Description

Craving a burger that’s bursting with flavor and a gooey cheese surprise? Chef John’s Juicy Lucy is a Minnesota classic, featuring a beef patty stuffed with melted Cheddar cheese, seasoned with Worcestershire and spices, and served with classic toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chef John’s Juicy Lucy uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful, cheesy burger. Here’s what you’ll need for 1 serving:

6 ounces ground beef: The base for a juicy, flavorful patty.
4 drops Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and depth.
3 pinches garlic powder: Boosts savory flavor.
1 pinch cayenne pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds mild heat.
Kosher salt, to taste: Enhances overall flavor.
1 slice Cheddar cheese: Creates the gooey, melty center.
1 hamburger bun, split: Holds the burger together.
1 slice tomato: Adds fresh, juicy texture.
1 leaf lettuce: Contributes crispness and freshness.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Ground Beef: Ideally 80/20 for a juicy patty; the fat content keeps it moist.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey core, the hallmark of a Juicy Lucy.
Worcestershire and Spices: Enhance the beef with savory, spicy, and umami notes.
Bun and Toppings: Provide classic burger balance with soft bread, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or a beef-pork blend for a different flavor.
Cheese: Swap Cheddar with American, pepper jack, or mozzarella for varied flavor.
Worcestershire: Replace with soy sauce or omit for a simpler taste.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese; ensure Worcestershire is vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free bun and confirm Worcestershire is gluten-free.
Spicy Juicy Lucy: Increase cayenne to ¼ teaspoon or add a slice of jalapeño inside the patty.
Bacon Juicy Lucy: Add a strip of cooked bacon as a topping for extra smokiness

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 6 ounces ground beef, 4 drops Worcestershire sauce, 3 pinches garlic powder, 1 pinch cayenne pepper, black pepper, kosher salt, 1 slice Cheddar cheese, 1 hamburger bun, 1 slice tomato, and 1 leaf lettuce.
Lightly moisten fingertips with water to handle the beef easily.

Tip: Use cold ground beef to make forming patties easier.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Divide 6 ounces ground beef into two 3-ounce balls.
Press each ball into a patty about ¼-inch thick.
Drop 4 drops Worcestershire sauce over the patties and rub in lightly.
Sprinkle 3 pinches garlic powder, 1 pinch cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt on top; rub in gently.

Tip: Keep patties thin to ensure the cheese stays encased and cooks evenly.

Step 3: Stuff with Cheese

Cut 1 slice Cheddar cheese into a circle using a pastry cutter or the rim of a glass (to fit inside the patty).
Place the cheese circle on one patty, then cover with the second patty.
Press the edges carefully to seal, flipping and pressing until fully enclosed.
Season both sides of the stuffed patty with additional kosher salt.

Tip: Seal edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Burger

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat (or preheat a grill to medium-high).
Cook the patty for 5 minutes per side for medium doneness (about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare).
Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) for safety.

Tip: Avoid pressing the patty while cooking to keep the cheese inside and the burger juicy.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place the cooked patty on the bottom half of the hamburger bun.
Top with 1 slice tomato, 1 leaf lettuce, and the top bun.
Serve hot to enjoy the gooey cheese center.

Tip: Let the burger rest for 1-2 minutes before biting to avoid burning your mouth with hot cheese