Introduction: Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger
Have you ever tried a Juicy Lucy or as some might spell it, Jucy Lucy? It's a classic in Minneapolis and let me tell you, it lives up to its name! I am so excited to be sharing this recipe with you! I'm making it really simple and plain but don't let that fool you because this cheeseburger is packed with great flavor. Next time I make this, I'm going to be add more toppings but for now, I'll keep it simple and juicy. Since I first heard about it, I've been wanting to test it out and see if it was as good as everyone keeps saying. So if you want to make a juicy Lucy of your own, follow the step by step instructable below or watch the video tutorial here:
Step 1: Ingredients and Tools
Ingredients (For 2 Juicy Lucy Burgers)
- 1 lb. ground Beef
- 4 slices American Cheese
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire
- Sauce Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Hamburger Buns
Tools
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
- Pyrex Bowl 3 set
- Fish Spatula
- Cuisinart Oven Mitts
- Food Scale
- Nitrate Gloves
- Misc. kitchen utensils
Step 2: Scale
Scale the beef into 4 oz portions. This recipe requires (2) 4.0 OZ patties for (1) burger. Place each 4 ounce on a small piece of parchment paper.
Step 3: Smash
Smash the patties thin between two sheets of parchment paper. You want the patty to be 1/4 to 1/2 inch bigger than the bun because it will shrink when cooking.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Fold the cheese into quarters and place in the center of a patty. Be sure to place the cheese in the middle of the patty and leave some space around the sides because you do not want the cheese to escape or seep through while cooking.
Step 5: Add the Second Patty
Place another patty on top and press to seal the edges. Form the patty to even the shape, so the hump in the middle isn’t drastically larger than the sides. Taking the top patty, evenly align with the bottom then use a simple "crimping" method to crimp the beef together and make sure that the cheese is entirely enclosed.
Step 6: Rub
On one side of the patty, rub a small amount of Worcestershire sauce on the burger patties. Season with salt and pepper to your liking and leave the other side for when it's on the skillet.
Step 7: Grill
Heat up cast iron skillet, once hot add butter to cast iron skillet and cook the burgers until a nice crust is formed about 5-8 minutes. While cooking on the first side you can add the salt, pepper and Worcestershire to the unseasoned side.
Step 8: Flip
Then flip and add another slice of cheese on top of patty and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 150 F-155 F about 5 minutes.
Step 9: Grill Buns (Optional)
If you wish, brush your burger buns with the room temperature butter. Toast on the cast iron until just golden brown (this step is optional). Remove the buns and patty from the skillet and assemble.
Step 10: Admire
Admire, because enjoying this just isn't enough. (This would be a great time to take some good pictures for social media for some bragging rights later)
Step 11: Juicy Lucy Time!
With a name like Juicy Lucy, it's quite easy to see why this cheeseburger lives up to the name. Just a gentle squeeze makes all the juice and cheese pour right out.
Enjoy!
Step 12: Video Tutorial
If you prefer a video tutorial, you can watch it here!

First Prize in the
Comfort Food Challenge
19 Comments
Question 4 years ago
Oh heck yes! I'll be making this soon for sure.
One question:
What is the fat content of the beef you used?
I usually go for the leanest I can get but I feel like going for some 85/15 might be perfect (for flavor; not my health).
Reply 4 years ago
It was 85%. It's ok once in a while lol.
4 years ago
VERY GOOD!!... YUM!!...
Reply 4 years ago
Thank you Bill!
4 years ago
OMG, I just made it. From now on I will never make a burger any other way! My only issue, miner issue, my wife and I like rare meat, in her case VERY rare (don't want it still crying when it hits the plate). Cooking it that short a time and the cheese doesn't melt. I'll figure out a way to deal with that part. If not than the cheese will be rare too :)
Reply 4 years ago
Haha, I'm really glad you guys liked it! You can always try another cheese that melts faster...use nacho cheese lol. Otherwise the cheese inside does need some time to melt :-)
4 years ago on Introduction
Beautiful Instructable by a beautiful young lady! I will definitely give this a try. I'm thinking I might try using cheddar slices and bleu cheese combined, too.
Thank your for taking the time!
Reply 4 years ago
Thank you :-) Oh yes, you can customize it anyway you like and your very welcome!
4 years ago
Not at all good! Those late night food commercials always annoys me, and here I am watching mouthwatering burgers after midnight! This 'ible should come with a warning.
Reply 4 years ago
hahaha...you can always make one to take out the frustration :-)
Tip 4 years ago on Step 11
Add some frozen corn to pan when the burger is done. Stir it in the pan on medium heat about two minutes. Fried corn to go with your burger!
Reply 4 years ago
or add some mushroom & onions. mmm
4 years ago
Really want a juicy hamburger. add bob evans italian sausage. You wont be sorry!
Reply 4 years ago
That sounds delicious, I'll have to give it a try next time.
4 years ago
I love the way you put your Instructables together, your photography is excellent. I wanted to eat that burger straight off the screen. Looking forward to more instructibles from you!
Reply 4 years ago
Thanks Dave, I appreciate it. I'll keep them coming :-)
4 years ago
The kind of instructable where I wish the replicator aboard the star ship enterprise was a real thing, so I could print out that burger and eat it.
Yeah, I'm a nerd. A hungry nerd and that burger looks delicious.
Reply 4 years ago
Haha, well you just gotta invent it. Billion dollar idea!
Reply 4 years ago
I'm going to agree with you. I want it! :D