Description
Create a classic diner-style cast-iron patty melt with perfectly browned caramelized onions, juicy ground chuck patties, melted American and Swiss cheeses, all grilled between rye bread slices with a buttery crust. This comforting sandwich is made entirely in a cast iron skillet for authentic flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
For the Patties
- 1 lb. ground chuck
For the Sandwiches
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- 4 (1 oz.) slices white American cheese, torn in half
- 4 (1 oz.) slices Swiss cheese, torn in half
- 4 Tbsp. salted butter, divided
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are deeply browned and caramelized. Transfer the onions to a medium bowl and stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Do not wipe the pan clean.
- Prepare the Patties: While the onions cook, divide the ground chuck into 4 equal portions. Press each portion into thin patties about the same size as your bread using two pieces of parchment paper to help shape them evenly. Sprinkle the patties evenly with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Cook the Patties: Using the same skillet with residual flavor, cook two patties at a time over medium heat, pressing slightly with a spatula. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the patties are just barely pink in the middle. Remove the cooked patties from the pan and wipe it clean.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of rye bread. On 4 slices, evenly space the torn American cheese halves. Place a cooked burger patty on top of the cheese, then add a quarter of the cooked caramelized onion mixture, followed by an even layer of torn Swiss cheese halves. Top each with the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise side out.
- Grill the Patty Melts: Melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add two sandwiches at a time to the pan. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheeses have melted thoroughly. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches using the remaining butter. Serve the patty melts immediately while warm and gooey.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet ensures even heat distribution for perfect caramelization and grilling.
- Pressing patties thin and even ensures consistent cooking and perfect fit on the rye bread.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking patties or grilling sandwiches for best results.
- Adjust cooking time slightly based on your stove's heat output to avoid burning the bread.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of black pepper to the ground beef before forming patties.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
