Juicy Lucy Recipe
Make Juicy Lucy Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties
Cheese Filling
Buns & Toppings
Method
Burger Patties
- 1
Prepare beef
Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 4 oz / 113 g each). Lightly form each portion into a thin patty about 4 inches wide and 1/4 inch thick. Handle gently — do not overwork the meat to keep burgers tender.
- 2
Season
Place the 4 patties that will be the bottom halves on a tray. Sprinkle each lightly with kosher salt and black pepper. Mix the remaining 4 portions with Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper and form into the top-half patties (these will seal the cheese).
- 3
Assemble Juicy Lucys
On each bottom patty, place 1 to 1.5 slices of American cheese (folded to fit) and about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar if using, keeping cheese away from the edges by about 1/2 inch. Moisten the edges of the bottom patty with a little water or a touch of beaten egg (optional) to help seal. Place a top patty over each and press the edges together firmly, crimping to seal the cheese fully inside. Gently flatten to even thickness (~3/4 inch).
- 4
Chill briefly
Transfer assembled burgers to a plate and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes — this helps them hold together while cooking and reduces cheese leakage.
- 5
Cook
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon neutral oil. When shimmering, add burgers (work in batches if needed) and sear without moving for 3–4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and cook 3–4 more minutes with the pan slightly covered to ensure cheese inside melts. If using a grill: preheat to medium-high, oil grates, sear 3–4 minutes per side, then move to cooler zone and cover until cheese is molten (internal temp ~155–160°F / 68–71°C).
- 6
Check for doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach 155–160°F (68–71°C). Be careful not to press down on burgers while cooking — that can rupture the seal and make them less juicy.
Buns & Toppings
- 7
- 8
- 9
Rest and serve
Let assembled burgers rest 1–2 minutes so juices redistribute. Serve immediately with fries or potato chips.