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This baked cheese-stuffed burger, known as a Juicy Lucy, is made with seasoned ground beef and a melted cheese center. It’s juicy, flavorful, and easy to make in the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic ingredients and minimal prep.
- Fast & Easy: Quick to assemble and bake.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite cheese or toppings.
- Cheesy & Fun: A playful twist on a classic burger.
I love sharing this Juicy Lucy recipe with you because it’s more than just a burger—it’s a little surprise in every bite.
Originating in Minneapolis, the Juicy Lucy is known for its gooey, melty cheese center that’s tucked inside the beef instead of on top. It’s a fun twist on a classic, with a bit of history and a whole lot of flavor packed into one bite.
Serve your Juicy Lucy with tasty single serving sides like a small batch of French fries, sweet potato fries, a single serving mac and cheese, or a fresh green salad drizzled with small batch vinaigrette salad dressing.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this Juicy Lucy recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Ground Beef: 8 ounces (225 grams). Use a blend with some fat for a juicy burger. Got extra ground beef? Use it in our small lasagna rollups recipe, cheeseburger soup for one, chili mac for one, or a small batch of stuffed peppers.
- Burger Seasoning: 1/4 teaspoon. I like Lawry’s Seasoned Salt or McCormick Grill Mates Hamburger Seasoning. Look for burger seasoning in the spice aisle.
- Cheese: 1 slice of American cheese. This is classic, but any good melting cheese will work if you prefer something different.
Recipe Variations
Try one of these fun spins on this classic cheese-stuffed burger:
- Spicy Version: Stuff with pepper jack or mix diced jalapeños into the beef.
- Breakfast Style: Use cheddar, then top with a fried egg and bacon, sausage, or ham. Serve on a toasted English muffin.
- Turkey Option: Use 90% lean ground turkey instead of beef. Try Swiss or feta cheese for a flavorful twist.
How To Make A Juicy Lucy
The photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make a baked Juicy Lucy. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Combine the ground beef and seasoning in a large bowl.
- Divide the beef into two equal portions and shape into balls.
- Flatten each ball into a thin, round patty.
- Cut the cheese into small squares and place in the center of one patty.
- Lay the second patty over the first, covering the cheese.
- Press the edges together to seal, making sure the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Place the burger in a lightly greased baking dish and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Let the burger rest, covered, for at least 5 minutes. Then add it to the bottom bun and top with pickles, tomato, and lettuce if desired. Finish with the top bun.
Tip: Want to cook your Juicy Lucy without baking? You can grill or pan-cook it!
- To grill: Place the burger over direct, medium-high heat (375–425°F), cover, and cook for 4–5 minutes per side.
- To pan-cook: Sear in a skillet over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
Always let the burger rest, covered, for at least 5 minutes before serving to keep the cheese and juices sealed inside.
Expert Tips
- Use cold ground beef—it’s easier to shape.
- Cut the cheese into 4 pieces and overlap them in the center of the patty, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Press the edges of the patties together tightly to seal in the cheese.
- Don’t press down on the burger while it bakes—this can cause juices and cheese to leak out.
Topping Ideas
Keep it classic or mix it up—these toppings pair perfectly with a Juicy Lucy:
- Pickles
- Sliced tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Red onion
- Crispy Bacon
- Ketchup, mustard, or mayo
Frequently Asked Questions
Bake for 30 minutes at 375°F and cook to an internal temperature of 160°F for ground beef.
Yes. You can shape and stuff the patties up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this easy Juicy Lucy recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Juicy Lucy Burger
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ground beef
- ¼ teaspoon burger seasoning
- 1 slice American cheese
Juicy Lucy Extras
- 1 hamburger bun
- Optional Toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles
- Optional Sauces: mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish and set aside.
- Season the ground beef. In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef with the burger seasoning.
- Form the patties. Divide the beef in half, shape into balls, and flatten each into a thin patty.
- Add the cheese. Cut the cheese into 4 squares and place them in the center of one patty, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Seal the burger. Place the second patty on top and press the edges together to seal the cheese inside.
- Bake the burger. Transfer the patty to the baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
- Rest and assemble. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use cold ground beef—it’s easier to shape.
- Cut the cheese into 4 pieces and overlap them in the center of the patty, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Press the edges of the patties together tightly to seal in the cheese.
- Don’t press down on the burger while it bakes—this can cause juices and cheese to leak out.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I’ve made stuffed burgers kind of passion so I’d add a couple tips I’ve picked up:
Instead of just cheese, leftover bits of bacon, chopped sauteed mushrooms, onion, a few roasted red peppers chopped from the jar, or some bits of jalapeno, basically anything you’ve got in your fridge.
Then, most importantly, take all those bits of “stuff” and chunks of 8 different cheeses or whatever you’ve found……form them into a patty shape wrapped tightly in saran wrap, and freeze them first! That way they don’t ooze out of the burger right away.
And I do prefer the grill or cast iron, but either way works.
I’m wondering if you can get a caramelized crust on the burger by baking it vs grilling it? That crust is one of the really great aspects of eating a Juicy Lucy
Hello!!!
Fantastic recipe! Iโve never been able to make a burger before, this recipe has all the little instructions that people never give you. My mom and I have both learned to make our fave recipe at home now โ many thanks to you,
Does it need to be cooked in a dish? Can it be cooked on a grille rack/ broiler pan?
A juicy lucy can be cooked on a grill, on a stovetop, or in the oven.
Aussie bbq time is here. Iโm trying this on my baby Weber.
Really enjoying your site. Cooking for one was really hard but not any more.
Could this burger be cooked in a air fryer?
Hi Betty,
I haven’t tested this recipe using an air fryer so I can’t tell you how it will turn out. If you do try it in an air fryer, please let me know how it turns out. Thanks so much for writing!
Joanie