Ingredients
- 6 slices rye bread
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon real bacon bits
- 1 teaspoon sweet relish
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 6 slices Cheddar cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Generously and thoroughly butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Set aside.
- Season the Beef: In a bowl, gently combine the ground beef, black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder. Mix just until combined; do not overmix, or your patties will be tough. Form the mixture into three patties, shaping them to fit your slices of bread.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the formed patties and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes, or until the patties are no longer pink in the centers and reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (70°C).
- Whip Up the Special Sauce: While the patties are cooking, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and white sugar in a small bowl. Stir well until the mayonnaise and ketchup are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the Melts: In another large skillet, heat over medium-low heat. Place one slice of buttered bread, buttered-side down, in the skillet. Top with two slices of Cheddar cheese, one cooked patty, and two slices of provolone cheese.
- Add the Top Bread: Spread a thin layer of your special sauce on the unbuttered side of a second slice of bread. Place this sauce-side down on top of the provolone cheese.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Cook the patty melt until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese is beautifully melted, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Repeat: If necessary, work in batches to assemble and cook the remaining patty melts.
Notes
- This recipe is a delightful indulgence and is not a health food. Enjoy it as an occasional treat!
- The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We’ve intentionally left out strong burger seasonings like Worcestershire sauce to let the special sauce be the star.
- Don’t overmix your ground beef! Overmixing leads to a dense, tough patty.
- Using a nonstick skillet for the patties will make flipping easier and prevent sticking.
- Butter is Key: Don’t skimp on the butter for the bread; it’s essential for that perfectly golden, crispy crust.
- Relish Adjustment: If you use a less sweet relish or minced dill pickle, you might want to slightly increase the sugar in the special sauce to maintain that balanced flavor profile.
- Keep an Eye on the Heat: Medium-low heat is crucial for the final assembly to ensure the cheese melts slowly and the bread toasts without burning.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish / Sandwich
- Method: Pan-fried / Skillet
- Cuisine: American / Diner
Keywords: Patty Melt, Special Sauce, Burger, Sandwich, Comfort Food, Ground Beef, Cheese, Rye Bread, Diner Food, Easy Recipe, Quick Meal, Lunch, Dinner, American Cuisine, Skillet Recipe
