Description
This Classic Patty Melt recipe features juicy ground beef patties seasoned perfectly and sandwiched between slices of rye bread with melted cheddar and provolone cheeses. The sandwich is enhanced by a tangy, flavorful homemade sauce and cooked to golden toasted perfection in a skillet, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Butter the Bread: Thoroughly butter one side of each slice of rye bread and set them aside for later use.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with ground black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Shape Patties: Form the beef mixture into three patties, shaping them to closely match the size and shape of the slices of bread for even cooking and assembly.
- Preheat Skillet: Place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop to prepare for cooking the patties.
- Cook Patties Initially: Add the patties to the hot skillet and cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until browned, flipping carefully to keep them intact.
- Finish Cooking Patties: Lower the heat to low and continue cooking the patties for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring they are evenly cooked with no pink inside.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to verify each patty’s internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure safe consumption.
- Make Sauce: While patties cook, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and sugar in a small bowl until well combined and set aside.
- Assemble Sandwich in Skillet: Heat a second skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread butter-side down in the skillet.
- Add Cheese and Patty: Layer two slices of cheddar cheese on the bread, then place one cooked patty on top, followed by two slices of provolone cheese.
- Apply Sauce and Top Bread: Spread the prepared sauce evenly on the unbuttered side of a second bread slice. Place this slice sauce-side down on top of the provolone cheese.
- Toast Patty Melt: Cook the assembled sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat Assembly: Repeat the cooking and assembly process for the remaining patties and bread slices until all three patty melts are prepared.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the finished patty melts from the skillet, serve immediately, and enjoy the classic, savory flavors.
Notes
- Ensure patties reach 160°F internally for food safety.
- Butter the bread evenly to achieve a golden, crispy texture during cooking.
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and make flipping patties easier.
- Customize the sauce by adding hot sauce or mustard for a spicy kick.
- Let patties rest briefly after cooking to retain juiciness before assembling.
