Try my Traeger Grilled Stuffed Burgers tonight. These patties are packed with melty Colby Jack cheese and finished with extra cheddar, all cooked on a Traeger for that unmistakable wood-fired flavor you won’t get from a gas or charcoal grill.
Traeger Grilled Stuffed Burgers
If you’re undecided about dinner, this recipe is a winner. These stuffed burgers—often called Juicy Lucys—feature seasoned beef formed around a cheesy center, then grilled to a smoky, juicy finish. They’re simple to make, family-friendly, and easily adapted to your favorite cheeses and toppings.
The Juicy Lucy is a Midwest classic, most famously associated with Minneapolis. While the exact origin is debated, the concept of stuffing a burger with cheese has been enjoyed for decades and remains a popular comfort-food option at backyard cookouts and neighborhood bars alike.
How do I stuff burgers?
You don’t need special equipment to make a great stuffed burger. Follow these practical tips to assemble juicy, well-sealed patties by hand:
- Keep the ground beef cold but soft enough to shape; partially thawed from the freezer to refrigerator temperature is ideal. This keeps the meat workable and helps the burger hold together.
- Pick a cheese that melts smoothly—Colby Jack, cheddar, American, or a blend are excellent choices.
- Divide the meat into portions and form two thin patties for each burger. Make the bottom patty slightly larger to allow sealing.
- Place a spoonful of shredded cheese in the center of the bottom patty, then top with the smaller patty. Press the edges together and gently seal to trap the cheese inside.
- Handle the patties gently but firmly; a tight seal prevents leaks while grilling.
If you prefer more uniform burgers, a simple burger press or stuffed burger mold can help. Otherwise, hand-formed patties work perfectly for home cooks and deliver fantastic results.
What toppings go well on a Juicy Lucy?
Stuffed burgers are versatile. Here are topping ideas that complement the cheesy interior and smoky exterior:
- Bacon or crispy pancetta
- Sauteed mushrooms and caramelized onions
- Fresh tomato slices with basil and mozzarella for a Caprese twist
- Pickled jalapeños or fresh slices for heat
- Bluish or crumbled blue cheese for bold flavor
- Classic lettuce, tomato, and pickles for a simple build
What side dishes go well with burgers?
Great sides turn a burger dinner into a feast. Here are some favorite pairings that work especially well with stuffed burgers:
- Onion rings (panko-breaded for extra crunch)
- Loaded oven potatoes with bacon and cheese
- Crispy fries—air fryer or griddle-cooked—seasoned to taste
- Cold pasta salads like dill and tuna pasta salad for a tangy contrast
- Grilled vegetables such as prosciutto-wrapped asparagus
If you love bacon, cook extra—bacon pairs perfectly inside or on top of these burgers and makes great leftovers for breakfast.
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Traeger Grilled Stuffed Burgers
Cheesy stuffed burgers grilled over wood, finished with melted cheese and optional grilled onions for a smoky, savory bite.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds 85/15 lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 6 slices Colby Jack cheese (for topping)
- Seasoning salt (Johnny’s or Lawry’s-style) for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger or pellet grill to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, gently combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the burgers tender.
- Divide the mixture into 12 even portions and form into thin patties. Make the bottom patty slightly larger than the top to allow for sealing.
- Add a generous spoonful of shredded cheese onto the center of half the patties, then top each with the smaller patties. Press and seal the edges completely so the cheese stays inside while grilling.
- Season the outside of each sealed burger lightly with seasoning salt.
- Place burgers on the preheated grill. Cook for 7–8 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Top each burger with a slice of Colby Jack during the last minute of cooking, close the lid to melt the cheese, then remove the burgers from the grill.
- Allow burgers to rest for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps the molten cheese settle and prevents burns when biting in.
- Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and sides.
Recommended Products
Recommended tools for grilling and forming stuffed burgers.
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Pellet Grill or Smoker -
Stuffed Burger Press (optional)
Nutrition Information
Amount per serving varies by portion size and specific ingredients.
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