Patty Melt

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (I used 90% lean)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 1 large yellow onion (halved and thinly sliced)
• 6 slices sturdy rye bread
• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (or sharp white cheddar, divided)

Steps

1. 1

   To keep the sandwiches warm between batches, preheat the oven to 200°F.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, place the beef, oil, Worcestershire, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and the pepper. With your hands, gently combine. Divide meat into thirds and shape into 3 oval patties that are each about 6 inches at their longest part and x 4 inches across the center.

3. 3

   In a large nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Cook the patties in a single layer on the first side until they are well browned, about 5 minutes (no need to flip them in the pan). Transfer to large plate, browned-side up. If needed, cook the patties in batches so they do not touch while browning.

4. 4

   To the pan with the patty drippings, add the onions and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are turning golden brown, about 8 minutes.

5. 5

   Reduce the skillet heat to medium. With a spatula, carefully transfer the patties to the skillet and place them on top of the onions, keeping the browned-side up. Pour in any juices that have collected on the plate around the patties.

6. 6

   Let the patties cook, shaking the pan every few minutes to loosen up the onions, until onions are tender and the burgers are cooked through; they should register at least 135°F on an instant read thermometer, about 3 to 5 minutes. Note the burgers temperature will continue to rise and do not overcook or the patty melts will be dry. Remove the patties and onions to a plate.

7. 7

   Assemble the sandwiches: Place ¼ cup of shredded cheese on each of 3 slices of the bread. Top with patties, onions, remaining cheese, and the remaining 3 slices of bread.

8. 8

   With paper towels, carefully wipe the skillet fairly clean. Melt ½ tablespoon butter in the skillet over medium heat. Cook 2 sandwiches on both sides until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side (if your skillet is very large, use all the butter and cook all 3 at once). Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining ½ tablespoon butter and remaining sandwich. Slice and serve immediately.