Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Introduction

When you want a comforting and satisfying meal, a classic patty melt hits the spot. This recipe combines juicy seasoned beef patties with melted cheese and a flavorful sauce, all nestled between buttery toasted rye bread. It’s an easy-to-make dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 6 slices rye bread
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon real bacon bits
• 1 teaspoon sweet relish
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• 6 slices Provolone cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thoroughly butter one side of each slice of bread. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Combine the ground beef, black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder in a bowl. Mix until the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into three patties roughly the size of the bread slices.
4. Step 4: Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side.
5. Step 5: Flip the patties carefully and cook another 2-3 minutes. Then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 more minutes, ensuring no pink remains.
6. Step 6: Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature; patties should reach 160°F (71°C).
7. Step 7: While the patties cook, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar in a small bowl until well blended. Set aside.
8. Step 8: Heat a second skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread butter-side down in the pan.
9. Step 9: Layer two slices of cheddar cheese on the bread, then add a cooked patty, and top with two slices of Provolone cheese.
10. Step 10: Spread the prepared sauce on the unbuttered side of a second bread slice, then place it sauce-side down on top of the cheese.
11. Step 11: Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden and toasted.
12. Step 12: Repeat the assembly and cooking for the remaining patties to make all three patty melts.
13. Step 13: Remove from heat, slice if desired, serve, and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to your patties before cooking.
• Substitute Swiss cheese for Provolone for a different but equally delicious twist.
• Use sourdough bread instead of rye for a milder flavor and different texture.
• Make the sauce a little spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover patty melts wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crisp, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for patty melts?

Yes, while rye bread is traditional, sourdough, white, or whole wheat bread all work well and can add unique flavor variations.

How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safe to eat and juicy.

Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 723 reviews

This classic patty melt recipe offers a deliciously satisfying blend of seasoned ground beef patties, melted cheddar and provolone cheeses, and a tangy homemade sauce, all grilled between perfectly buttered rye bread slices. It’s an easy stovetop recipe that promises a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it a fantastic choice for a comforting dinner that the whole family will love.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Butter the bread: Thoroughly butter one side of each slice of rye bread and set aside for later use.
2. Prepare the beef mixture: In a bowl, combine ground beef with ground black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder. Mix well until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
3. Shape the patties: Form the seasoned beef into three equal-sized patties that approximately match the size and shape of your bread slices.
4. Preheat the skillet: Place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop and let it heat up properly before cooking.
5. Cook the patties: Place the beef patties in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side. Carefully flip them to avoid breaking and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
6. Finish cooking on low heat: Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the patties for approximately 5 more minutes, ensuring they are cooked through with no pink inside.
7. Check internal temperature: Use a digital thermometer to check each patty’s internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
8. Make the sauce: While the patties cook, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and white sugar in a small bowl. Stir well until well blended and set aside.
9. Assemble the patty melts: Heat a second skillet over medium-low heat. Place one buttered slice of rye bread butter-side down onto the skillet.
10. Add cheese and patty: Layer two slices of cheddar cheese on the bread, top with one cooked beef patty, followed by two slices of provolone cheese.
11. Top with sauce and bread: Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the unbuttered side of a second slice of bread. Place this slice sauce-side down on top of the last cheese layer to form a sandwich.
12. Grill the sandwich: Cook the patty melt for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese has melted.
13. Repeat assembly: Repeat steps 9 through 12 for the remaining patties and bread slices until all three patty melts are ready.
14. Serve and enjoy: Remove the patty melts from heat, slice if desired, and serve immediately while warm and melty.

Notes

• Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure patties reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Butter one side of the rye bread thoroughly for a crispy, golden crust during grilling.
• Cooking on medium-low heat after the initial sear helps the patties cook evenly without burning the bread.
• The sauce can be customized—feel free to adjust the bacon bits, relish, or sugar to suit your taste.
• If rye bread is unavailable, sourdough or white sandwich bread can be substituted, though the flavor will vary.
• For extra crispiness, press the sandwich gently with a spatula while grilling.

Keywords: patty melt, classic sandwich, ground beef sandwich, grilled sandwich, rye bread sandwich, cheesy patty melt