Juicy Lucy Burgers

Juicy Lucy Burgers: Juicy burger patties are stuffed with a slice of cheese to create an easy homemade version of the classic “Juicy Lucy” (or Jucy Lucy) burger!

We are HUGE fans of burger recipes around here. No matter if it’s beef patties, baked turkey burgers, crispy chicken burgers, or something wild like a donut burger! Plus, you’ll find out about our most popular burger here on the blog, below, when we talk about baking these in the oven!

 

What is a Lucy Burger? Why is it called a Juicy Lucy?

A Juicy Lucy burger is basically the ultimate cheeseburger- unlike a regular cheeseburger that has the cheese on top of the patty, a Juicy Lucy burger has a cheese slice stuffed in the center of the patty!

As it cooks, the fat in the burger patty combines with the melted cheese to create a delicious, molten cheese sauce on the inside. It’s a juicy hamburger, for sure!

Jump to:

• What is a Lucy Burger? Why is it called a Juicy Lucy?
• Where are Juicy Lucy Burgers From?
• Ingredients for Juicy Lucy Burgers
• How to Make This Juicy Lucy Burger Recipe
• How to Make Juicy Lucy Burgers in the Oven
• Variations
• Storage
• Expert Tips and FAQs
• What to Serve with Juicy Lucy Burgers
• Related Recipes
• Recipe
• Comments

Where are Juicy Lucy Burgers From?

Juicy Lucy burgers originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and are touted as “Minnesota’s favorite pan-seared burgers busting at the seams with melty cheese!”

There are actually two different bars that both claim to have created these extra cheesy burgers, Matt’s bar and the 5-8 Club.

No matter who created it, it’s a delicious burger and I think you’re going to love it!

Ingredients for Juicy Lucy Burgers

This is one of those easy recipes that use simple ingredients (as all great recipes do) to create something delicious!

To make Juicy Lucy burgers, you’ll need:

• 6 hamburger buns
• 2 pounds ground beef – 80/20 ground beef or regular ground beef- not lean beef. (Or, try these other ground beef recipes, or if you have ground venison in the freezer, you could make these as directed but make a venison burger recipe instead!)
• 12 slices of American or cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

You can jump straight to the recipe card or keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to make this Juicy Lucy burgers recipe.

How to Make This Juicy Lucy Burger Recipe

1. Place the ground beef in a large bowl and lightly break it apart.
2. Combine ground beef with the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce and mix it all together (I find using your hands works best for this). 
3. Divide the meat into 6 equal portions.

4. Split each of those 6 portions of beef into 2 pieces. Flatten both pieces into thin patties slightly larger than the hamburger bun.

5. Take 2 slices of the cheese and break it apart into small pieces, placing the pieces into the center of the burger patty.
6. Put the second patty on top of the cheese and crimp the edges together, making sure you make a tight seal. Flip the burger over, gently press the burger down and crimp again. 

Note: The best way to form the patties is to take your time. You want to be sure they are sturdy and have no cracks or holes that the cheese will melt through.

7. Take the back of a large spoon and press a small dimple into the middle of the burger. By doing this you will help the burger to stay flat while cooking and not become rounded.

8. Once all of the burger patties have been made, melt the butter and olive oil in a cast iron pan/cast iron skillet/grill pan (whatever you want to call it) over medium heat.

9. Once the oil is hot, carefully place patties in the pan and cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side. While you are cooking the first set of patties, put the remaining patties in the fridge to keep them cool.

10. These burgers are best served immediately. Serve on a hamburger bun with your favorite toppings. The Juicy Lucy is traditionally served with only dill pickles, but you can get creative and add the toppings of your choice! (Or, you can top it with items that we topped our Cowboy Burger recipe with, too!)

How to Make Juicy Lucy Burgers in the Oven

Did you know you can make great burgers in the oven, too? You sure can!

We have some tips to create the best burger in the oven (it will melt in your melt). Go check out our recipe for the best hamburgers in the oven!

Variations

This burger is a nicely seasoned base that can be jazzed up with your favorite cheese and toppings!

• Cheese – any cheese that melts well will work for this recipe. Get creative! You could even get real wild and stuff these with blue cheese, if that’s your style. Just be sure to watch how much cheese you use (you don’t want gooey cheese leaking out of your burger).
• Bun – by changing the hamburger bun you use, you can create a totally different burger experience! You could use a soft bun like brioche buns, a crusty roll, a chewy pretzel bun, or a sweet Hawaiian roll!
• Spicy – use a spicy cheese like a pepper jack or jalapeño havarti and add some banana peppers or other spicy peppers to your burger!
• Classic – for a more classic burger, top your Juicy Lucy patty with tomato slices, lettuce, dill pickles, red onion, and your favorite condiments!

Storage

Store any leftover burger patties in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for 3-4 days (be sure to store your patties, buns, and toppings separately to keep everything as fresh as possible).

You could also freeze these patties in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips and FAQs

What to Serve with Juicy Lucy Burgers

Serve these burgers with a side of air fryer sweet potato fries or baked fiesta ranch potato wedges for a meal the whole family will enjoy!

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed these Juicy Lucy Burgers then you should definitely try some of our other cheeseburger recipes like Hawaiian Burgers, our buttery glazed donut burger (I know, what?!) and our air fryer turkey burgers!

Recipe