Here’s a high-protein, macro-friendly take on the classic diner favorite, the Patty Melt. Juicy burger, caramelized onions, melty cheese — all while keeping carbs low and protein high.
🥩🧅 Classic High-Protein Patty Melt
✅ Ingredients (2 servings)
For the Burgers:
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8 oz (225 g) 93–96% lean ground beef
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½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Caramelized Onions:
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1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
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1 tsp olive oil
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Pinch salt
Cheese & “Bread”:
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2 slices reduced-fat Swiss or cheddar
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4 slices high-protein, low-carb bread (or 2 large low-carb sandwich thins)
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1 tsp butter or cooking spray
🔥 Instructions
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Caramelize onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onions 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
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Form burgers: Shape beef into 2 thin patties. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Cook patties: Heat skillet over medium-high heat, cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until done to your liking. Add cheese on top during last minute.
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Assemble patty melt: Lightly butter outside of bread slices. Layer cheese, caramelized onions, and burger patty between slices.
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Grill sandwich: Heat skillet over medium, cook sandwich 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
🧮 Nutrition (per sandwich)
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 380 | 38 g | 18 g | 8 g | 3 g | 5 g |
💡 High-Protein Tips
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Use lean ground beef to maximize protein.
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High-protein bread or low-carb sandwich thins reduce carbs without sacrificing texture.
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Caramelized onions add flavor but very few carbs.
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Optional: add a little Dijon mustard for extra flavor without calories.
Crispy on the outside, juicy and cheesy inside, this patty melt hits all the comfort-food notes while staying high-protein and low-carb.
