Cheese Stuffed Burgers made with ground beef & seasonings, then stuffed with gooey cheese & topped with a special sauce for a juicy, flavorful gourmet burger you make at home!
A Juicy Lucy is not your typical cheeseburger— it’s stuffed with gooey melted cheese, making every bite extra incredible! This recipe makes two stuffed burgers that are rich, flavorful, and packed with protein.
Highlights of these Cheese Stuffed Burger Recipe
- You get cheesy goodness in every bite thanks to the cheese stuffed right inside the burger!
- This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand, such as ground beef, basic spices, and cheese. It keeps things straightforward so you can enjoy a gourmet results without a lot of fuss.
- You can customize the toppings to your taste, making this a versatile serving option for any burger lover. I’ve been enjoying my burgers “protein style” without a bun.
Juicy Lucy Burger Ingredients
Beef: You will need 1 lb. of ground beef (80% lean, 20%) to make two large burgers.
Cheese: Use 3.5-oz of American cheese to stuff these burgers.
Seasonings: Flavor the meat with some salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Worcestershire sauce: For another kick of flavor add 1 TBSP of Worcestershire sauce.
Special Sauce (Optional):
Sauces: You need 3 TBSP of mayonnaise, 1 TBSP of Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp of hot sauce.
Paprika: For more great taste add smoked paprika to the mixture.
Burger Toppings: To assemble your burgers you need 2 buns, red onion slices, Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and pickles.
For Toasting the Buns: 1 TBSP of butter, if toasting is desired.
Tips for the Best Juicy Lucy Burgers
The full directions are below, but here are a few tips for making them:
✅ Seal the edges well! Press the edges of the patties tightly to keep the cheese inside.
✅ Use American cheese for the best melt. It stays gooey and perfect inside the burger.
✅ Don’t press down on the burgers while cooking! This will cause the cheese and juices to leak out, which we definitely don’t want.
✅ Let the burgers rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent burns..
✅ Toast the buns with butter for extra flavor and a slight crunch.
Storing leftovers
Burgers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the cooked burgers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.
Cheese Stuffed Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb. ground beef 80% / 20%
- 3.5 oz. American cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 TBSP Worcestershire
For the Special Sauce (Optional):
- 3 TBSP mayonnaise
- 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Toppings
- Burger Toppings: 2 buns, red onion slices, Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, pickles
- 1 TBSP butter for toasting the buns
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic & onion powder and 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce until evenly combined. Divide the mixture into four equal portions (about ¼ lb or 4 oz each).
- Flatten each portion into a thin patty, slightly larger than the size of the bun. Place equal amounts of American cheese in the center of two patties. Top each burger with another patty and seal the edges tightly to prevent the cheese from leaking.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet, griddle, or BBQ grill to medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully. Test the inside with a cooking thermometer, burgers should register 160°F. If they still need to cook, reduce the heat and cook another 2-3 minutes.
- In the same pan, melt 1 TBSP butter and toast the burger buns for about 1 minute, until golden brown and crisp.
- To make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir well until smooth and set aside.
- Spread special sauce (or your favorite condiment) on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Place the cheese-stuffed burger on top. Add red onion slices and cover with the top bun. Serve immediately with crispy fries, onion rings, or coleslaw! 🍔🔥 Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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What makes a Juicy Lucy different from a regular cheeseburger?
Instead of placing the cheese on top, it’s stuffed inside the patty, creating a gooey, melty center.
Can I make these burgers on a grill?
Yes! Just be careful when flipping to avoid tearing the patty and losing the cheese. Use medium-high heat and grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
Can I prepare the hamburger patties in advance?
Yes! You can assemble and refrigerate the patties up to 24 hours before cooking.
What type of cheese is recommended for the juicy center?
American cheese is best for that classic, gooey melt inside the burger. It melts evenly and provides a creamy texture. You can also try cheddar or pepper jack for more flavor, but American cheese keeps the cheeseburger smooth and juicy.
Tips for preventing burgers from falling apart during cooking
Make sure to seal the edges of the burger patties tightly around the cheese. Press the beef firmly together without overpacking. Cook on medium heat and flip carefully once. Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking to keep them intact.
What are some creative stuffed burger variations to try at home?
Try stuffing your burgers with blue cheese and caramelized onions for a rich flavor twist. You can also mix cooked bacon or jalapeños inside for added texture and heat. Experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to find your favorite.
Host a BBQ and serve stuffed burgers with more tasty recipes:
- These Homemade Sweet Potato Fries are a perfect side dish to serve with these burgers! Or try these tasty Baked Parmesan Potato Wedges.
- A great, light side dish is this Copycat KFC Coleslaw recipe. It tastes just like restaurant version, but for a fraction of the cost!
- I don’t think a BBQ is complete without some baked beans! Make these baked beans with bacon for a wonderful side dish.
- Don’t forget your veggies! This Easy Summer Corn Salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
- You also can’t go wrong with this Watermelon Salad that everyone goes crazy over.
- Finish your meal off with a refreshing dessert, try one of our favorite no-bake desserts: Orange Creamsicle Pie is delightful! Or our decadent No Bake Snickers Pie is always a hit with crowds.
Cheese Stuffed Burgers are flavorful, restaurant quality burgers made at home. These are not your typical cheeseburgers; give them a try and see for yourself just how amazing they are!
kim says
could these burgers be baked in the oven, and if so. could you post instructions?
Jessica says
Depending on the size of burgers and how well done you prefer them, I’d bake them at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.