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Tasty Secret Sauce Sandwich

Featured in: Main Dishes

This fancy grilled sandwich blends juicy seasoned beef with two cheese varieties, sweet slow-cooked onions, and a tangy special sauce, all between crispy rye slices.
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Twistytaste.com
Updated on Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:42:42 GMT
A close-up of a toasted sandwich filled with layers of melted cheese, ground beef, and caramelized onions, served on a black plate. Pin it
A close-up of a toasted sandwich filled with layers of melted cheese, ground beef, and caramelized onions, served on a black plate. | twistytaste.com

I gotta tell you about my go-to comfort food: Hidden Flavor Melt Sensation! This goes way beyond your regular sandwich – it's my passion project that I fine-tuned during many weekend kitchen experiments. Imagine this: tender beef patties tucked between crispy rye slices, covered with gooey cheese, piled with mellow caramelized onions, and covered with a spread so tasty you'll want it on everything. Seriously, after trying this, ordinary burgers won't cut it anymore!

What Makes This Melt Special

This isn't your typical sandwich – it's revolutionary! That hidden flavor spread? It came from endless experimenting and adjustments (my relatives were happy taste-testers!). And don't get me started on those slow-cooked onions – they're totally worth the constant stirring. When these components meet that super crispy rye bread, you'll experience sandwich heaven!

Stuff You'll Need

  • The Knockout Spread: Here's our winning combo – mayo, ketchup, Dijon, with a dash of pickle juice – you'll thank me later!
  • Tasty Onions: Take your time here – they'll slowly turn into sweet, amber deliciousness.
  • Quality Meat: I always pick 85/15 for patties that stay juicy without excess grease.
  • Good Bread: Real rye bread takes this sandwich to another level.
  • Double Cheese Action: Both Swiss AND cheddar because one's never enough!

Creating Your Masterpiece

Mix That Spread
Get your flavor mixture ready first so all those tastes can mingle while you work.
Onion Slow-Down
This part needs your patience – go easy and take your time for perfectly sweet onions.
Beef Done Right
Don't skimp on seasoning! A splash of Worcestershire sauce works wonders here.
Putting It All Together
Stack everything carefully – it's like creating the most delicious tower ever!

Smart Tricks I've Learned

After whipping these up so many times, I've got some shortcuts! Try lightly toasting your rye before you start – it really improves the crunch factor. Here's something smart: cover your pan while cooking so the cheese gets super melty! If you notice your onions getting a bit dry, just add a tiny bit of water – works like magic.

Perfect Pairings

These melts need something crunchy on the side! My kids go crazy for them with spiced fries, but a zesty slaw works great too. Always add a pickle – that extra snap and tang really completes the meal. Sometimes we enjoy them with a bowl of tomato soup when we want the ultimate feel-good dinner!

Answers To Your Questions

You can definitely prep that special spread beforehand – it actually tastes better the next day! Having trouble with your onions? Keep the temperature low and don't rush – the result is worth it. Worried about getting the cheese just right? Remember to use that pan lid!

Switch Things Up

Don't be afraid to try different versions! Sometimes I throw in pepper jack for some heat, or add some crunchy bacon because everyone loves bacon! Butter-cooked mushrooms also make an awesome addition. Feeling fancy? Try making it with sourdough – totally changes the game!

Storage Tips

Got some left? Lucky you! These taste best when warmed up in a pan to keep the outside crispy. Don't use the microwave – you'll just end up with soggy bread. If you're planning ahead, you can make the special spread and onions early, but put everything together fresh when you're hungry.

A close-up of a grilled sandwich filled with melted cheese and ground beef between two slices of toasted bread. Pin it
A close-up of a grilled sandwich filled with melted cheese and ground beef between two slices of toasted bread. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cook onions for half an hour?
Taking 30 minutes to cook down the onions brings out their natural sweetness. This slow cooking transforms them completely, creating sweet, mellow flavors that work beautifully with the beef.
→ What's the point of mixing Swiss and cheddar?
Swiss gives you that creamy, nutty taste and melts beautifully, while cheddar brings a bold, sharp kick with different melting texture. Together they make the perfect cheesy combo.
→ Can I make this without gluten?
Sure thing! Just grab some gluten-free rye bread or any sturdy gluten-free option. Double check your Worcestershire sauce and mustard don't contain gluten, as some brands do.
→ Why should I make the patties so thin?
Thin patties cook up fast and evenly, plus they fit perfectly in your sandwich. They also give you the right amount of meat with each bite and let the cheese melt all over them.
→ Can I mix the sauce up beforehand?
Definitely! You can make the sauce up to 3 days early and keep it in the fridge. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle together.

Cheese Burger Sandwich

A hearty sandwich with juicy beef patties, melted Swiss and cheddar, sweet onions, and zesty sauce on crispy rye bread.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup mayo.
02 2 tbsp tomato sauce.
03 1 tbsp regular mustard.
04 1 tsp juice from pickles.
05 1/4 tsp red spice powder.
06 1/4 tsp powdered garlic.
07 2 tbsp oil from olives.
08 2 big onions, cut into thin strips.
09 12 ounces of ground beef (85% lean).
10 1/2 tsp table salt.
11 1/2 tsp black pepper.
12 1 tsp brown sauce.
13 8 pieces of dark bread.
14 3 tbsp butter without salt.
15 4 slices of holey cheese.
16 4 slices of orange cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together mayo, tomato sauce, mustard, pickle juice, red spice, and garlic powder until it's all mixed well.

Step 02

Put sliced onions in hot oil and cook them slowly for half an hour till they turn soft and golden. Add a splash of water now and then to stop them from getting too dark.

Step 03

Combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, and brown sauce. Make four flat patties that'll fit your bread slices.

Step 04

Fry the meat patties on medium until they're nicely browned on each side. Put them aside when done.

Step 05

Spread butter on all bread pieces. Stack them with buttered side down, holey cheese first, then meat, onions, sauce, orange cheese, and top bread with butter facing up.

Step 06

Cook the whole sandwich until it's golden and the cheese gets all melty, making sure to flip it once.

Notes

  1. You can fix the sauce a day before.
  2. Works with special bread for folks who can't eat gluten.
  3. Look at the brown sauce label if you need the gluten-free kind.

Tools You'll Need

  • Frying pan.
  • Mixing containers.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products.
  • Egg stuff (found in mayo).
  • Wheat protein.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 32 g