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Classic Patty Melt Recipe

4.6 from 123 reviews

This Classic Patty Melt recipe features juicy seasoned ground beef patties layered with cheddar and provolone cheeses, sandwiched between buttery toasted rye bread. Enhanced with a flavorful homemade sauce combining mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar, this hearty sandwich is cooked perfectly on the stovetop to a golden finish. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner with a nostalgic diner-style appeal.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread & 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

  1. Prepare the Bread: Thoroughly butter one side of each slice of rye bread and set aside for later toasting.
  2. Season the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with ground black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder. Mix gently until spices are evenly distributed.
  3. Form Patties: Shape the seasoned beef mixture into three equal patties that match the size and shape of the bread slices.
  4. Cook Patties – Initial Sear: Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until browned.
  5. Flip Patties: Carefully flip the patties to avoid breaking and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
  6. Finish Cooking Patties: Reduce heat to low and continue cooking the patties for about 5 more minutes until centers are uniformly brown with no pink. Use a digital thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Prepare Sauce: While patties cook, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and white sugar in a small bowl until well blended and set aside.
  8. Assemble Patty Melts: Heat a second skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of buttered bread (butter-side down) into the skillet. Layer with two slices of cheddar cheese, one cooked patty, then two slices of provolone cheese.
  9. Add Sauce and Top Bread: Spread the prepared sauce over the unbuttered side of a second bread slice. Place this slice sauce-side down on top of the cheese layer to complete the sandwich.
  10. Toast Sandwich: Cook the assembled sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is toasted to a golden brown and the cheeses are melted.
  11. Repeat for Remaining Sandwiches: Repeat steps 4 through 10 to prepare the remaining two patty melts.
  12. Serve: Remove the patties melts from the skillet, slice if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your classic diner-style patty melts!

Notes

  • Using a digital thermometer ensures patties are safely cooked to 160°F (71°C).
  • Butter the bread generously for a rich, crispy crust when toasted.
  • Adjust cooking heat as needed to avoid burning the bread while melting the cheese.
  • Feel free to customize the sauce with extra spices or ingredients like mustard for different flavor profiles.
  • For a crunchier texture, consider lightly pressing the sandwich with a spatula while toasting.

Keywords: patty melt, classic patty melt, beef sandwich, melted cheese sandwich, rye bread sandwich, stovetop sandwich