Classic Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

Classic Patty Melt with Secret Sauce
Crispy golden bread, juicy beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melty cheese — finished with a creamy “secret” sauce that takes it over the top!
🛒 Ingredients
For the patties:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the onions:
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp butter or oil
For assembling:
8 slices rye bread (or sourdough)
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices cheddar cheese
2–3 tbsp softened butter (for grilling)
🥣 Secret Sauce
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp pickle relish
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Mix everything together and refrigerate until ready to use.
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Caramelize the Onions (10–15 minutes)
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Shape & Cook the Patties
Divide ground beef into 4 thin oval patties (about the size of your bread).
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
Remove from pan.
3️⃣ Assemble the Patty Melt
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
On the unbuttered side, spread secret sauce.
Layer in this order:
Slice of Swiss cheese
Beef patty
Caramelized onions
Slice of cheddar
Top with another slice of bread (buttered side facing out).
4️⃣ Grill to Perfection
Cook sandwiches in skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until bread is crispy and golden and cheese is melted.
Press gently with a spatula while cooking.
5️⃣ Serve Hot
Slice in half and serve with fries, chips, or pickles.