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–+ servings

Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

These classic diner-style patty melts deliver the perfect combo of crispy rye bread, juicy beef, melted provolone and cheddar, and a smoky, tangy “secret sauce” that ties it all together. They’re quick, comforting, and guaranteed to satisfy your Friday night burger craving — no drive-thru required.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Main Course, Sandwiches, Skillet Recipes, Weeknight Meals
Cuisine American
Servings 3
Calories 1233 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 6 slices rye bread
  • 3 tbsp butter softened
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp sweet relish
  • 2 tbsp cooked bacon finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Form 3 thin patties from ground beef, sized to fit your bread. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sugar, relish, and bacon until smooth. Adjust to taste.
  • Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place 3 slices, butter-side-down, in a clean skillet over medium heat.
  • On each slice, layer 2 slices provolone, 1 beef patty, 2 slices cheddar, and a generous dollop of secret sauce. Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side-up.
  • Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
  • Rest for 1 minute, slice, and serve with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Swap rye for sourdough or add grilled onions for a diner-style twist. Extra sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to a week.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 1233kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 56.7gFat: 88.7gSaturated Fat: 40gTrans Fat: 3gCholesterol: 167mgSodium: 1433mgFiber: 3.3gSugar: 10g
Keyword diner-style, ground beef sandwich, patty melt, rye bread, secret sauce