Savory Patty Melt Casserole
Savory Patty Melt Casserole is a comforting baked take on the classic diner sandwich, layered with seasoned beef, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, bread, and a creamy Thousand Island custard, then topped with buttery crumbs.
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Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 10 slices white or sourdough sandwich bread
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large or 2 small white onions sliced
- 18 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup 1/2 stick butter melted
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Prepare the Bread Base
- Cut half of the bread slices into approximately 2-inch pieces. Arrange the bread pieces evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the Swiss cheese slices in an even layer.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
- Place the remaining bread slices in a food processor and pulse until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Season with the seasoned salt and stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Evenly spoon the beef mixture over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
Cook the Onions
- In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Spread the onions evenly over the ground beef layer.
Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Thousand Island dressing, milk, and eggs until fully combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the onion layer.
Add the Remaining Cheese
- Arrange the remaining Swiss cheese slices evenly over the top of the casserole.
Top with Buttered Breadcrumbs
- In a small bowl, combine the coarse breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated, then sprinkle them over the casserole.
Bake
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown.
Serve
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving. Serve warm.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten free, use certified gluten-free sandwich bread and confirm that the seasoned salt, Worcestershire sauce, Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese, and any packaged ingredients are gluten free, as hidden gluten can appear in flavorings or additives. Prepare the breadcrumbs using the gluten-free bread, and check that all condiments are safe for gluten-free use. If cross-contact is a concern, use clean cookware, utensils, and prep surfaces throughout preparation.