Diner-style patty melts with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and tangy secret sauce—all stacked on grilled rye bread.
CourseBreakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Snack
CuisineAmerican
KeywordPatty Melts with Secret Sauce
Prep Time15minutes minutes
Cook Time20minutes minutes
Total Time35minutes minutes
Servings4
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1  lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
- 1  tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½  tsp garlic powder
- ½  tsp onion powder
- ½  tsp smoked paprika
- ½  tsp salt
- ¼  tsp black pepper
For the Onions:
- 2  medium yellow onions thinly sliced
- 2  Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1  tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Secret Sauce:
- ½  cup mayonnaise
- 2  Tbsp ketchup
- 1  Tbsp yellow mustard
- 1  Tbsp finely diced pickles or relish
- ½  tsp smoked paprika
- ½  tsp garlic powder
For Assembly:
- 8 slices rye bread or sourdough if preferred
- 8 slices Swiss cheese or cheddar
- 2  Tbsp softened butter for grilling
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add onions with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until golden and caramelized—about 12–15 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Mix & Cook Patties
- Combine ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Divide into 4 thin patties sized to match your bread. Cook in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Secret Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickles, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, build the layers:
- Bread
- Cheese
- Beef patty
- Caramelized onions
- Secret sauce
- Cheese
- Bread
Grill to Golden Perfection
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is crispy and golden, and the cheese has melted—press gently with a spatula to meld.
Serve Hot
- Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately while gooey and warm.
