty on a toasted bread slice, top with caramelized onions, one slice of swiss cheese, and one slice of cheddar cheese.
  7. Return assembled sandwiches to the skillet, cooking on low heat for 2-3 minutes per side until cheese is fully melted and bread is crispy.
  8. Cut each patty melt diagonally and serve immediately with the prepared secret sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Customize patty thickness to ensure even cooking, aiming for uniform 1/2-inch thickness to prevent dry or undercooked centers.
  • Prevent meat shrinkage by avoiding overworking ground beef during patty formation, which maintains juiciness and tender texture.
  • Enhance caramelized onions by adding a pinch of sugar during cooking, creating deeper flavor complexity and richer golden-brown color.
  • Transform recipe into gluten-free version by substituting rye bread with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower bread or lettuce wraps for low-carb preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg