Copycat Steak 'N Shake Frisco Melt

The famous Frisco Melt is a building of delicate layers of goodness. You have your two butter-smothered toasted slices of sourdough bread on top with that tangy creamy dressing on one slice and some classic caramelized onions on the other, with the pièce de résistance smashed burger with two slices of silky melted cheese in the middle. If the Steak 'n Shake classic sandwich is a staple for you, then our copycat recipe is about to become your new favorite lunch star.

The melt might be familiar to you, something that you've only had once, or you may never have even tried one before. The best part is that it’s straightforward, easy peasy, and so satisfying to have it hot out of the pan. Yes, it has a lot of butter, and yes, it has plenty of carbs, but that's what makes this sandwich so extremely good. Trust us—it's worth making at home.

Did you try making this? Let us know how it went in the comments!

Ingredients

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

5 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided

Kosher salt

2 tbsp. store-bought French dressing

2 tbsp. store-bought Thousand Island dressing

1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

4 slices sourdough bread

1 lb. (80% lean) ground beef

2 slices American cheese

2 slices Swiss cheese

See All Nutritional Information

Directions

SAVE TO MY RECIPES

Step 1In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine onions and 3 tablespoons water. Cover and cook 10 minutes. Uncover, reduce heat to low, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until onions start to slightly brown on bottom of pan, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon water and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until onions are reduced in size and are a deep golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Remove from heat, then stir in 1 tablespoon butter; season with salt.

Step 2In a small bowl, mix French dressing, Thousand Island dressing, and Worcestershire sauce until combined. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add 2 slices of bread, let bread absorb butter, and toast on one side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 2 slices bread.

Step 3Spread sauce on 1 side of 2 slices bread. Arrange caramelized onions on remaining 2 slices.

Step 4Form beef into 4 (4-oz.) balls. Heat same skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add meat and smash with the back of a spatula until a thin patty forms; season with salt. Cook until just browned, about 1 minute. Flip and continue to cook until second side is browned, about 1 minute. Flip again and cook until edges are crispy and browned, about 1 minute more.

Step 5Arrange 1 slice American cheese and 1 slice Swiss cheese on 2 patties. Carefully place 2 patties on top of cheese. Cover and cook until cheese is melty, about 1 minute.

Step 6Place a burger on top of onions. Close sandwiches sauce side down.

Step 7In same skillet over medium heat, cook sandwiches, turning once, until bread is toasted and sandwiches are warmed through, about 1 minute per side.