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Friday, June 24, 2011

Swiss Juicy Lucy's

Photo courtesy of my Mac
  Every region has a specialty - Indiana has tenderloin sandwiches, Illinois has the horseshoe and Minneapolis has Juicy Lucy's. All of them are great.
  On television I've watched them visit places that  make these specialties and have tried to make them myself. Most have been successful, but a cheese-stuffed burger has always been a challenge. But I did it! I finally mastered the Juicy Lucy. Whew! I've been trying for awhile, but the cheese always oozes out the sides.
I think the secret is one slice of cheese stacked and then poking a hole with the toothpick to let the steam out. It worked. Making sure the burgers are thin and the edges are flat so they can be well sealed helped too.

Swiss Juicy Lucy's
1 T. oil
1/4 cup ea. bell pepper and diced onion
2 small cloves garlic, diced
3/4-1 lb.ground beef
1 tsp. McCormick's grill mates hamburger seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. onion powder
4 slices Swiss cheese
2 burger buns

   In medium mixing bowl combine ground beef and spices, stirring well to combine. Chill in refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes.
   In nonstick pan, heat oil over medium heat. Saute bell peppers and onions just until soft, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until onions are tender and begin to slightly brown (2-3 minutes more), stirring often. Don't let garlic get brown and over cook. Remove mix to small dish.
  Separate burger into 4 loose balls, about the size of a really large golf ball. Pack each into patties and thin out as much as you can. In the center of two patties, place a slice of Swiss cheese folded into quarters. Place other patty on top and press together at edges to seal, making sure there's 1/4-1/2 inch in between edge of burger and cheese.
  Cook burger 4-5 minutes over medium heat, rotating occasionally for even browning. Do not squish (flatten) with spatula. Flip burgers when lightly browned on one side and poke center with toothpick to release steam. Top burgers with remaining Swiss cheese and cover with lid to let steam melt the cheese. Cook another 4 minutes or so, checking often.
Serve topped with sauteed veggies placed on the cheese. Makes 2 whopping burgers.

(Note: bacon or mushrooms would be a great addition to the veggie topping.)
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