Chef John's Juicy Lucy

Name: Chef John's Juicy Lucy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 burger
Ingredients: 6 ounces ground beef; 4 drops Worcestershire sauce, or to taste; 3 pinches garlic powder; freshly ground black pepper to taste; kosher salt to taste; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; 1 slice Cheddar cheese; 1 hamburger bun, split; 1 slice tomato; 1 leaf lettuce

Rating: 4.68 stars

44 Ratings
31 Reviews
10 Photos

This isn't just any old cheeseburger. Depending on whom you talk to, this cheese-stuffed burger is either called a "Juicy Lucy," or a "Jucy Lucy." That's because two restaurants in Minneapolis claim to have invented it, and they spell it differently. Make sure you thoroughly and thoughtfully press the edges of the two patties together to seal in the cheese stuffing, which keeps the meat juicier. Spread your favorite burger sauce over the bun.

By Chef John

Gallery

Watch

Recipe Summary

prep:

15 mins

cook:

10 mins

total:

25 mins

Servings:

Yield:

1 burger

Nutrition Info

Directions

Step 1

Divide beef into two 3-ounce balls. Lightly moisten fingertips with water and press beef into patties about 1/4-inch thick. Drop Worcestershire sauce over patties; rub in lightly. Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne on top and rub in.

Advertisement
Step 2

Cut a circle of cheese using a pastry cutter or the rim of a glass. Place cheese onto 1 patty; cover with the other patty. Press edges together carefully. Flip and continue pressing until fully sealed. Season both sides with a little salt.
Step 3

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patty for 5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Place patty on one half of a bun. Top with tomato, lettuce, and the other half of the bun.

Chef's Note:

For a medium-rare burger, cook for about 4 minutes per side. There are so many variables such as fat content, meat temperature, pan temperature, cheese choice, and portion size, just to name a few. So, doing some testing before the big burger party is recommended. Best homework, ever! But overall, not much can go wrong.

Editor's Note:

Please note changes in ingredient amounts if using the magazine version of this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

618 calories; protein 39.6g; carbohydrates 27g; fat 38.1g; cholesterol 133.9mg; sodium 957.8mg. Full Nutrition

Reviews (31)

Most helpful positive review

PRM

09/27/2018

This is an incredible burger. I did make it medium and added to the flavor and juiciness. Since I am a freak for onions on burgers, I added caramelized vidalia onion along with the cheese to the center of the Juicy Lucy. WOW. I also plan on trying this with some of Chef john's Bacon Jam as a topping. Just can't go wrong with bacon and onions. Read More

Helpful

(11)

Most helpful critical review

Norvell Jefferys

10/27/2019

My patties would not stay together once I bit into it. Read More

44 Ratings

5 star values: 34
4 star values: 8
3 star values: 1
2 star values: 0
1 star values: 1

Reviews: Most Helpful

Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest

PRM

09/27/2018

Helpful

(11)

MDMLIBRARIAN

09/27/2018

A true juicy Lucy uses American cheese. Just fold into quarters -- no sense fussing with cutting out circles. Make sure edges are sealed. I use a little bit of water on edges to help "glue" together. Read More

Helpful

(9)

lindisu

09/22/2018

These were amazing from assembly to eating. I’ve made other versions before, but the technique and finished burgers were sooo delicious! Definitely a new favorite at my house! Read More

Helpful

(8)

pinto

05/17/2019

I have to admit I worked garlic and onion flakes into the meat before forming patties. I used a biscuit cutter to cut the cheese. I also put a spoonful of chopped canned green chiles on top of the cheese before sealing. Heaven! Read More

Helpful

(2)

jamie

09/10/2018

This is absolutely delicious!!! I made this exactly as the recipe had stated. I will definitely be making this again. This recipe reminded me of the surprise burgers my mom would make. Read More

Helpful

(1)

Kevin

09/11/2018

Chef John is absolutely right when he said this is a different experience than a normal cheese burger. This is now my go to for all burger parties. Read More

Helpful

(1)

Ann Nicholos

10/04/2018

So good the whole family loved this one No more dry burgers Read More

Ydna9

05/07/2019

When ever I have the time (having 2 kids) This is the best way to make a burger for friends family and KIDS! They always love it!!! even though sometimes it's a little to much for the young crowd. By the way I like to change it up with other things stuffed in here and there what ever you like or have a taste for and it's always awesome Read More

Kim

07/06/2019

This is amazing! As good as at least one of alleged original juicy lucy creator but without the drive and wait for a table. Based on other reviews I used 80% fresh ground beef and Montreal steak seasoning in lieu of individual spices and a slice of American cheese folded in quarters. Due to sweltering heat I popped Read More

Norvell Jefferys

10/27/2019

My patties would not stay together once I bit into it. Read More

More Reviews

Back to Chef John's Juicy Lucy

All Reviews for Chef John's Juicy Lucy

- of Reviews

Chef John's Juicy Lucy

Servings Per Recipe: 1
Calories: 617.5

% Daily Value *

protein: 79 %

carbohydrates: 9 %

dietary fiber: 9 %

sugars:

fat: 59 %

saturated fat: 85 %

cholesterol: 45 %

vitamin a iu: 13 %

niacin equivalents: 120 %

vitamin b6: 28 %

vitamin c: 9 %

folate: 16 %

calcium: 29 %

iron: 29 %

magnesium: 17 %

potassium: 17 %

sodium: 38 %

thiamin: 29 %

calories from fat:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Reviews for: Photos of Chef John's Juicy Lucy

1 of 31

All Reviews

PRM

09/27/2018

Helpful

(11)

MDMLIBRARIAN

09/27/2018

A true juicy Lucy uses American cheese. Just fold into quarters -- no sense fussing with cutting out circles. Make sure edges are sealed. I use a little bit of water on edges to help "glue" together.

Helpful

(9)

lindisu

09/22/2018

These were amazing from assembly to eating. I’ve made other versions before, but the technique and finished burgers were sooo delicious! Definitely a new favorite at my house!

Helpful

(8)

pinto

05/17/2019

Helpful

(2)

jamie

09/10/2018

This is absolutely delicious!!! I made this exactly as the recipe had stated. I will definitely be making this again. This recipe reminded me of the surprise burgers my mom would make.

Helpful

(1)

Kevin