Cheesy Juicy Lucy Burger Recipe
Say hello to the burger with a surprise inside! The Cheesy Juicy Lucy Burger takes your classic American cheeseburger and flips it inside out—the gooey cheese melts in the center of the beef patty instead of sitting on top.
This Minnesota-born favorite is perfect for cookouts, game days, or anytime you want to impress family and friends with something a little extra special. Every bite delivers juicy beef, melty cheese, and that irresistible smoky grill flavor. Once you try this stuffed cheeseburger, you’ll never look at a regular burger the same way again
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Other (Chill Time): 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Method: Grill
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 pounds Certified Angus Beef ® ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal)
- 6 slices American cheese
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Canola cooking spray
- 4 burger buns
- Grill pan or cast iron skillet (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the cheese: Cut each slice of American cheese into 4 squares. Stack them evenly into 4 piles with 6 small pieces each.
- Season the beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently by hand until just combined—do not overmix.
- Form the patties: Divide the beef mixture into 8 thin patties. On 4 of the patties, press an indented well into the center with your thumb and place a cheese stack in each. Cover with the remaining 4 patties and carefully press the edges to seal, forming 4 stuffed burgers. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Grill the burgers: Lightly spray both sides of each burger with canola cooking spray. Grill or pan-sear over high heat for about 3 minutes per side. Move to the cooler side of the grill (or a 375°F oven) and finish cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (about 5 to 8 minutes).
- Rest and serve: Remove from the grill and let the burgers rest for at least 3 minutes before serving—this allows the cheese to set inside. Place on buns and enjoy your cheesy, juicy creation!
Chef Tips & Variations:
- Cheese options: Try sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss instead of American cheese for a different flavor twist.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the beef mix for a subtle kick.
- Make it deluxe: Top your burger with crisp lettuce, tomato slices, caramelized onions, or pickles after grilling.
- Cast iron option: If you don’t have a grill, a hot cast iron skillet works beautifully for searing.
Pro tip: Always let the burgers rest cutting in too soon will cause the molten cheese to spill out.