How to make perfect Juicy Lucy burgers

This Minnesota-born burger – featuring hot, melted cheese in the middle of the patty – is surprisingly easy to make at home!


SERVINGS

8

PREP TIME

45 min

COOK TIME

15 min

Ingredients

  • 2
    pounds fresh ground beef (80% or 85% lean)
  • 1
    tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2
    teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 4
    ounces cheese per burger (suggestions: cheddar, American, smoked Swiss, blue cheese)
  • Buns, sliced and buttered
  • Vegetable oil (for grilling)
  • Toppings of your choice, such as ketchup, mustard, pickles, tomato slices, lettuce, mayo, etc.

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper and mix the seasoning is evenly distributed.

  2. 2

    Divide ground beef into 16 equal pieces. Place between parchment paper or plastic wrap and flatten into patties that are about ¼ inch thick.

  3. 3

    Cut or break cheese into smaller pieces, then add about 4 ounces (1-2 slices) cheese on top of 8 of the burger patties.

  4. 4

    Top each burger with a second patty and pinch edges together to seal completely.

  5. 5

    Rub vegetable oil on grill and heat grill to high.

  6. 6

    Sear burgers over direct heat, 1-2 minutes per side. After flipping burgers, poke a small hole in top of each one to allow steam to escape.

  7. 7

    Continue cooking over indirect heat until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, to an internal temperature of at least 160 F. Remove from grill and allow burgers to rest for at least 5 minutes.

  8. 8

    Meanwhile, toast buttered buns on grill.

  9. 9

    Place burgers on toasted buns, add toppings and serve.

Tip: You can also cook the burgers on the stovetop in a pan, ideally a cast iron skillet. Heat the pan to medium high, add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter and cook for 6-8 minutes per side.