Description
This melt is the definition of comfort food: buttery toasted bread encasing juicy seasoned ground beef and a generous layer of melted cheese. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1/2 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices thick white bread or sourdough
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened) or mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
- Cook for 2 more minutes and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Spread butter or mayo on one side of each bread slice.
- Lay two slices buttered-side down. Top with a layer of cheese, beef mixture, optional tomato slices, more cheese, then another slice of bread (buttered-side up).
- Wipe out the skillet and return to medium-low heat.
- Grill sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Let rest for 1 minute, slice, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes