Juicy Lucy Burger
This Minneapolis classic features a thick beef patty with a molten cheese core. Instead of on top, the cheese is sealed inside, creating an unforgettable, gooey surprise with every bite. A fun and delicious twist on the classic cheeseburger.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Meat and Cheese (5 minutes)
- b.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.
- c.Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions (about 3 oz each) and roll them into balls.
- d.Fold each slice of American cheese into a small, thick square, about 1-inch by 1-inch.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Form the Cheese-Stuffed Patties (5 minutes)
- b.Take one ball of meat and press it into a thin, flat patty, roughly 4 inches in diameter.
- c.Place one folded cheese square in the center of the patty.
- d.Flatten a second ball of meat to a similar size and place it on top of the cheese.
- e.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.
- f.Gently cup the patty in your hands to round the edges and form a single, thick burger. Repeat to make 4 complete patties.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Burgers (10-15 minutes)
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Alternatively, preheat a grill to medium-high.
- c.Generously season the outside of each patty with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- d.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.
- e.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.
- f.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
Step 4
- a.Rest and Assemble (5 minutes)
- b.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.
- c.Assemble your Juicy Lucy burgers on the toasted buns with lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and pickles.
- d.Serve immediately, but warn your guests to take the first bite with caution as the cheese will be extremely hot!
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The seal is critical! Spend extra time ensuring the edges of the patties are completely sealed to prevent a cheese blowout during cooking.
- 2Use 80/20 ground chuck for the best flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef can result in a dry burger and may not seal as well.
- 3Let the burger rest for 5 minutes before serving. The molten cheese core is like lava and needs a moment to cool down to a safe (but still gooey) temperature.
- 4American cheese is traditional for its superior melting quality without separating. If substituting, choose a great melting cheese like provolone, fontina, or Gruyère.
- 5Do not press down on the patties with a spatula while they cook. This forces out the juices and risks rupturing the cheese-filled center.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Lucy
Mix finely diced jalapeños into the ground beef or place a slice of jalapeño inside with the cheese for a spicy kick.
Bacon Wrapped LucyBacon-Wrapped Lucy
After forming the patties, wrap each one with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick (remove before serving). Cook on a wire rack in the oven or carefully on the grill.
Mushroom Swiss LucyMushroom Swiss Lucy
Use Swiss cheese for the filling and top the finished burger with sautéed mushrooms and onions.
Blue Cheese LucyBlue Cheese Lucy
Stuff the patty with crumbled blue cheese for a bold, tangy flavor. Top with caramelized onions.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground beef provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body strength.
Rich in Iron and B12
Beef is a primary source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia. It's also rich in Vitamin B12, crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Provides Calcium
The cheese core is a good source of calcium, a mineral vital for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle and nerve function.
Frequently asked questions
A typical homemade Juicy Lucy Burger, including the bun and standard toppings, contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the exact fat content of the beef and the type of bun used.