Classic Patty Melts with Caramelized Onions

Ingredients

• 1½ lb ground beef, 80/20
• 2 large yellow onions
• 8 slices rye bread
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Steps

1. Slice onions thinly. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden brown and caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt.
2. While onions caramelize, divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into oval-shaped patties, slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. In a separate skillet or on a griddle, cook patties over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Remove patties from skillet and set aside.
4. Wipe the skillet clean if necessary. Butter one side of each rye bread slice. Place 4 slices, butter-side down, in the skillet over medium heat. Top each with a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked patty, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese.
5. Place the remaining 4 slices of rye bread, butter-side up, on top of the cheese and onions. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove patty melts from the skillet, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.