Ingredients
- Olive oil: adds moisture and helps onions cook evenly pick a good extra virgin one for best flavor
- Onions: create sweet depth once caramelized yellow onions are classic here
- Unsalted butter: brings richness make sure it smells fresh and sweet
- Lean ground beef: gives juicy patties look for bright color and fine texture
- Ketchup: adds a slight tanginess and moisture choose one with minimal additives if you can
- Worcestershire sauce: brings umami complexity use a dash but make sure it’s fresh for its sharp bite
- Onion powder: boosts savory flavor always check the aroma before buying
- Kosher salt and black pepper: finish the seasoning always use fresh cracked pepper for best taste
- Rye bread: is the signature toasty base check for a tight crumb and fresh scent
- Swiss cheese: melts beautifully and has a mild nuttiness look for one that is pliable and fragrant
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Caramelize The Onions:
- Add olive oil to a large skillet and bring to medium low heat. Toss in sliced onions with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook gently stirring every few minutes for about 20 to 25 minutes. Wait for them to turn deep golden brown and become soft and jammy. This is where the sweet depth comes from. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Shape And Season The Patties:
- Combine ground beef ketchup a splash of Worcestershire onion powder salt and pepper in a bowl. Gently mix to avoid overworking the meat. Form into four patties that are slightly wider than your bread slices since they shrink as they cook.
- Cook The Patties:
- Heat two tablespoons of butter in a cast iron skillet over medium. Place the patties in the pan without crowding and cook untouched for four to five minutes per side. You are looking for a deep brown crust and juicy interior. Move patties to a plate.
- Assemble The Patty Melts:
- Wipe out excess oil from the skillet and melt the remaining butter over medium. Lay out four slices of rye bread. Top each one with a patty followed by a generous heap of caramelized onions and two slices of Swiss cheese. Cap each with another slice of bread.
- Grill The Melts:
- Return to your pan and lay the sandwiches in gently. Cook each side for two to four minutes pressing lightly so you get a perfectly crisp golden crust. Once the cheese is gooey and the bread is toasty brown your patty melts are ready. Slice and serve hot.