Crave Wednesday: Mushroom and Provolone Patty Melts

I hope you had a very happy Memorial Day weekend.  Ours was busy.  I know, you're shocked.   We went to a pool party on Saturday, an indoor play space on Sunday, and a brewery on Monday.  I was almost looking forward to the slower pace of work on Tuesday.

And speaking of work on Tuesday, I started a new job yesterday!  It's only been a day, but so far, so good.  My schedule is going to be pretty much the same, so don't think you're going to get any sort of break from my whining about being tired.  Or short on time. 

So meals like this will stay weekend meals.  Because no one has time to wash 2 pans during the week.  At the same time, is it so bad to have a patty melt on the weekend?  Picture it, you've had a hard week, all you want is to relax, sit down and sink your teeth into a warm patty of meat, dripping with cheese, and mushrooms.  You deserve it. 

Mushroom and Provolone Patty Melts (From Cooking Light)

3/4 cup thinly sliced onion, divided

1 lb 93% lean ground beef

1/4 tsp salt, divided

1/4 tsp ground pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

8oz sliced cremini mushrooms

1 1/2 Tbsp flour

1/4 cup dark lager beer

8 slices rye bread

cooking spray

4 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese

1. Chop enough of the sliced onion to measure 1/4 cup.  
2. Combine chopped onion, beef, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper in a medium bowl.
3. Divide beef mixture into 4 equal portions with moist hands, shaping each into a 4-inch oval patty.  Press thumb in center of each patty, leaving a nickel-sized indentation.
4. Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add 1 tsp oil to pan, swirling to coat.  Add patties, cook 4 minutes on each side or until done.
5. Heat 2 tsp oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.  Add mushrooms, remaining onion, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper, saute 3 minutes.
6. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture, cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
7. Stir in beer, cook 30 seconds or until thick.  Remove from heat and keep warm.
8. When patties are done, remove from large pan.  Wipe pan clean; heat over medium-high heat.  Coat 1 side of each bread slice with cooking spray.
9. Place 4 bread slices, coated side down, in  pan.  Top each with 1 patty, 1 cheese slice, and one-fourth of mushroom mixture.
10. Top with remaining bread slices; coat with cooking spray.  Cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned.