Step 1

Portion the ground beef into 4 even balls (approximately 6 ounces per).

Step 2

Season the balls with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Once hot, add the balls, and sear for 2 minutes.

Step 5

Using a spatula, press the balls into patties, and continue to cook for 2 more minutes or until deeply seared.

Step 6

Flip the patties and continue to cook until seared on the other side and cooked through.

Step 7

Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate. Keep the drippings in the pan.

Step 8

Add the onions and saute for 10 minutes or until tender and brown.

Step 9

While the onions are cooking, spread the softened butter over the split side of the buns.

Step 10

Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside on the plate with the burgers. Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels.

Step 11

Reduce the heat to medium-low and place two of the bun halves (I used the top buns), buttered side down, into the skillet.

Step 12

Add a slice of American cheese and a burger patty to each of the buns.

Step 13

Top the burger patties with sauteed onions.

Step 14

Top the onions in this order; American cheese slice, burger patty, and American cheese slice.

Step 15

Cap the stack with the remaining buns, buttered side up.

Step 16

Toast for 2 to 4 minutes per side, occasionally pressing firmly with a spatula to compact the stack, and cook until toasty and melty.

Step 17

Serve the patty melts with condiments (ketchup, mustard, and mayo), lettuce, and tomato on the side for further customization.