These Easy Patty Melts are my go-to for a quick and satisfying meal that tastes just like something you’d get at a classic diner. They’re juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a tangy sauce all sandwiched between two slices of buttery rye bread.

I love how easy these patty melts are to make. They come together in just a few minutes, and they’re perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even a late-night snack. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite types of cheese, bread, or toppings.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Patty Melts

Diner-Style Flavor: These patty melts capture the classic flavors of a diner-style patty melt, with juicy beef, melted cheese, and a tangy sauce.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These patty melts are great for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even a late-night snack.
Versatile: You can easily customize these patty melts with your favorite types of cheese, bread, or toppings.

Ingredients for Easy Patty Melts

Here’s what I use to make these delicious patty melts:

Rye Bread: I love the slightly tangy flavor of rye bread, but you can also use sourdough bread or any other type of bread you like.
Butter: Softened butter is used to spread on the bread.
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef for this recipe, but you can use any type of ground beef you prefer.
Ground Black Pepper, Sea Salt, and Onion Powder: These spices add flavor to the beef patties.
Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Bacon Bits, Sweet Relish, and Sugar: These ingredients are combined to make a tangy and flavorful sauce.
Cheddar Cheese and Provolone Cheese: I use a combination of cheddar cheese and provolone cheese for the best flavor and melty texture.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

Spicy Patty Melt: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Veggie Patty Melt: Add some sauteed onions or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
Different Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese, like Swiss cheese, pepper jack cheese, or even a blend of cheeses.
Caramelized Onions: Top the patty melt with caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Easy Patty Melts

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

I start by spreading softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.

Step 2: Make the Patties

In a bowl, I combine the ground beef, pepper, salt, and onion powder. I mix everything together until the spices are evenly distributed. Then, I shape the mixture into patties that are about the same size as the bread slices.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

I preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for a few minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through. I use a digital thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the patties reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the patties are cooking, I mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar in a small bowl.

Step 5: Assemble and Cook the Patty Melts

I heat a separate skillet over medium-low heat and add a slice of bread, butter-side down. I top the bread with cheddar cheese, a cooked patty, and provolone cheese. Then, I spread the sauce on the unbuttered side of another slice of bread and place it on top of the cheese, sauce-side down. I cook the patty melt for a few minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted.

Tips and Tricks

Even Cooking: Make sure the patties are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the patties. This will help them brown properly.
Temperature Check: Use a digital thermometer to ensure the patties are cooked through.
Toasted Bread: Cook the patty melts until the bread is golden brown and toasted for the best texture.

How to Serve

These Easy Patty Melts are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:

French Fries: A classic pairing!
Onion Rings: Another great side dish option.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to these hearty patty melts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can make the patties and the sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storing: Store leftover patty melts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the patty melts in the oven at a low temperature, in the microwave, or on the stovetop in a skillet.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, such as sourdough bread, whole wheat bread, or even hamburger buns.

2. Can I add other toppings to the patty melts?
Absolutely! Try adding caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even a fried egg.

3. Can I make these patty melts vegetarian?
Yes, you can use a vegetarian meat substitute or just leave out the meat altogether and add more vegetables.

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Easy Patty Melts. I hope you enjoy them!

Easy Patty Melts Recipe