Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 mix is ideal); 4 slices of cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 hamburger buns; Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise

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Juicy Lucy burgers are a classic American treat, famous for their surprise molten cheese core. Originating from Minnesota, these burgers are stuffed with cheddar cheese, which melts into a gooey and delicious center as the burger cooks.

The Juicy Lucy is perfect for cheese lovers and those looking for a twist on the traditional hamburger. When bitten into, the flavorful juices and melted cheese make for a truly indulgent and satisfying experience.

These are ideal for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or simply when you’re in the mood for a hearty and delectable burger.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20 mix is ideal)
4 slices of cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
4 hamburger buns
Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise

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Instructions

Prepare Beef Patties (10 minutes): Divide the ground beef into eight equal portions and form them into thin patties. Season each patty with salt and pepper.
Stuff with Cheese (5 minutes): Place a slice of cheddar cheese on four of the patties. Cover each with another patty, sealing the edges well to encase the cheese completely. This prevents the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
Cook Burgers (10-12 minutes): Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the desired doneness is reached. Be careful when flipping to keep the cheese contained.
Assemble Burgers (5 minutes): Place each cooked Juicy Lucy patty on a hamburger bun. Add your choice of toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
Serve (1 minute): Serve the burgers hot, cautioning diners about the hot, melted cheese center.

Notes

The key to a great Juicy Lucy is ensuring the beef patties are well sealed to keep the cheese from oozing out during cooking. It’s also important not to overcook the burgers, as this could lead to a dry outer and less juicy center.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect cooking. Let the burgers rest for a minute or two after cooking to prevent burning your mouth with the hot cheese. Juicy Lucy Burgers are a fun and tasty variation on the traditional burger, perfect for anyone looking to elevate their burger experience.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 600
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Pair this with...

Fried Pickles

Start by grabbing a jar of your favorite pickles and slice them into coin shapes. Get 'em on some paper towels to blot out the excess moisture – the drier, the crispier they'll get. In one bowl, whisk up some eggs, and in another, mix together flour or breadcrumbs with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling spicy. Dip each pickle coin into the egg, then into the dry mix, making sure it's well coated. Heat some oil in a skillet until it's shimmering but not smoking. Carefully slide those coated pickles in and fry until they're golden and crispy. It's usually quick, so keep an eye out! Scoop them out, let them rest on a paper towel to get rid of any excess oil, and serve with a dipping sauce.

Baked Potato Wedges with Rosemary

Start by taking some hearty potatoes and cutting them into chunky wedges, ensuring each piece has a good mix of skin and fluffy interior. In a mixing bowl, toss those wedges with a generous glug of olive oil, ensuring each wedge is well-coated and gleaming. Now, sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary over them, letting the fragrant herb cling to the oily surface. A pinch of sea salt and a crack of black pepper complete the seasoning. Spread the wedges out on a baking tray, giving each its own space to crisp up. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they're golden, crispy on the outside, and irresistibly fluffy inside.

Cauliflower Tots

Start by steaming cauliflower florets until they're tender. Once cooled, pulse them in a food processor until they're rice-like but not pureed. In a bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, breadcrumbs, grated cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan), an egg, and some salt and pepper for seasoning. Mix it all together until it forms a moldable mixture. Shape them into tots using your hands. Now, heat a skillet with a bit of oil and pan-fry the tots until they're golden brown on all sides, or you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for around 20 minutes. Once they're crispy and golden, serve with your favorite dipping sauce.