Chef John's Juicy Lucy

Bursts of molten Cheddar accompany every bite of Chef John's Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed hamburger that truly lives up to its name and won't disappoint.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 618 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• kosher salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 leaf lettuce
• 1 slice Cheddar cheese
• 6 ounces ground beef
• 4 drops Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
• 3 pinches garlic powder
• 1 hamburger bun, split
• 1 slice tomato

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Divide beef into two 3-ounce balls; lightly moisten fingertips with water and press into patties about ¼-inch thick. Drop Worcestershire sauce over patties; rub in lightly. Sprinkle garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt on top; rub in.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patty 5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Place patty on bottom bun; top with tomato, lettuce, and top bun.