This recipe elevates the classic patty melt with a flavorful secret sauce featuring bacon and relish. The combination of juicy seasoned beef, melty cheeses, and tangy sauce on toasted rye bread makes for a truly satisfying sandwich.

Instructions:

Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into 3 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a flattened patty, roughly the same shape and size as your rye bread slices.
Season the patties: Season both sides of each patty generously with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Cook the patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the secret sauce: While the meat is cooking, in a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chopped bacon pieces, ketchup, sugar, and relish until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Set the sauce aside.
Wipe and heat skillet: Wipe the skillet used to cook the meat clean with a paper towel. Reduce the heat to medium.
Butter the bread: Butter one side of