Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by firing up the grill and treating your friends and family to something truly special. This year let’s skip the typical hot dogs and basic burgers and impress your family and friends with a crowd-pleasing classic straight from the heartland: Minnesota’s Juicy Lucy burger.
The Juicy Lucy isn’t just any burger -- it’s a flavor-packed, molten-cheese-filled masterpiece. It’s always a favorite that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Hailing from the vibrant food scene of Minneapolis, this iconic burger has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. And the best part? It’s quite affordable and easier to make than you might think, allowing you to bring restaurant-quality dining to your backyard without breaking the bank.
Why the Juicy Lucy? When it comes to holiday celebrations, especially ones as laidback as Labor Day, we want food that’s both fun and delicious. The Juicy Lucy fits the bill perfectly. Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled beef patty, only to discover a gooey, cheesy surprise hidden within. It’s a burger that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to make and it’s sure to be the talk of your gathering.
Diva Tip: For that irresistible molten center, only American cheese will do. This is one time I recommend the processed stuff! And to keep your Lucy juicy, opt for ground beef with at least 15% fat. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Remember, this isn’t health food -- it’s a holiday indulgence! We don’t eat like this every day. At least, I hope you don’t! Either way, eat two salads next week for balance.
MINNESOTA’S JUICY LUCY BURGER Yield: 4 burgers Total Time: 25 mins
1 1/2 pounds ground beef 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon black pepper 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt 4 slices American cheese (such as Kraft) 4 hamburger buns, split Sliced pickles, for serving
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and garlic salt until well mixed. Form the mixture into eight thin patties, making half slightly larger than the other half.
Stack the cheese slices and cut them into four squares. Place one cheese stack in the center of each larger beef patty, then cover with a smaller patty. Roll the edges of the larger patty over the smaller one, tightly pinching to seal around the cheese. Seal tightly to avoid any cheese oozing out during cooking!
Heat your grill or a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, ensuring they are wellbrowned. A meat thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 F (70 C).
Serve on hamburger buns with pickles. While Juicy Lucy purists may forgo condiments, feel free to customize your burger with your favorite toppings. Want to be a real rebel? Add some sauteed mushrooms and onions -- just don’t tell the folks in Minnesota I suggested that!
This Labor Day, skip the expensive restaurant meal or basic burger and create your own unforgettable dining experience at home. The Juicy Lucy burger is not only fun to make, but also a great way to save money while treating your family and friends to something special. After all, holidays are about making memories. And is there a better way to do that than with a sizzling, cheesy burger fresh off the grill? I think not.
