Directions:

1. Shape and Season: Begin by forming the ground beef into three patties, ensuring they’re roughly the same shape as your rye bread slices for a perfect fit. Season each patty generously on both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse them with flavor.
2. Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties until they’re cooked through, achieving a nice sear on each side. Once done, set the patties aside.
3. Create the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chopped bacon pieces, ketchup, sugar, and relish until well combined. This secret sauce is what sets these patty melts apart, offering a unique and tasty twist.
4. Prepare for Assembly: Clean the skillet and lower the heat to medium. Butter one side of each rye bread slice. Lay three slices, buttered side down, in the skillet.
5. Assemble the Patty Melts: On each slice of bread in the skillet, layer two slices of provolone cheese, a cooked beef patty, and two slices of cheddar cheese. Spread a portion of the secret sauce on the non-buttered side of the remaining bread slices, then place them, sauce side down, on top of the cheddar cheese.
6. Cook to Perfection: Allow the provolone to melt and the bread to toast to a golden brown before flipping the patty melts carefully. Cook until the second side is toasted and the cheddar cheese has melted.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once both sides of the patty melts are perfectly toasted and the cheese is gooey and melted, remove them from the skillet. Slice if desired, and serve hot.

These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are not just sandwiches; they’re a warm, comforting embrace on a plate. The combination of savory beef, melty cheese, toasted rye, and the tangy, slightly sweet secret sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to beat. Perfect for a cozy night in, a casual gathering with friends, or any time you need a little comfort food, these patty melts promise to delight and satisfy.