Pin It 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.
This skillet patty melt quickly became a family favorite because of its simplicity and authentic diner taste.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450 g) 80/20 blend recommended
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tsp
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Kosher Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
- Yellow Onions: 2 large thinly sliced
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp for onions, 4 tbsp softened for bread
- Salt: 1/4 tsp for onions
- Rye Bread: 8 slices
- Swiss Cheese: 8 slices
- Mayonnaise: Optional 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare Patties:
- In a mixing bowl combine ground beef Worcestershire sauce garlic powder salt and pepper Divide into 4 equal patties slightly larger than bread slices
- Cook Onions:
- Heat cast iron skillet 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 set aside
- Cook Patties:
- Increase heat medium high Add beef patties to skillet cook 3 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through Remove set aside
- Assemble Sandwich:
- Wipe skillet clean Butter one side of each bread slice Place 4 slices buttered side down Top each with slice of Swiss cheese beef patty caramelized onions another slice of Swiss cheese finish with second bread slice buttered side up
- Cook Sandwiches:
- Cook over medium heat until bread golden brown and cheese melts about 3 minutes per side Press gently with spatula for even crust
- Serve:
- Slice each patty melt in half serve hot
Pin It Gathering around the skillet to enjoy these melts became a cherished family tradition every weekend.
Tips for Perfect Patties
Do not overmix the ground beef as it can make patties tough Use medium heat to ensure even cooking
Cheese Variations
Swiss cheese is classic but cheddar or American cheese work great for a different twist
Serving Suggestions
Pair with pickles or French fries to complete the authentic diner experience
Pin It This patty melt skillet recipe delivers diner-quality comfort food right at home Ready in under an hour and loved by all.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I caramelize onions perfectly?
Cook thinly sliced onions slowly in butter over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for 12–15 minutes until golden and sweet.
- → What is the best beef blend for patties?
Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for a juicy and flavorful patty that holds together well during cooking.
- → Can I substitute Swiss cheese with other types?
Yes, cheddar or American cheese work well, offering different flavors while still melting nicely.
- → Why use rye bread in this dish?
Rye bread adds a robust, slightly tangy flavor and toasts crisply, complementing the savory patties and cheese.
- → How do I achieve a crispy crust on the bread?
Butter the bread slices generously and cook over medium heat in a cast iron skillet, pressing gently for an even, golden crust.