This recipe creates a hearty and flavorful Southern Cheesy Patty Melt, a delicious twist on the classic sandwich. It features seasoned ground beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all sandwiched between slices of toasted bread. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices bread (rye, sourdough, or Texas toast)
- 4 slices cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, or Provolone)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 4 patties.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 20-30 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
- Cook the Patties: In the same skillet, cook the ground beef patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
- Toast the Bread: Melt the remaining butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the bread slices and toast until golden brown on both sides.
- Assemble the Patty Melts: Place a slice of cheese on each of the toasted bread slices. Top with the cooked patties and caramelized onions.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled patty melts back in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the Southern Cheesy Patty Melts hot.
Tips and Notes:
- Ground Beef Blend: Using an 80/20 ground beef blend provides a good balance of flavor and moisture.
- Bread Choice: Rye, sourdough, or Texas toast are popular choices for patty melts.
- Cheese Variations: You can use different cheeses like pepper jack or havarti for variety.
- Onion Variations: You can use red onions or shallots instead of yellow onions.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the patties and caramelized onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the patty melts.
- Storage: Store any leftover patty melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Southern Cheesy Patty Melts!