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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are a diner classic made at home—crispy rye bread, juicy beef patties, gooey cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy homemade sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground beef (80/20)
  • Salt and pepper To taste
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter For patties
  • 2 Large yellow onions Thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp Butter For onions
  • 8 Rye bread slices Or use sourdough
  • 2–3 tbsp Butter For toasting bread
  • 8 Swiss cheese or sharp cheddar slices Or use both
  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Finely chopped pickles or relish
  • 1 dash Smoked paprika or hot sauce Optional

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped pickles or relish, and optional paprika or hot sauce. Stir until creamy and refrigerate.
  2. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and salt. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until golden and sweet. Set aside.
  3. Divide beef into 4 oval patties. Season with salt and pepper. In the skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until crusted and cooked through. Let rest.
  4. Butter one side of each bread slice. On the non-buttered side, layer: cheese, patty, onions, sauce, cheese, top bread slice (buttered side up).
  5. Toast sandwiches in skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing slightly until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Wipe pan between batches.
  6. Slice in half and serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for better melt. Cook onions low and slow for deep flavor. Rest patties before assembling to avoid soggy bread. Freeze patties separately for up to 3 months. Reheat in skillet or toaster oven for crisp results.