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American Patty Melt

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

A classic American Patty Melt made with juicy seasoned beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese layered between crispy buttery rye bread. This diner-style favorite is rich, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season the ground beef with salt and black pepper, then form into 4 patties sized to fit the bread.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and cook the sliced onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until soft and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, cook the beef patties for about 4 minutes per side until fully cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove and set aside.
  5. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread evenly.
  6. Place one slice of bread butter side down in the skillet. Add 1 slice Swiss cheese, 1 beef patty, caramelized onions, another slice of Swiss cheese, then top with another slice of bread butter side up.
  7. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, pressing gently with a spatula.
  8. Remove from skillet, slice diagonally, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Caramelize the onions slowly for the best sweet flavor.
  • Cook on medium heat to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
  • Let the sandwich rest for 1 minute before slicing to help keep the layers intact.
  • Reheat leftovers in a skillet to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: American patty melt, diner sandwich, beef sandwich, grilled rye sandwich, classic comfort food