Description
This Classic Patty Melt recipe features juicy seasoned ground beef patties grilled to perfection and sandwiched between buttery rye bread layered with cheddar and provolone cheeses. Topped with a flavorful bacon-mayo sauce and toasted in a skillet, this hearty and savory sandwich is a comforting American diner favorite perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter
- 6 slices rye bread
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
Beef Patties
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon real bacon bits
- 1 teaspoon sweet relish
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
Cheese
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices Provolone cheese
Instructions
- Butter the Bread: Thoroughly butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Set aside to prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Season the Beef: In a bowl, combine the ground beef with ground black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder. Mix the spices into the beef until evenly distributed, ensuring flavorful patties.
- Form Patties: Shape the seasoned ground beef mixture into three patties roughly matching the size and shape of the rye bread slices for an even sandwich.
- Preheat Skillet: Place a nonstick skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the patties.
- Cook Patties Initially: Add the patties to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then carefully flip to cook 2-3 minutes on the other side to develop a nice sear without breaking them.
- Finish Cooking Patties: Reduce heat to low and allow the patties to cook for an additional 5 minutes to ensure thorough cooking, with centers browning uniformly and no pink remaining.
- Check Temperature: Use a digital meat thermometer to check each patty’s internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Make the Sauce: While the patties cook, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, real bacon bits, sweet relish, and white sugar in a small bowl until well blended. Set aside for assembly.
- Prepare to Assemble: Heat a second skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of the buttered bread, butter-side down, into the skillet. Use as many slices as fit comfortably.
- Layer Ingredients: On the bread in the skillet, add two slices of cheddar cheese, then one cooked patty, followed by two slices of provolone cheese.
- Finish the Sandwich: Spread the prepared sauce over the unbuttered side of a second bread slice. Place this slice sauce-side down on top of the provolone layer to complete the sandwich.
- Toast the Patty Melt: Cook the assembled sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheeses melt.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 6 through 11 to prepare the remaining two patty melts.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet once toasted, serve immediately, and enjoy the classic, melty, flavorful delight.
Notes
- Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperature of beef patties at 160°F (71°C).
- Butter the bread slices well to achieve a crispy, golden crust during toasting.
- Adjust cooking times slightly depending on thickness of patties and stove heat for best results.
- Feel free to customize the sauce by adding a little garlic powder or hot sauce for extra kick.
- Substitute rye bread with sourdough or white bread if preferred.
Keywords: patty melt, classic sandwich, ground beef sandwich, rye bread sandwich, melted cheese sandwich, American diner food