Diner-Style Patty Melt
A classic American diner favorite featuring juicy beef patties (or vegetarian alternative) with melted cheese and caramelized onions, all grilled between slices of rye bread. This hearty sandwich combines the best elements of a burger and grilled cheese.
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground beef chuck (20% fat), or 4 vegetarian patties such as Lightlife Plant-Based Burgers
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- •8 slices rye bread
- •2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- •1 large onion
- •8 slices cheese
- •8 teaspoons mayonnaise
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Season beef with salt and pepper; divide into 4 patties. Form each patty into a thin oval that is slightly larger than a slice of bread you're using.
5 min
- 2.
Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet or griddle, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Cook onion slices in a single layer, being careful not to let rings separate, until softened and charred, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and divide into individual rings.
8 min
- 3.
Add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil to skillet. Working in batches if needed, cook patties, pressing flat with a spatula, until browned but still pink in the center, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
3 min
- 4.
Wipe out skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Top each slice of bread with 1 cheese slice, 1 patty, one-quarter of the onions, another slice of cheese, then a second slice of bread. Spread tops of each sandwich with 1 tsp. mayonnaise. Working in batches if needed, cook sandwiches, mayo side down, spreading the top of each sandwich with 1 tsp. mayonnaise, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3 minutes.
6 min