Save to Pinterest A classic American comfort dish featuring juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melty Swiss cheese, all layered over golden rye bread and cooked in a cast iron skillet for an irresistible crispy finish.
This skillet sandwich reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone eagerly waits for the crispy, cheesy goodness straight from the pan.
Ingredients
- For the Patties: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended), 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- For the Onions: 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 tsp salt
- For Assembly: 8 slices rye bread, 8 slices Swiss cheese, 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened (for bread), Optional 2 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare Patties:
- In a mixing bowl combine ground beef Worcestershire sauce garlic powder salt and pepper Divide into 4 equal patties slightly larger than the bread slices
- Caramelize Onions:
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat Add 2 tbsp butter then onions and 1/4 tsp salt Cook stirring occasionally until golden and caramelized about 12 15 minutes Remove onions and set aside
- Cook Patties:
- Increase heat to medium high Add beef patties to the skillet and cook for 3 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through Remove and set aside
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- Wipe skillet clean Butter one side of each bread slice Place 4 slices buttered side down in the skillet Top each with a slice of Swiss cheese a beef patty caramelized onions another slice of Swiss cheese and finish with a second bread slice buttered side up
- Cook Sandwiches:
- Cook over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts about 3 minutes per side Press gently with a spatula for an even crust
- Serve:
- Slice each patty melt in half and serve hot
Save to Pinterest Serving this patty melt with family always creates warm and joyful moments around the table.
Additional Tips
Try substituting Swiss cheese with cheddar or American cheese for a different taste experience.
Pairings
Serve with pickles or French fries for an authentic diner experience.
Storage
Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet to retain crispiness.
Save to Pinterest This recipe balances simple ingredients to deliver maximum flavor perfect for busy weeknights or special weekends.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Golden rye bread is ideal for its sturdy texture and complementing flavors, helping create a crispy, flavorful crust.
- → How do I achieve perfectly caramelized onions?
Cook thinly sliced onions slowly in butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 12-15 minutes until golden and soft.
- → Can I substitute the Swiss cheese with other types?
Cheddar or American cheese can be used for a different flavor profile, though Swiss provides a mild, melty texture traditional to this dish.
- → Why use a cast iron skillet for cooking?
Cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly, producing a perfectly crisped bread and nicely browned patties.
- → What is the suggested seasoning for the beef patties?
A blend of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper enhances the natural beef flavor without overpowering it.