Buttery Rye, Swiss, and Savory Beef with Legendary Confidential Sauce (Print version)

A diner-style patty melt with buttery rye, juicy beef, melted Swiss, caramelized onions, and a creamy confidential sauce.

# Ingredients:

For the confidential sauce

01 - 1/3 cup (75 g) mayonnaise
02 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
03 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
04 - 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice
05 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the onions and beef

08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
10 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
11 - 1 lb (450 g) 85/15 ground beef
12 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For assembly

14 - 8 slices rye bread
15 - 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
16 - 8 slices Swiss cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Stir the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate while you cook the onions.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring often, until soft and deep golden. Add a splash of water if the pan gets dry.
03 - Gently mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Shape into 4 thin patties slightly larger than the rye slices.
04 - Increase the skillet heat to medium. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through to 160°F. Transfer to a plate and wipe excess grease from the skillet.
05 - Butter one side of each rye slice. Place 4 slices buttered side down. Add Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, a thin spread of sauce, another slice of Swiss, and the top bread slice with the buttered side facing out.
06 - Cook the sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the rye is crisp and the Swiss is melted. Rest 1 minute, then slice and serve hot.

# Good to know:

01 - Makes 4 hearty patty melts.
02 - Cook onions and sauce ahead to make assembly faster.
03 - Best served hot from the skillet.

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