Patty Melt Skillet Comfort

Featured in: One-Pot Comfort Dishes

This classic skillet dish combines flavorful beef patties seasoned with Worcestershire and garlic, topped with sweet caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese. Assembled between slices of buttered rye bread, it’s cooked in a cast iron skillet for a crispy golden crust. The combination of textures and rich flavors creates a comforting diner-style meal ready in under an hour. Perfect for an easy yet indulgent main course, it pairs wonderfully with pickles or fries.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:47:00 GMT
Crispy golden Patty Melt Skillet with melted Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and juicy beef. Save
Crispy golden Patty Melt Skillet with melted Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and juicy beef. | sizzlebloom.com

A classic American comfort dish featuring juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melty Swiss cheese, all layered over golden rye bread and cooked in a cast iron skillet for an irresistible crispy finish.

I love making this skillet because it brings diner nostalgia right into my kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

  • For the Patties: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended), 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • For the Onions: 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 tsp salt
  • For Assembly: 8 slices rye bread, 8 slices Swiss cheese, 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened (for bread), Optional 2 tbsp mayonnaise

Instructions

Prepare Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into 4 equal patties slightly larger than the bread slices.
Caramelize Onions:
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp butter, then onions and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook stirring occasionally until golden and caramelized about 12 15 minutes. Remove onions and set aside.
Cook Patties:
Increase heat to medium high. Add beef patties to the skillet and cook for 3 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Assemble Sandwiches:
Wipe skillet clean. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices buttered side down in the skillet. Top each with a slice of Swiss cheese a beef patty caramelized onions another slice of Swiss cheese and finish with a second bread slice buttered side up.
Cook Sandwiches:
Cook over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts about 3 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula for an even crust.
Serve:
Slice each patty melt in half and serve hot.
A sizzling cast iron skillet holds a delicious Patty Melt Skillet, ready for a comforting meal. Save
A sizzling cast iron skillet holds a delicious Patty Melt Skillet, ready for a comforting meal. | sizzlebloom.com

This recipe always brings my family together we enjoy sharing these hearty sandwiches on weekend afternoons.

Notes

For extra flavor spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the bread before assembling. Try with cheddar or American cheese for a twist. Serve with pickles or French fries for an authentic diner experience.

Required Tools

Cast iron skillet Mixing bowl Spatula Knife and cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories 690 Total Fat 39 g Carbohydrates 42 g Protein 39 g

Melted cheese and browned beef create an appetizing Patty Melt Skillet in this American classic. Save
Melted cheese and browned beef create an appetizing Patty Melt Skillet in this American classic. | sizzlebloom.com

This patty melt skillet recipe is the perfect blend of ease and indulgence for any comfort food lover.

Common Questions

How do I caramelize onions perfectly?

Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat with butter and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally until they turn golden and soft, usually 12-15 minutes.

What type of bread works best in this dish?

Rye bread is ideal for its robust flavor and texture, which crisps nicely in the skillet and complements the savory filling.

Can I substitute Swiss cheese with another type?

Cheddar or American cheese can be used for a different twist, though Swiss provides a mild, nutty melt that balances the beef and onions well.

How do I get a crispy crust on the sandwich?

Butter the outside of the bread and cook over medium heat in a cast iron skillet, pressing gently to ensure even contact for a golden, crispy crust.

What seasoning enhances ground beef flavor here?

Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper bring depth and savory notes to the beef patties.

Patty Melt Skillet Comfort

Juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melty Swiss cheese layered on rye bread with a crispy skillet finish.

Setup Duration
20 min
Heat Duration
25 min
Complete Duration
45 min
Created by Emily Dawson

Classification One-Pot Comfort Dishes

Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels None specified

Components

For the Patties

01 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
03 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Onions

01 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Assembly

01 8 slices rye bread
02 8 slices Swiss cheese
03 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
04 Optional: 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Method Steps

Phase 01

Form Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Shape mixture into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than bread slices.

Phase 02

Caramelize Onions: Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter, sliced onions, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and caramelized, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Phase 03

Cook Patties: Increase heat to medium-high. Add beef patties and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.

Phase 04

Prepare Skillet for Assembly: Wipe skillet clean. Butter one side of each rye bread slice. Place 4 slices buttered side down in the skillet.

Phase 05

Assemble Melt: On each bread slice, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, another Swiss cheese slice, and top with second bread slice buttered side up.

Phase 06

Grill Sandwiches: Cook over medium heat until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted, 3 minutes per side. Press gently with spatula to ensure even crust.

Phase 07

Serve: Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately while hot.

Kitchen Tools

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Dietary Alerts

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (rye bread), milk (Swiss cheese, butter), soy (possible in Worcestershire sauce), and beef.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 690
  • Fats: 39 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 39 g