What is a Juicy Lucy Burger you ask? This cheese-stuffed masterpiece was said to have originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where it is now a common dive bar or diner food offering. A thick beef burger is simply seasoned and stuffed with plenty of melty American Cheese. Then it’s cooked in a skillet so that it forms a beautifully browned outer crust. Add that to a buttery, slightly sweet, brioche bun, add some toppings if you like, and get ready for the magic to happen! When you bite into a perfectly cooked Juicy Lucy Burger, you’ll find that it’s packed full of delicious, creamy, and melted cheese that just oozes out! These burgers may get your hands a bit messy, but I promise it’s worth it.
Why You’ll Love This Juicy Lucy Recipe
Ingredients In Juicy Lucy Burgers
Here’s what you need to make these juicy burgers that will explode in your mouth with cheesy goodness: Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Ground Beef: These are going to be some big burgers! You’ll use a pound and a half of ground beef to make 4 juicy lucy hamburgers. I suggest using a 70/30 or 80/20 blend (muscle to fat ratio). Hamburger Seasoning: There are some great pre-mixed burger seasoning options out there. Find one that you like (this one is good!). You can also season the burgers simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. American Cheese: You will need at least 4 slices to make four burgers, or you can double it up to make yours extra cheesy. Vegetable Oil: For cooking the burgers. Brioche Hamburger Buns: These are my favorite. Look for them at Aldi or your local grocery store. You can use any other type of hamburger or sandwich buns that you enjoy! Burger Toppings: I’m not going to tell you what to put on your burger! I’m sure you already know what you like. Sliced dill pickles and ketchup are a good start.
How To Make Juicy Lucy Burgers
Recipe Tips
I like to use a lean ground beef for homemade burgers, but you can use any type of ground meat (try turkey, vegan burger meat, or game meat!) to make juicy lucy burgers. Keep in mind that fattier meat will shrink down more than lean ground beef will. To make extra cheesy stuffed burgers, use two slices of cheese inside each of them! Use this method to make all different kinds of stuffed cheeseburgers. Choose your favorite cheese, and include other toppings like sauteed onions or mushrooms, crumbled bacon, or jalapeno peppers.
Do you know what they call a Juicy Lucy that’s stuffed with blue cheese? A Bluecy!
What Kind of American Cheese Should I Buy for Burgers?
Look at the packaging when shopping for American cheese. There are various types, and they all kind of look the same. The best American cheese slices are labeled as “pastuerized process cheese” or pasteurized processed cheese food”. Typically these cheeses are also labeled as “deluxe”. The sliced cheese you get at the deli falls into this category too. These slices melt really well and have a pleasing texture. Anything labeled as a “cheese product” (Kraft singles are this type) is only about 50% cheese. Other American cheese products labeled as just “american slices” may not include any cheese at all. The texture can vary based on brand, but the lower-cost versions of these individual sandwich slices can be a bit plastic-y. For stuffing a Juicy Lucy, I suggest buying an American cheese that you already know you like, and that melts well. If you aren’t sure, head to your deli and ask them for their best sliced American cheese. If you aren’t in the US, but still want to make these American cheese stuffed burgers, your best bet is to use a combination of mild cheddar and Colby jack cheese. This is the type of cheese typically used to make American cheese, and it’s melty enough to work.
Storing Tips
Leftover Juicy Lucy Burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave at medium power, or warm them through on the stove.
What To Serve With Juicy Lucy Burgers
These are my favorite side dishes to serve with hamburgers. I know you’ll find a few new favorites here! Fries: You can make crispy homemade french fries, oven baked fries, baked potato wedges, or air fryer tater tots. Sauces: Put one of these tasty sauces on the burgers, and you’ll definitely want to dip your fries into it too. Copycat Chick Fil A sauce, classic creamy fry sauce, or homemade mayonnaise. Diner-style Side Dishes: You can make some of your favorite homestyle diner foods at home. Try my Velveeta mac and cheese (more American cheese can’t hurt, right?), baked beans, or Tuna Pasta Salad.
How to Make a Juicy Lucy Burger Low Carb
This is an easy one to make over into a healthier, lower-carb meal. Skip the hamburger bun and enjoy your Juicy Lucy bun-less or wrapped with lettuce leaves. Or, serve with a hearty salad or your favorite steamed veggies on the side. Juicy Lucy Burgers are so amazing and easy to make! Save this recipe for the next time you want to really impress your family with a cheesy surprise! © Little Sunny Kitchen
