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Secret Sauce Patty Melt

Featured in Dinner Winners Every Time.

This savory patty melt pairs thinly seasoned beef, a mix of cheeses, slow-cooked onions, and tangy sauce nestled in golden rye toast.
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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:54:27 GMT
A plate with crisp rye bread sandwich layered with cheese, beef, and caramelized onions. Pin it
A plate with crisp rye bread sandwich layered with cheese, beef, and caramelized onions. | cookwithtaste.com

Wanna know my go-to comfort dish? It's my Melty Secret Patty Sandwich Delight! Not your regular sandwich—this baby came from many weekend kitchen experiments. Imagine this: tender beef patties tucked between crispy rye slices, covered with gooey cheese, crowned with sugary slow-cooked onions, and smothered in a mind-blowing sauce you'll want to put on everything. Believe me, once you try this, regular burgers won't cut it anymore!

The Magic Behind This Heavenly Creation

This ain't your typical patty melt—it's revolutionary! That special sauce? It came from tons of sampling and adjusting (my folks didn't mind being taste testers!). And the slow-cooked onions? Every minute of stirring pays off. When everything comes together with that crunchy rye bread, you'll experience true sandwich heaven!

Everything You'll Need

  • The Knockout Sauce: Our hidden gem combines mayo, ketchup, Dijon, with a dash of pickle juice—you gotta try it!
  • Slow-Cooked Onions: Take your time here—they'll turn into sweet amber deliciousness.
  • The Meat: I find 85/15 gives the perfect balance between juicy and not too fatty.
  • The Slices: Quality rye bread totally changes the game.
  • Double Cheese Power: Both Swiss AND cheddar because picking just one isn't an option!

Creating Your Masterpiece

Whip Up That Special Sauce
Start by mixing your magical sauce—this lets all those flavors mingle properly.
Onion Slow-Dance
Here's your peaceful cooking moment—take it easy and let those onions transform gradually.
Perfect Your Patties
Don't hold back on seasoning! A splash of Worcestershire sauce works wonders here.
Putting It All Together
Stack everything carefully—it's like creating the ultimate sandwich masterpiece!

Insider Tricks

I've made these so many times I've learned what works! Give your rye bread a light toast before you start—it makes the texture so much better. And here's what the pros do: cover your pan while grilling so the cheese melts perfectly! If your onions seem dry, just add a tiny bit of water to save them.

Complete Your Dinner

These sandwiches really need something crunchy on the side! My kids can't get enough of them with spiced fries, but a zingy slaw works great too. Don't forget to add a pickle—that extra snap and sourness makes everything taste better. Sometimes we go all out with tomato soup for the complete comfort food experience!

Your Burning Questions

You can definitely prep that special sauce early—it actually tastes better after chilling overnight! Having trouble with those onions? Keep your heat low and don't rush them—they're totally worth waiting for. And if you're worried about melting cheese properly, remember that using a lid is your secret weapon!

Twist It Around

Don't be afraid to switch things up! I sometimes throw in pepper jack for some heat, or toss in crispy bacon because... well, it's bacon! Butter-cooked mushrooms make another fantastic addition. And when you're feeling fancy, try switching to sourdough—it's a completely different taste adventure!

Storing Your Creation

Got some left? Lucky you! These sandwiches warm up best in a pan to keep that outer crunch. Don't use the microwave—you'll end up with something mushy. If you're planning meals ahead, you can make the special sauce and onions early—just put everything together fresh when you're ready to eat.

A close-up of a grilled sandwich filled with melted cheese and ground beef between two slices of toasted bread. Pin it
A close-up of a grilled sandwich filled with melted cheese and ground beef between two slices of toasted bread. | cookwithtaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cook onions so long?
Taking 30 minutes allows onions to soften and bring out their sugary richness. This slow cook adds intense flavor that goes great with beef.
→ Why mix two cheeses?
Swiss is creamy and nutty while cheddar brings a sharp edge. Together they melt evenly and pack in delicious flavor.
→ How to make it gluten-free?
Swap to a sturdy gluten-free bread like rye and check labels on Worcester sauce or mustard. Many brands offer gluten-safe versions.
→ Why make thin beef patties?
Thinner patties cook faster, stay juicy, and balance nicely with the toast and melty cheese layers.
→ Can I prep the sauce beforehand?
Absolutely—you can fix it 3 days early and chill it. This actually enhances the flavors!

Patty Melt Bliss

A toasted rye bread sandwich stuffed with seasoned beef, rich Swiss and cheddar cheeses, caramelized onions, and a bold secret sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Milly

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 85/15 ground beef (12 ounces).
02 Salt (1/2 teaspoon).
03 Pepper (1/2 teaspoon).
04 Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon).
05 Olive oil (2 tablespoons).
06 Large onions, thinly sliced (2).
07 Mayonnaise (1/4 cup).
08 Ketchup (2 tablespoons).
09 Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon).
10 Pickle juice (1 teaspoon).
11 Paprika (1/4 teaspoon).
12 Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon).
13 Swiss cheese slices (4).
14 Cheddar cheese slices (4).
15 Rye bread (8 slices).
16 Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons).

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together mayo, mustard, ketchup, pickle juice, garlic powder, and paprika until creamy.

Step 02

Slowly cook the onion slices in olive oil on low-medium heat for half an hour, stirring to prevent burning. Splash in water if needed.

Step 03

Combine the beef with the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape into four thin patties sized to match the bread.

Step 04

Brown both sides of the patties in a heated pan on medium heat. Remove and keep aside.

Step 05

Spread butter on the outer sides of the bread. Stack buttered bread (butter down), Swiss cheese slice, a patty, onions, the sauce, cheddar slice, and buttered bread (butter up).

Step 06

Toast sandwiches in a heated skillet on both sides until the bread is golden and the cheese is gooey inside.

Notes

  1. The sauce works well if prepped in advance.
  2. Use gluten-free bread for a no-gluten option.
  3. Double-check the Worcestershire sauce if avoiding gluten.

Tools You'll Need

  • Frying pan.
  • Bowls for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs (mayo contains eggs).
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 32 g