Description
This Classic Patty Melt is the ultimate comfort sandwich made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a tangy homemade sauce between crispy buttered bread. A beginner-friendly recipe that brings nostalgic diner vibes to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 slices rye bread
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon real bacon bits
- 1 teaspoon sweet relish
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Spread softened butter generously on one side of each slice of bread and set them aside. Make sure the butter covers the surface edge to edge for an even, crispy finish.
- Form and Season the Patties: In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and onion powder until just combined. Divide into three portions and shape into patties that match the size of your bread slices.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and place the patties into the hot pan. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until browned, then lower the heat and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Make the Sauce: While the patties cook, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar in a small bowl until creamy. Set aside for assembly.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place one buttered bread slice butter-side down on a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Layer with cheddar cheese, one cooked patty, and provolone cheese. Spread the sauce on the unbuttered side of another bread slice and place it sauce-side down on top of the sandwich.
- Grill the Patty Melt: Cook each sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese has fully melted. Press lightly with a spatula for even browning.Serve and Enjoy: Once golden and hot, remove from the skillet and let rest for a minute before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier sandwich, swap one cheese for pepper jack. Caramelized onions can be added for a more classic flavor, though this version uses onion powder to save time. Store leftover patties separately and reheat in a pan for best results. To reduce calories, use low-fat cheese or skip the butter and toast dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 910 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg