Patty Melt Casserole: The Classic Sandwich Turned Easy Comfort Food Bake
If you love a classic patty melt — juicy beef, buttery rye bread, caramelized onions, and melty Swiss cheese — you’re going to fall head over heels for this Patty Melt Casserole. It has all the flavor of the diner favorite but skips the hassle of standing at the stove flipping individual sandwiches.
This version is baked in a 9×13 dish, layered like a savory bread pudding, and comes out bubbling, cheesy, and packed with rich beefy flavor. It’s the ultimate crowd-feeder, making it perfect for game days, potlucks, or anytime you need serious comfort food without the fuss.
And if you’re planning a Super Bowl spread? Make two. Trust me — it will disappear fast.
Why I Love This Recipe
As someone who appreciates bold, nostalgic comfort food, this casserole hits every mark.
- It transforms a classic sandwich into an easy bake.
- No standing at the skillet flipping bread.
- It feeds a crowd effortlessly.
- It reheats beautifully.
- It delivers that buttery, cheesy, beefy bite in every forkful.
It reminds me of the cozy vibes you get from my This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut — simple ingredients, big payoff.
Ingredients
- 8 slices rye bread, buttered and cubed
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 cups beef broth
Ingredient Swaps and Notes
Rye Bread:
Classic patty melts demand rye, but you can use sourdough or marble rye if that’s what you have.
Cheese Options:
Swiss is traditional, but provolone or even mozzarella can work in a pinch.
Ground Beef:
Use 80/20 for maximum flavor. Leaner beef works but won’t be quite as rich.
Broth Tip:
Use low-sodium beef broth if you prefer better control over salt levels.
How to Make Patty Melt Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Add half of the buttered rye bread cubes to the bottom of the dish.
- Top with half of the beef mixture.
- Layer on half of the Swiss cheese slices.
- Repeat the layers with remaining bread, beef, and cheese.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Slowly pour 2 cups of beef broth evenly over the casserole. This helps soften the bread and infuse it with rich flavor.
Step 4: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Butter both sides lightly of the rye for extra richness.
- Don’t skip the Worcestershire — it adds that signature diner depth.
- Let the casserole rest before cutting so it sets properly.
- If you like extra caramelized onion flavor, cook the onions a few minutes longer before mixing with the beef.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This casserole is hearty and rich, so I love pairing it with something fresh or snackable:
- Serve with a crisp green salad.
- Add pickles on the side for classic patty melt vibes.
- Pair it with This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes for the ultimate game-day spread.
- Make it part of a bigger party lineup alongside This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd.
- If you love hearty baked comfort dishes, you’ll also enjoy This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit or This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Serves 8.
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.
- Microwave works for quick reheating, but the bread may soften more.
- You can freeze it fully baked — wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re all about bold, comforting flavors and easy entertaining, be sure to try:
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd
Final Thoughts
This Patty Melt Casserole takes everything we love about diner comfort food and transforms it into an easy, bake-and-serve meal that’s perfect for gatherings. It’s rich, cheesy, satisfying, and guaranteed to get recipe requests.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share it with your fellow comfort food lovers, and follow along for more crave-worthy recipes straight from my kitchen to yours.
— Jason Griffith
ChefManiac.com
