Grilled Juicy Lucy Burger

The Juicy Lucy Burger is a regional classic from Minnesota. You can enjoy this at home with a few simple tricks. No trip to Minnesota for you although you should go some time it is very nice.

So what is a Juicy Lucy (AKA Jucy Lucy) burger? Basically an inside-out cheeseburger. It doesn’t sound too tough. It’s not that hard plus adds a nice surprise in the middle. It will just step that burger up a notch. See Wikipedia for more history of this regional delight.

I’m from Iowa, and I have heard tail of this Minnesota wonder but was reminded last week while watching the Food Network. The specific show shall remain anonymous since I follow the “if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all” rule. Let’s just say food safety was not a consideration.

So I started with my How To Grill An Excellent Burger – A Tutorial. and used 7:2:2 seasoning. The choice of cheese is up to you but I opted for the classic processed American cheese slice… this is middle America we are talking about. And if I had Velveeta I would have used it. Secret confession… I really like Velveeta on my burgers much to my wife’s embarrassment.

Rating

Low 5 or very high 4. I love a good burger, and this is one.

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Notes:

Most cheeses except very hard cheese will melt in the 120-130 range. In other words, it will be liquid after it cooks a little. So a word to the wise, let it cool a little before biting in.

The edges may leak a little, just work on your technique next time.

Many will add more cheese on top. Fine if you want and it is the “classic” way.

Preheat grill on high. Clean and oil well. You don’t want to rip this open with sticking.

Divide ground beef into approximately 3 oz balls. Between two pieces of plastic wrap, flatten the beef into patties of about 5-inch diameter and 1/4 inch thick. The bottom of a pan is recommended here.

Add cheese. One standard slice of processed American cheese works well here with folding the corners in. Try to keep the cheese as far from the edge as possible.

Add a second flattened patty on top and seal the edges. Final diameter should be about 4 inches. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper. I used my 7:2:2 spice mix.

Grill for 5 minutes on the first side then 3-5 on the second side to get to 165 meat temp. Don’t poke holes all over it and cause a leak.

Let set for 5 minutes before serving. With lots of napkins.

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5 from 2 votes

Grilled Juicy Lucy Burger

The Juicy Lucy Burger is a regional classic from Minnesota. You can enjoy this at home with a few simple tricks. No trip to Minnesota for you.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time8 mins

Total Time18 mins

Author: DrDan

Servings/Adjustment: 2

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound hamburger
• 2 slices cheese
• Salt and Pepper or 7:2:2

Instructions

• Preheat grill on high. Clean and oil well. You don't want to rip this open with sticking.
• Divide ground beef into approximately 3 oz balls.
• Between two pieces of plastic wrap, flatten the beef into patties of about 5-inch diameter and 1/4 inch thick. The bottom of a pan is recommended here.
• Add cheese. One standard slice of processed American cheese works well here with folding the corners in. Try to keep the cheese as far from the edge as possible.
• Add a second flattened patty on top and seal the edges. Final diameter should be about 4 inches. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper. I used my 7:2:2 spice mix.
• Grill for 5 minutes on the first side then 3-5 on the second side to get to 165 meat temp. Don't poke holes all over it and cause a leak.
• Let set for 5 minutes before serving. With lots of napkins.

Recipe Notes

Most cheeses except very hard cheese will melt in the 120-130 range. In other words, it will be liquid after it cooks a little. So a word to the wise, let it cool a little before biting in. The edges may leak a little, just work on your technique next time. Many will add more cheese on top. Fine if you want and it is the “classic” way.

Nutrition Facts

Grilled Juicy Lucy Burger

Amount Per Serving

Calories 487 Calories from Fat 351

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 39g 60%

Saturated Fat 16g 80%

Trans Fat 2g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 15g

Cholesterol 136mg 45%

Sodium 1016mg 42%

Potassium 459mg 13%

Protein 33g 66%

Vitamin A 3%

Calcium 13%

Iron 18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have a question or something not clear? Ask in the comments.

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Nutrition is for one serving. Number of servings is stated above and is my estimate of normal serving size for this recipe.

All nutritional information are estimates and may vary from your actual results. This is home cooking, and there are many variables. To taste ingredients such as salt will be my estimate of the average used.

If you like this recipe or find it useful, the pleasure of a nice 4 or 5 rating would be greatly appreciated.