These patty melts are a tasty twist on burgers, featuring juicy beef patties and gooey cheese. Topped with sweet caramelized onions, they’re simply mouthwatering!
Let’s face it, everything’s better with caramelized onions! I can’t resist sneaking a few extra bites when I make these. They are super easy, quick to whip up, and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The 80/20 blend gives a great balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try 90/10 beef, or even ground turkey for a lighter version. Just remember, beef provides the best taste here!
Rye Bread: Rye adds a lovely flavor that pairs well with the beef and cheese. If you don’t have rye, use sourdough or whole wheat bread. They won’t be quite the same, but they’ll still be delicious!
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and gives a mild flavor. You can substitute it with provolone or even cheddar if you prefer a stronger cheese flavor. Just remember that different cheeses will change the overall taste.
Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia can be a sweeter option for caramelizing. If you want less sweetness, yellow onions are also fantastic. No onions? Try sautéed mushrooms for a different twist!
Butter and Olive Oil: The combo of butter and olive oil gives rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter. You can also use all oil, but the taste won’t be as creamy.
How Do You Caramelize Onions to Perfection?
Caramelizing onions is all about taking your time to coax out their natural sweetness. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with medium heat and add a mix of butter and olive oil.
- Thinly slice your onions and add them to the pan with a pinch of salt. The salt helps draw out moisture.
- Cook the onions low and slow, stirring occasionally for 20-25 minutes until they are a beautiful golden brown. Be patient, as rushing can burn them!
- If they start to stick, splash a little water into the pan to help lift the caramelized bits.
This technique brings out the best flavors and makes your patty melts so much tastier! Enjoy cooking your delicious patty melts!
Best Patty Melts With Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: Worcestershire sauce for beef seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 45 minutes. You’ll be caramelizing onions, cooking juicy beef patties, and grilling toasted sandwiches, resulting in a cheesy and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Grab a skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of butter along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the thinly sliced onions and a small pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and let those onions cook for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and sweetly caramelized. This will really add flavor to your melts!
2. Prepare the Patties:
While the onions are doing their magic, take the ground beef and divide it into two equal patties. Don’t forget to season them generously with salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce if you like a bit more flavor in your beef.
3. Cook the Patties:
In another skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Cook your patties for about 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on how well-done you like them. During the last minute of cooking, add half of the shredded Swiss cheese to each patty so it melts nicely on top. Yum!
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
Take a slice of rye bread and place one cheese-topped patty on it. Then, pile on a generous amount of your delicious caramelized onions. Top it all off with another slice of rye bread. Repeat this for your second patty melt.
5. Grill the Sandwiches:
Using the same skillet you cooked the patties in, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Now, grill each sandwich over medium heat, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want the bread to be golden brown and crispy while the cheese melts thoroughly inside—perfect!
6. Serve:
Once golden and crispy, take the patty melts out of the skillet. Slice them in half and serve them hot. They’re fantastic with a side of pickles or a refreshing salad. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Enjoy your delicious patty melts with richly flavored caramelized onions!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for the Patties?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the patties to ensure they are cooked through.
What’s the Best Way to Caramelize Onions Faster?
If you’re short on time, you can increase the heat slightly to medium-high to speed up the process, but be sure to stir more frequently to prevent burning. Adding a splash of water or broth during cooking can also help deglaze the pan and speed up caramelization.
Can I Prepare These Patty Melts Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and onions ahead of time! Cook the patties and caramelized onions, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the patties and onions before assembling the sandwiches.
How to Store Leftover Patty Melts
Store any leftover patty melts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispiness of the bread, or warm them in the microwave, but note the bread may not stay crispy that way!
