Diner-Style Patty Melt

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef chuck (20% fat)
• or 4 vegetarian patties such as Lightlife Plant-Based Burgers
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 slices rye bread
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• divided
• 1 large onion
• sliced into 1/4" rounds
• 8 thin slices cheddar
• American
• or Swiss cheese
• 8 teaspoons mayonnaise
• divided

Instructions

1. 1

   Season beef with salt and pepper; divide into 4 patties.

2. 2

   Form each patty into a thin oval that is slightly larger than a slice of bread you’re using.

3. 3

   Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet or griddle, preferably cast iron, over medium-high.

4. 4

   Cook onion slices in a single layer, being careful not to let rings separate, until softened and charred, about 4 minutes per side.

5. 5

   Transfer to a plate and divide into individual rings.

6. 6

   Add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil to skillet.

7. 7

   Working in batches if needed, cook patties, pressing flat with a spatula, until browned but still pink in the center, about 1 1/2 minutes per side.

8. 8

   Transfer to a plate.

9. 9

   Wipe out skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.

10. 10

    Top each slice of bread with 1 cheese slice, 1 patty, one-quarter of the onions, another slice of cheese, then a second slice of bread.

11. 11

    Spread tops of each sandwich with 1 tsp. mayonnaise.

12. 12

    Working in batches if needed, cook sandwiches, mayo side down, spreading the top of each sandwich with 1 tsp. mayonnaise, until golden brown, about 3 minutes.

13. 13

    Flip and continue to cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3 minutes.