Juicy beef, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese on rye, grilled until crisp and melty in a cast-iron skillet.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Onions
01 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Patties
05 - 1 1/4 pounds ground beef, 80/20 blend
06 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Assembly
10 - 8 slices rye bread
11 - 8 slices Swiss cheese
12 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
# How-To Steps:
01 - Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer onions to a bowl and wipe out the skillet.
02 - In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into an oval patty matching the size of the bread slices.
03 - Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through. Transfer the patties to a plate.
04 - Lay out 4 slices of rye bread. On each, place one slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, a generous portion of caramelized onions, a second slice of Swiss cheese, and a top slice of rye bread. Spread softened butter on the exterior sides of each sandwich.
05 - Return the skillet to medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet, buttered side down. Press gently and cook in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Add additional butter to the skillet as needed.
06 - Slice each patty melt in half and serve immediately, accompanied by pickles, potato chips, or fries as desired.
