The Juicy Lucy is a mouthwatering twist on the classic cheeseburger, where the cheese is stuffed inside the beef patty rather than layered on top. This ingenious burger originated in Minneapolis and has earned cult status for its gooey, molten cheese center that surprises and delights with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Surprise Cheese Core: Each bite reveals a molten pocket of melted cheese, making every burger extra indulgent.
- Flavor Explosion: The cheese melts into the beef, infusing it with rich, savory flavor.
- Simple Yet Impressive: Looks and tastes gourmet with minimal extra effort.
- Customizable: Change up the cheese or add flavor boosts like bacon, jalapeños, or seasoned butter inside the patty.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- American cheese (or cheddar, pepper jack, etc.)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings: pickles, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard
Directions
- Prepare the Cheese: Cut cheese slices into quarters and stack them. You want a thick, melty core.
- Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into equal portions and flatten each into thin patties. Place the cheese stack on one patty and top with another. Pinch the edges tightly to seal in the cheese.
- Season: Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook: Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat. Cook patties for about 5–6 minutes per side, flipping carefully. The internal cheese should melt while the beef cooks through.
- Rest: Let burgers rest for a minute before serving to avoid molten cheese burns.
- Assemble: Toast buns, add your favorite toppings, and build your burger.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 burgers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap American for pepper jack, blue cheese, or gouda.
- Stuffed Flavors: Add bacon bits, sautéed onions, or jalapeños with the cheese for an extra surprise.
- Mini Juicy Lucys: Make sliders using smaller patties for parties or appetizers.
- Spiced Patties: Mix garlic powder, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce into the beef for deeper flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a lid to keep the cheese molten. Avoid microwaving if possible—it’s likely to leak the cheese.
FAQs
What is a Juicy Lucy?
A Juicy Lucy is a burger with cheese stuffed inside the beef patty rather than on top, creating a molten cheese core.
Who invented the Juicy Lucy?
Two Minneapolis bars—Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club—both claim to have created it in the 1950s.
What cheese melts best for Juicy Lucy?
American cheese is classic and melts perfectly, but cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack also work great.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Seal the edges of the patties tightly and don’t press down while cooking.
Can I make Juicy Lucy burgers ahead of time?
Yes. Form the patties and refrigerate them until ready to cook—great for meal prep or parties.
Can I grill a Juicy Lucy?
Absolutely! Just watch for flare-ups and keep the lid closed to evenly cook the beef and melt the cheese.
What’s the best beef-to-fat ratio?
Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest texture and best flavor.
Can I freeze uncooked Juicy Lucys?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Is it safe to eat if the cheese leaks out?
Yes! It might not be as dramatic, but it’s still safe and delicious.
How do I know when it’s done?
Use a thermometer—160°F internal temperature ensures the beef is cooked and the cheese is melted.
Conclusion
The Juicy Lucy is more than just a burger—it’s an experience. With its oozing cheese center, tender beef, and endless customization options, it’s the ultimate upgrade for burger lovers. Whether you’re grilling out or cooking indoors, this iconic Midwest creation will instantly become a favorite in your recipe lineup.
PrintJuicy Lucy
The Juicy Lucy is a cheese-stuffed burger that oozes melty goodness with every bite. Originating in Minnesota, this twist on a classic cheeseburger seals the cheese inside the beef patty instead of on top. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for burger night at home or on the grill.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
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4 slices American cheese (or cheddar)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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4 burger buns
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Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, grilled onions, ketchup, mustard, mayo
Instructions
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Preheat a grill or stovetop skillet to medium-high heat.
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Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, then split each in half to make 8 thin patties.
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Fold each slice of cheese into quarters and stack in the center of 4 patties.
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Place the remaining 4 patties over the cheese-topped ones. Seal the edges well, pressing tightly to avoid cheese leaks.
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Season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Grill or sear the burgers for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the cheese inside is melted.
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Let the burgers rest for 2–3 minutes before serving — the cheese will be very hot!
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Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Notes
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Use American cheese for that classic melt, or try cheddar, pepper jack, or blue cheese for a twist.
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Sealing the edges tightly is key to keeping the cheese inside.
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For extra flavor, add seasoning or Worcestershire sauce to the meat before shaping.