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Classic Patty Melt Recipe

4.8 from 113 reviews

A classic Patty Melt recipe featuring juicy seasoned ground beef patties, melted cheddar and provolone cheeses, and a tangy special sauce, all sandwiched between buttery, toasted rye bread slices. This comforting stove-top sandwich combines savory flavors with a crispy exterior for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Patty Melts

  • 6 slices rye bread
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices provolone cheese

For the Special Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon real bacon bits
  • 1 teaspoon sweet relish
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar

Instructions

  1. Butter the Bread: Thoroughly butter one side of each slice of rye bread and set aside to ensure a golden, crispy texture when toasted.
  2. Prepare the Patties: In a bowl, combine ground beef with ground black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder, mixing until spices are evenly distributed for a well-seasoned flavor.
  3. Shape the Patties: Form the meat mixture into three patties, each sized to match the shape of the bread slices for perfect sandwich assembly.
  4. Preheat Skillet: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat in preparation for cooking the patties.
  5. Cook Patties Initial Sides: Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side to develop a sear, then flip carefully to avoid breaking, cooking the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
  6. Finish Cooking Patties: Lower the heat to low and continue cooking the patties for approximately 5 more minutes until the centers are fully browned with no pink remaining.
  7. Check Internal Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to ensure each patty has reached 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
  8. Make the Special Sauce: While the patties finish cooking, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and sugar in a small bowl until well blended, then set aside.
  9. Assemble the Sandwich: Heat a second skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread butter-side down, then layer two slices of cheddar cheese, one cooked patty, and two slices of provolone cheese on top.
  10. Add Sauce and Top Bread: Spread the prepared sauce on the unbuttered side of a second bread slice and place it sauce-side down on top of the cheese.
  11. Toast the Patty Melt: Cook each assembled sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side in the skillet until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese melts.
  12. Repeat for Remaining Sandwiches: Continue with the remaining bread, patties, cheese, and sauce to make the other two patty melts.

Notes

  • Use a digital thermometer to ensure patties are cooked safely to 160°F (71°C).
  • Butter the bread generously for the crispiest texture.
  • Adjust seasoning in the beef mixture to taste.
  • You can substitute rye bread with your favorite hearty bread if desired.
  • The special sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Keywords: patty melt, classic sandwich, ground beef sandwich, cheddar cheese, provolone cheese, rye bread, stovetop sandwich, quick dinner, comfort food