Juicy Lucy Burger

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Meat and Cheese (5 minutes)

   • In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder using your hands. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
   • Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions (about 3 oz each) and roll them into balls.
   • Fold each slice of American cheese into a small, thick square, about 1-inch by 1-inch.
2. 2

   Form the Cheese-Stuffed Patties (5 minutes)

   • Take one ball of meat and press it into a thin, flat patty, roughly 4 inches in diameter.
   • Place one folded cheese square in the center of the patty.
   • Flatten a second ball of meat to a similar size and place it on top of the cheese.
   • Firmly pinch and press the edges of the two patties together, creating a tight seal all the way around. Ensure there are no gaps for the cheese to escape.
   • Gently cup the patty in your hands to round the edges and form a single, thick burger. Repeat to make 4 complete patties.
3. 3

   Cook the Burgers (10-15 minutes)

   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Alternatively, preheat a grill to medium-high.
   • Generously season the outside of each patty with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
   • Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet or on the grill, leaving space between them. Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side, until a deep brown crust forms.
   • Flip the burgers carefully and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the second side. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety with stuffed burgers. Avoid pressing down on the patties.
   • During the last minute of cooking, you can toast the burger buns, cut-side down, on a dry part of the skillet or grill until golden.
4. 4

   Rest and Assemble (5 minutes)

   • Transfer the cooked burgers to a plate or cutting board and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute and the molten cheese to cool slightly.
   • Assemble your Juicy Lucy burgers on the toasted buns with lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and pickles.
   • Serve immediately, but warn your guests to take the first bite with caution as the cheese will be extremely hot!