Diner Style Patty Melts

There are only a few celebrations that we actually have control over when they happen.  Valentine's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas - we don't get to choose those dates.  But, wedding anniversary's and the birth of our children (to some extent) - those we have some control over. 🙃  So can someone please explain to me why in the world I ever thought it was a good idea to have a baby at the end of November? 🤣👶🏻 Seriously, I can't think of a busier, crazier or more stressful time of year and we decided that would be the perfect time of year to throw a family birthday into the mix. 🤷🏻‍♀️

​So this week, like you, I'm putting away pumpkins and Fall decorations and replacing them with Christmas wreaths, artificial trees and lighted garland.  And in all my free time, I'm baking funfetti cupcakes and wrapping birthday gifts in non-Christmas themed paper.  😂  

To be clear - I take full responsibility for the timing of this birthday but I absolutely love celebrating the life of this amazing girl - no matter time of year it is.  My youngest child is the absolute embodiment of joy and I really can't think of a better time to celebrate her than smack dab in the midst of the excitement of the holidays.  Anyone who is lucky enough to know her, knows that she is a bright light in this world.   She truly exemplifies the spirit of Christmas. 🎄

My December birthday girl is my right hand in the kitchen.  I depend on her help when I have big catering orders and long cookie decorating days.  (She's the best flooder in town. 🤣)  She doesn't ever ask for pay in return for her help - she prefers to be paid in food. 🤣 #mychild  And I know that the way to this girls heart is, meat.  🥩 She is a carnivore, through and through and these patty melts were her right up her alley.   Also my way of showing appreciation for a day spent helping me in the kitchen.  

Patty Melts
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
1/2 cup water
2 Tablespoons ketchup
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
8 slices rye bread, toasted
8 slices deli Swiss cheese
4 slices deli American cheese
1 pound 80% lean ground beef
6 Tablespoons butter
2 onions, thinly sliced

Combine 1 1/2 t. salt and 1 t. pepper. 

Combine 1/2 c. water, ketchup, vinegar, sugar and Worcestershire sauce. 

Arrange 1 slice of Swiss and 1 slice of American cheese 4 pieces of bread. 

Divide beef into 4 portions.  Press into a thin oval 1/4" larger than bread. 

Heat cast iron skillet.  Swirl 1 T. butter into skillet until melted. 

Season patties with 1/4 of salt/pepper mixture and add to skillet - seasoned side down.  

Sprinkle tops with 1/4 t. salt/pepper mixture.  Cook until browned on both sides. 

Transfer patties to cheese topped bread.  Repeat with remaining patties.

Add onions, 1 c. water, 1/2 t. salt and 1/2 t. pepper to skillet.  Cover and cook 10 minutes. 

Stir in ketchup mixture.  

Cook until liquid evaporates. ​

Divide onions evenly over patties. 

Top with a slice of Swiss cheese and another slice of bread. 

Wipe skillet clean and melt 1 T. butter in skillet.  Add 2 patty melts to skillet.  Cover and cook 3-5 minutes.  

Flip patties and add 1 T. butter.  Cover and cook another 3 minutes.  Repeat with remaining patty melts.  ​

Slice sandwiches in half and serve. 

Full disclosure - I quit eating red meat a few years ago so I didn't even taste these Diner Style Patty Melts.  BUT... I can tell you that my family ooohed and aahhhed over them the entire time.  I can also tell you that there wasn't even a single morsel left on anyone's plate at the end of the meal.  And that's about the best review of a meal that I can get. 

​Ciao!

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