Chef John's Juicy Lucy

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.