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.
I first served this skillet dish to my family on a chilly evening and it instantly became a favorite comfort meal for us all.
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
- Step 1:
- 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.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- Slice each patty melt in half and serve hot.
Save to Pinterest My family gathers around the skillet eagerly as the melty cheese and crispy bread come together bringing everyone smiles and full hearts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with dill pickles or crispy French fries for an authentic diner experience.
Variations
Try substituting Swiss cheese with cheddar or American cheese for a delightful twist on the classic flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover patties separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet to retain crispiness.
Save to Pinterest This patty melt skillet recipe offers a perfect blend of comfort and flavor that your whole family will love.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of beef is best for the patties?
An 80/20 ground beef blend is recommended for the right balance of flavor and juiciness.
- → How do caramelized onions enhance the dish?
Slow cooking the onions in butter brings out their natural sweetness, adding a rich, savory layer to the flavors.
- → Why use a cast iron skillet for cooking?
The cast iron skillet evenly distributes heat and creates a desirable crispy crust on the bread and patties.
- → Can the bread be substituted for another type?
While rye bread's flavor complements the ingredients well, other dense breads like sourdough can be used for a similar texture.
- → What cheese works well in this preparation?
Swiss cheese melts smoothly and offers a nutty flavor, but cheddar or American cheese are fine alternatives for variation.