Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

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🔥 Ingredients

For the Patty Melts:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicy patties)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp butter (for onions)
• 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough if preferred)
• 8 slices Swiss cheese (or a mix of Swiss and cheddar)
• Butter or mayo (for toasting bread)

For the Secret Sauce:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• A dash of hot sauce (optional, for a kick)

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions (20-25 minutes)

• In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter.
• Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt.
• Cook slowly, stirring often, until golden and caramelized.
• Set aside.

2. Make the Secret Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until well combined.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Cook the Patties

• Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and flatten into thin oval patties (to match the bread shape).
• Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• In the same skillet over medium-high heat, cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
• Set aside.

4. Assemble the Patty Melts

• Butter (or mayo) one side of each bread slice.
• On the unbuttered side:
  1. Spread a spoonful of secret sauce
  2. Add 1 slice of cheese
  3. Add a beef patty
  4. Top with caramelized onions
  5. Add another slice of cheese
  6. Top with second bread slice, buttered side out

5. Grill the Sandwiches

• Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Cook each sandwich 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
• Press slightly with a spatula to help everything meld together.

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🥒 Serve With:

• Dill pickles
• Crispy fries or potato chips
• A cold soda or milkshake (go full diner mode!)

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