Name: Griddle-Seared Beef Patty Melts with House Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the patty melts:; 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough); 2 tbsp butter, softened; 1 large yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced; 8 slices Swiss or American cheese; For the house dressing:; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp ketchup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp pickle relish; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/8 tsp black pepper; Dash of hot sauce (optional)

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Griddle-seared beef patty melts with house dressing are the ultimate diner-style comfort food—crispy, buttery bread wrapped around juicy seared beef, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy, creamy sauce that brings everything together. It’s rich, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying. I love making these when I want a burger experience with extra crunch and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love patty melts because they combine the best parts of a burger and a grilled cheese into one decadent sandwich. The beef is cooked with a crispy crust thanks to the hot griddle, the cheese gets perfectly melty, and the onions bring a hint of sweetness. Add the homemade house dressing and toasted bread, and every bite is bursting with savory, buttery goodness. It’s simple, classic, and always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the patty melts:

Ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
Salt
Black pepper
Sliced rye bread (or sourdough, if preferred)
Butter, softened
Yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
Swiss or American cheese slices

For the house dressing:

Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Dijon mustard
Pickle relish
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Black pepper
Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Directions

I start by caramelizing the onions in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter, stirring often until soft and golden—about 15–20 minutes.
While the onions cook, I mix and shape the ground beef into thin, wide patties slightly larger than the bread slices. I season them with salt and pepper.
I sear the patties on a hot griddle or skillet until browned and cooked through, flipping once.
I mix up the house dressing by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
I butter one side of each bread slice, then assemble the sandwiches: bread (butter side out), cheese, beef patty, caramelized onions, house dressing, more cheese, and top with another slice of bread.
I griddle each sandwich over medium heat until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is fully melted, pressing gently with a spatula to flatten slightly.
I let them rest for a minute before slicing and serving hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 patty melts and takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. I usually have them ready in about 40 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I switch up the cheese—sharp cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack all work great. For a spicier twist, I mix chipotle or sriracha into the house dressing. If I want to lighten it up, I use ground turkey or plant-based patties.

Storage/reheating

Patty melts are best fresh, but I’ve stored leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them in a skillet over low heat to crisp up the bread and melt the cheese again. I avoid the microwave—it makes the bread soggy.

FAQs

What’s the best bread for patty melts?

I like classic rye bread for its flavor and structure, but sourdough and thick white sandwich bread also work well. Anything sturdy enough to hold the fillings will do.

Can I make the house dressing ahead of time?

Yes! I often make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s great on burgers, sandwiches, or even as a fry dip.

How do I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts?

I cook over medium to medium-low heat and press gently with a spatula. If needed, I cover the pan briefly to help the cheese melt without over-toasting the bread.

Can I use pre-cooked onions?

Yes. If I have caramelized onions made ahead, I just reheat them slightly before adding them to the sandwich.

What sides go well with patty melts?

I usually serve them with fries, sweet potato wedges, or a crisp green salad. A dill pickle on the side adds the perfect bite.

Conclusion

Griddle-seared beef patty melts with house dressing are the kind of classic comfort food I’ll never get tired of. With juicy beef, melty cheese, caramelized onions, and buttery grilled bread, they’re everything I want in a hearty sandwich. Add that tangy homemade sauce, and it’s diner-style perfection—right from my own kitchen.

Griddle-Seared Beef Patty Melts with House Dressing

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Griddle-seared beef patty melts with house dressing are a classic diner-style sandwich made with juicy beef patties, melty cheese, caramelized onions, and creamy, tangy house sauce—all grilled between crispy, buttery slices of bread.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 patty melts
Category: Main Course
Method: Griddling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

For the patty melts:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
8 slices rye bread (or sourdough)
2 tbsp butter, softened
1 large yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced
8 slices Swiss or American cheese
For the house dressing:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp pickle relish
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp black pepper
Dash of hot sauce (optional)

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Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced onions in 1 tbsp butter, stirring often, until caramelized and golden, about 15–20 minutes. Set aside.
While the onions cook, shape the ground beef into 4 thin, wide patties, slightly larger than the bread slices. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties on both sides until browned and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, relish, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using) to make the house dressing.
Butter one side of each bread slice. To assemble, layer one slice of bread (butter side out), one slice of cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, 1–2 tbsp house dressing, another slice of cheese, and top with another bread slice (butter side out).
Place the assembled sandwiches on the griddle over medium heat. Cook until bread is golden and cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula.
Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve hot.