Description
This Patty Melt Burger with Secret Sauce is a classic diner-style sandwich featuring juicy, seasoned beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, and a tangy homemade secret sauce, all sandwiched between buttery rye bread slices grilled to golden perfection. Ready in 40 minutes, this recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful twist on the traditional burger.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patty Melt Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter (for onions and bread)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp pickle relish
Instructions
- Prepare the secret sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and pickle relish until smooth. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld while proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
- Caramelize the onions: Melt a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and sweet. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Shape and season the patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Shape each into thin, oval patties slightly larger than the bread slices. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Assemble the burger: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On the unbuttered side, spread a generous layer of the prepared secret sauce. Place a cooked patty on top, then evenly distribute the caramelized onions and add a slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich in a hot skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and toasted and the cheese has melted. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly to achieve perfect caramelization without burning.
- Press the sandwiches gently while grilling to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the bread toasts nicely.
- The secret sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the secret sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sandwich warm and melty.
