Juicy Lucy Burgers
Ingredients
- 4slices american cheese
- 1 ½ lbground beef
15 to 20 percent fat content
- 1 ¼ tspkosher salt
- ½ tspgarlic powder
- ½ tspworcestershire sauce
- ¼ tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbspvegetable oil
- 4hamburger buns
- sliced pickles
for serving
Directions
- 1
Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400ºF. Stack 4 slices American cheese. Cut in half, then cut each piece in half again to form 4 stacks of squares.
- 2
Place 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix with your hands until just evenly combined.
- 3
Divide the beef into 8 portions (3 ounces each) and form each into a ball.
- 4
Form 1 juicy lucy at a time: Using your fingertips, press 2 portions into 1/4-inch-thick patties that are about 1 inch wider in diameter than the hamburger buns. Top 1 patty with 4 pieces of cheese, overlapping the slices to cover the patty but leaving a 1/2-inch border. Place the second patty over the cheese-topped patty. Pick up the Juicy Lucy and pinch the edges to form a tight seal. Cup the stuffed patty with your hands to round out the edges, and press on the top to flatten slightly into a single thick patty. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining patties and cheese to form 4 stuffed patties in total.
- 5
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat until shimmering, 3 to 4 minutes. If using a 10-inch pan, place 2 patties in the pan; if using a 12-inch or larger, add all 4 patties. Cook undisturbed (do not press down on the patties) until dark golden-brown on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Using a spatula, flip the patties and cook until the second side is dark golden-brown and the patties are cooked through, about 4 minutes.
- 6
Transfer to a clean plate. Let rest in a warm place or tent loosely with aluminum foil while you toast the buns. Split 4 hamburger buns, place cut-side up on a baking sheet, and toast until starting to brown around the edges, 4 to 5 minutes.
- 7
Place a patty on each bun bottom, top with a few pickle slices, and close with the bun top.
Recipe notes
- 1
Grilling instructions: Juicy Lucys can also be cooked on an outdoor grill. Grill covered over direct, medium-high heat (about 375°F to 425°F) until dark grill marks appear, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Let the cooked patties rest in a warm place while you toast the buns on the grill.Make ahead: The Juicy Lucys can be formed and refrigerated up to a few hours ahead before cooking.Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Juicy Lucy Burgers
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About this Recipe
Craving that legendary, cheese-filled burger experience right in your own kitchen? This classic Juicy Lucy Burger recipe brings the iconic Midwest dish to your table, promising a burst of molten cheese with every savory bite.
What makes a Juicy Lucy truly special is its ingenious design: two thin beef patties form a delicious envelope around a generous slice of American cheese. This simple technique ensures the cheese melts perfectly inside the burger, creating that unforgettable "juicy" core that sets it apart from any ordinary cheeseburger. With just a few staple ingredients like ground beef, kosher salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper, you'll achieve restaurant-quality flavor.
Prepare yourself for a truly satisfying burger experience. The exterior of your Juicy Lucy will be beautifully seared using just a touch of vegetable oil, giving way to a rich, seasoned beef patty. But the real magic happens when you bite in: a flood of gloriously melted American cheese oozes out, mingling with the savory beef. Served on a toasted hamburger bun with crisp pickles, it's a symphony of textures and flavors—hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious. This isn't just a meal; it's an event, perfect for a casual lunch or a robust dinner.
While the classic Juicy Lucy calls for American cheese, feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like cheddar or provolone if you're looking to change things up. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of onion powder to your beef mixture, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick. You can also vary your toppings beyond traditional pickles—think caramelized onions or crispy bacon.
These cheese-stuffed burgers are ideal for summer barbecues, casual weeknight dinners, or a fun weekend lunch. Pair them with classic sides like crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or a creamy coleslaw. Serve immediately on soft hamburger buns with plenty of sliced pickles for that essential tangy crunch.