Ground Beef & Cheese Panini
A hearty and melty panini filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and toasted bread—perfect for lunch or a comforting dinner.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Panini press or grill pan
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Filling
- ½ lb ground beef Lean recommended.
- ¼ cup onion Finely chopped.
- 1 clove garlic Minced.
- ½ tsp salt To taste.
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Panini
- 4 slices crusty bread Sourdough or ciabatta work great.
- 4 slices cheese Cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella.
- 1 tbsp butter Softened, for spreading on bread.
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Preheat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 2 slices, butter side down, on a work surface. Layer with 1–2 slices of cheese, then spoon over the beef mixture. Add more cheese on top if desired, and finish with the second bread slice (butter side up).
- Place sandwiches in the panini press or on the grill pan. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side (if using a pan), or until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve hot with pickles, salad, or chips.
Notes
Customize by adding sautéed peppers, jalapeños, or a spread like mustard or aioli. For a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of bread.