Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Dive into burger perfection with our Juicy Lucy recipe, the ultimate kettle grilled burger experience for summer! Instead of placing cheese on top of the burger, we’ve nestled it right between two patties for a mouthwatering molten cheese surprise in every bite. This method delivers a unique flavor and texture, combining juicy beef with gooey cheese that oozes with each mouthful. With just six easy-to-find ingredients, including cheese, burger patties, and a few flavor enhancers, you can create a burger that’s simple yet spectacular. Perfect for backyard grilling, this recipe will turn your summer cookouts into a flavor-packed adventure!
Ingredients For Weber Kettle Grilled Juicy Lucy Hamburger
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- 8 ounces, 80% lean, 20% fat, ground beef, divided in half
- ½ packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 ounces Velveeta cheese
- 1 Brioche burger bun
Directions For Grilling Juicy Lucy Hamburger
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Elevate your burger game with these directions for grilling a Juicy Lucy Hamburger. Stuff each patty with melted cheese, then grill to perfection for a mouthwatering, cheese-filled surprise with every bite that’s sure to impress at your next cookout.
Prepare the Weber Kettle for Indirect Smoking:
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- Fill a charcoal chimney with briquettes. Once the coals are hot, empty the chimney into the center of the charcoal grate.
- Using tongs, divide the charcoal into two equal piles on either side of the grill, creating a zone for indirect cooking.
- Add three additional briquettes to each pile to maintain the heat.
Mix and Shape the Meat
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- Allow the ground meat to come to room temperature for easier mixing. Combine the ground meat, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into two 4-ounce meatballs. Place each meatball on plastic wrap to prevent sticking.
- Using the back of a bread plate, press down on each meatball to create thin, flat patties roughly the size of your hamburger bun.
Prepare the Cheese Filling
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- Cut a 2-ounce piece of Velveeta cheese and shape it into a round form using your fingers.
- Place the cheese in the center of one patty. Cover with the other patty, and pinch the edges together to seal in the cheese.
- Gently mold the sealed patties into the shape of a hamburger.
Grill the Juicy Lucy
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- Place the Juicy Lucy over one of the charcoal piles for direct grilling. Sear each side for about 3 minutes to char the outside.
- Move the Juicy Lucy to the center of the grill for indirect cooking. Cover the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted inside.
Assemble and Serve
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Remove the Juicy Lucy from the grill and place it on a Brioche bun. Add your favorite condiments and toppings.
Cut the Juicy Lucy in half to reveal the melted cheese center, and enjoy!
Variations And Substitutions For Weber Kettle Grilled Juicy Lucy Hamburger
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- Mix Ground Meats for Extra Juiciness:
- Ground Beef: Stick with an 80/20 ground beef mixture, as too lean a cut will result in a dry burger.
- Ground Pork: Add approximately 25% ground pork to the beef for enhanced juiciness and flavor.
- Italian Sausage: For even more flavor, consider adding bulk Italian sausage. This will add a unique, savory twist to your Juicy Lucy.
- Experiment with Condiments and Toppings:
- Traditional Approach: The classic Juicy Lucy usually doesn’t include condiments or toppings, aside from optional raw or grilled onions.
- Personalize Your Burger: Feel free to get creative with toppings like mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Customize your Juicy Lucy to suit your taste!
- Try Different Cheeses:
- American Cheese: The traditional choice, known for its meltability and mild flavor.
- Velveeta Cheese: Recommended for its superior melt and richer flavor.
- Other Cheese Options: Experiment with blue cheese for a tangy kick or mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy texture.
- Cheese Quantity: Don’t be shy—add as much cheese as you like! Stuf
Tips And Tricks For Weber Kettle Grilled Juicy Lucy Hamburger
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- Use a Weber Kettle Hinged Grilling Grate:
- A hinged grilling grate is a game-changer when grilling Juicy Lucys. The hinged portions lift up on both sides, allowing you to add more charcoal or wood chips without removing the entire grill grate. This feature saves time and keeps your grill temperature stable.
- Add Soaked Wood Chips for Smoky Flavor:
- For a hint of smoky goodness, add soaked wood chips or small wood chunks to your charcoal. The smoke will infuse your Juicy Lucy with a subtle, delicious flavor that complements the rich cheese filling.
- Check the Juicy Lucy’s Doneness:
- After moving your Juicy Lucy to the center of the grill for indirect grilling, it usually takes about 10 minutes for the Velveeta cheese to melt, depending on the thickness of the patty.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; aim for 135°F for a medium-rare burger. If you notice cheese oozing out, that’s a sign your Juicy Lucy is ready to come off the grill.
- Opt for Brioche Burger Buns:
- Brioche buns elevate your Juicy Lucy experience. Made from dough enriched with butter and eggs, these buns have a softer texture and slightly sweet taste.
- For an extra touch, brush a small amount of olive oil on the top and bottom of the bun and toast it on the grill grate for added flavor and texture.
- Use a Bread Plate to Smash Your Patties:
- A simple bread plate works perfectly to press your ground meat into thin, even patties. The back of a standard bread plate is just the right size to create a Juicy Lucy patty.
- Apply gentle, even pressure to avoid turning the meat into mush. This method is fun, easy, and doesn’t require any special equipment.
