So this meal’s all for the boyfriend. In fact, I didn’t even make myself one haha, just one for him! Like I’ve said before, I think the joy of cooking comes from the joy of getting to make people happy… through food. I frequently make things that I think the man or others might like… even if I have no interest in them myself- the fun comes in getting to create something and then getting to give it to someone! So here we have a monstrous cheese-stuffed beefy bacony burger (which I’ve been told is called a Jucy- or Juicy Lucy). Just cause I choose to eat super nutritiously doesn’t mean others should have to haha… clearly I care about his health, but why should the boy not get to eat this just cause I don’t want to?! Despite it being a huge bacony cheesy burger, I still kept wellness in mind- grassfed beef, fresh-cut hormone & nitrate free bacon, and fresh buns from the neighborhood bakery. So, whatever, at least it’s good quality bad stuff haha. And yes, it was AMAZING. I may not have made myself one, but you best believe I took a bite- seriously, look at that thing!! And oozing sharp cheddar from its center… ummm, yumm.
INGREDIENTS
For the burger:
1/2 lb ground beef, grassfed preferably
1/2 tbsp worschestire sauce
1/2 tbsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley & thyme, optional
1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
The toppings:
bacon
caramelized onions (recipe below)
lettuce, tomato, buns, & condiments of choice
For the caramelized onion:
In a large skillet, heat about 1 tbsp ghee (or butter) over medium/high heat
Stir in onions with a little salt to help them sweat
Cook about five minutes, until softened
Put about 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar in onion and stir
Let cook a few more minutes until onions are translucent and caramelized
For the burger:
Mix the meat, worchestire sauce, seasonings, and fresh herbs together in a bowl
When thoroughly mixed, split meat into two balls and shape
Using your fingers, shape a hole in one half to hold cheese
Place cheese inside the divet/hole
Set the other half over the cheese and carefully mold the sides together so that cheese remains in the center when cooking
Cook over medium heat(I used the same pan I cooked in the onions in so the burger would get some of the yummy flavoring)
for about 5 minutes per side, until desired doneness
* If burger beings to rise (sometimes steam from cheese will do that), poke with a toothpick or knife to release steam
Get your favorite toppings ready
Pile and serve
Goes perfectly with potato salad… recipe here!
