Diner-Style Patty Melts

Ingredients for patty Melts:

• Two sliced yellow onions,
• two tablespoons of butter,
• one pound of ground beef (not lean; use ground chuck instead),
• four slices of Swiss cheese, and four slices of rye bread with caraway seeds
• Extra melted butter to smear over bread
• Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fry sauce, etc. are optional.

Directions for patty Melts

1. In a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, season with salt and pepper, and simmer, turning regularly, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Transfer to a platter and reserve.
2. Shape the ground beef into two patties, each weighing six to eight ounces, roughly the size of a slice of bread. Take as little action as you can. Use a lot of salt and pepper to season. To prepare patties for medium-rare, add a little butter to a cast-iron pan and cook for three to four minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate and clean the skillet.
3. Melts should be prepared by placing bread slices on a cutting board and buttering the tops. Turn the bread over and place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each slice. Place two slices of grilled onions on a mound, and then top the onions with the beef patties. Turn remaining bread slices or cheese over burger. Press down gently to help the sandwich come together.
4. Add a small amount of butter to a cast-iron skillet and heat it to medium. Patties should be put in the pan, lightly pressed down, and then grilled until golden brown. Gently turn the cheese over, press it down once more, broil the other side, then cover it with a lid to continue melting it. Transfer to a board and divide in half.
5. Serve after swiping with mayo or another topping, if preferred