Step 1

Heat the oven. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400ºF.

Step 2

Prepare the cheese. Stack 4 slices American cheese. Cut in half, then cut each piece in half again to form 4 stacks of squares.

Step 3

Season the meat. Place 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix with your hands until just evenly combined.

Step 4

Divide the meat. Divide the beef into 8 portions (3 ounces each) and form each into a ball.

Step 5

Form and top the patties. Form 1 juicy lucy at a time: Using your fingertips, press 2 portions into 1/4-inch-thick patties that are about 1 inch wider in diameter than the hamburger buns. Top 1 patty with 4 pieces of cheese, overlapping the slices to cover the patty but leaving a 1/2-inch border.

Step 6

Form the Juicy Lucys. Place the second patty over the cheese-topped patty. Pick up the Juicy Lucy and pinch the edges to form a tight seal. Cup the stuffed patty with your hands to round out the edges, and press on the top to flatten slightly into a single thick patty. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining patties and cheese to form 4 stuffed patties in total.

Step 7

Cook the Juicy Lucys. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat until shimmering, 3 to 4 minutes. If using a 10-inch pan, place 2 patties in the pan; if using a 12-inch or larger, add all 4 patties. Cook undisturbed (do not press down on the patties) until dark golden-brown on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Using a spatula, flip the patties and cook until the second side is dark golden-brown and the patties are cooked through, about 4 minutes.

Step 8

Toast the buns. Transfer to a clean plate. Let rest in a warm place or tent loosely with aluminum foil while you toast the buns. Split 4 hamburger buns, place cut-side up on a baking sheet, and toast until starting to brown around the edges, 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 9

Assemble the Juicy Lucys. Place a patty on each bun bottom, top with a few pickle slices, and close with the bun top.