Ultimate Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Ingredients

For the Patty Melts:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
8 slices rye bread (or substitute sourdough or Texas toast)
8 slices Swiss cheese (or try cheddar or provolone for a twist)
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter, divided

Optional Toppings:
Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles

Secret Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
A dash of hot sauce (optional, for a kick)

Directions

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape into flat patties, slightly larger than your bread (they shrink while cooking). Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Set aside.

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add sliced onions and cook on medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Wipe the skillet clean. Lay out 4 slices of bread. On each, add a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked patty, a spoonful of caramelized onions, and a second slice of cheese. Spread a generous amount of secret sauce on the top slice of bread, then place it on the sandwich.

Return sandwiches to the skillet over medium heat. Press them down slightly and cook 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Cook in batches if necessary.

Let the patty melts rest briefly, then slice in half and serve hot.