Minnesota Juicy Lucy Burger on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

The legendary Minnesota Juicy Lucy Burger is an indulgent, flavor-packed cheeseburger with a gooey, melted cheese center. Grilling this burger on the Arteflame Grill takes it to the next level, delivering a perfect steakhouse-quality sear at 1,000°F before finishing to juiciness on the flat-top cooktop. Follow this guide to make the best Juicy Lucy right in your backyard.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 6 oz American cheese (or cheddar, sliced)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 4 burger buns
• 2 tbsp butter
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Allow about 20 minutes for the grill to heat up.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions.
2. Flatten each portion into ¼-inch thick patties.
3. Place a slice of cheese in the center of 4 patties.
4. Cover with the remaining patties and seal the edges tightly.
5. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Sear the Burgers

1. Place the burgers on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F.
2. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side to develop a crust.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Griddle

1. Move the seared burgers to the flat-top cooktop.
2. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (carryover cooking will bring it to 160°F).
3. Toast the burger buns with butter on the griddle.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Place each Juicy Lucy on a toasted bun.
2. Add optional toppings to preference.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the molten cheese center!

Tips

• Seal the cheese well inside the patty to prevent leaks.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness at 150°F.
• Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving for juicier results.

Variations

1. Spicy Juicy Lucy: Use pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños inside the patty.
2. BBQ Juicy Lucy: Mix BBQ sauce into the beef and use smoked cheddar cheese.
3. Blue Cheese Juicy Lucy: Stuff the patties with blue cheese crumbles for a tangy kick.
4. Bacon Lover’s Juicy Lucy: Wrap the burgers in bacon before grilling for extra smokiness.
5. Mushroom Swiss Juicy Lucy: Replace American cheese with Swiss and add sautéed mushrooms.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the Arteflame cooktop
• Sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw
• Grilled vegetables
• A cold craft beer or homemade lemonade

Conclusion

The Juicy Lucy Burger is a must-try for any burger lover, especially when grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. The combination of a high-heat sear and gentle finishing heat makes for an incredibly juicy and flavorful burger. Enjoy making this classic at your next cookout!