Description
A classic diner-style sandwich made with juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and golden grilled bread.
Ingredients
4 slices bread (rye, sourdough, or thick-cut)
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1/2 pound ground beef (80/20)
4-6 slices cheese (Swiss, Provolone, or Gruyère)
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and black pepper
Optional: patty melt sauce (2 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp relish)
Instructions
1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally until deeply golden, about 25–30 minutes. Add a splash of water if they stick. Set aside.
2. Divide the beef into 2 portions and form thin patties slightly larger than your bread. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat skillet with 1 tbsp oil. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Mix sauce if using: mayo, ketchup, relish.
4. Assemble the sandwich: bread slice, cheese, patty, caramelized onions, cheese, bread slice.
5. Butter the outsides of the bread. Heat skillet or griddle over medium-low. Cook sandwiches for 4–5 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Cover for the last minute if needed.
Notes
Use medium-low heat for the best melt without burning the bread.
Try mayo instead of butter on the bread for extra crispness.
Gruyère or Swiss cheese melt beautifully and complement the caramelized onions.
Patience with the onions is key—they should be golden and sweet, not rushed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American