Looking for a burger that hits all the right notes—juicy, flavorful, and a tad lighter than your typical beef patty? Turkey Burgers have become my secret weapon for easy weeknight dinners and laid-back gatherings with friends. Each bite is packed with savory goodness, thanks to a blend of fresh herbs, spices, and a few clever tricks that keep these patties anything but dry. They’re a little bit nostalgic, a whole lot satisfying, and credibly customizable, making them a family favorite that never gets old.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll be surprised by how much flavor you can coax out of these Turkey Burgers. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, whether that’s moisture, a pop of color, or a punch of umami magic.

Ground turkey: The star of the show, offering a lean yet tender base for your burgers.
Onion (finely grated): Adds natural sweetness and moisture, boosting juiciness and flavor.
Garlic (minced): For that gentle, savory kick you’ll taste in every bite.
Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami notes and provides a subtle tang.
Dijon mustard: Rounds out the flavors with a zesty, mildly spicy edge.
Smoked paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness that elevates turkey’s mildness.
Salt: Essential for heightening all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Lifts the burgers with color and freshness.
Egg (lightly beaten): Helps bind the patties together for perfect flipping.
Breadcrumbs: Absorb moisture and keep everything tender, not crumbly.
Burger buns (toasted): Golden and warm, they’re the foundation of your build.
Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, red onion slices, pickles: All the classic, cool crunchy toppings for contrast and texture.
Condiments of choice: Ketchup, mustard, mayo—choose your favorites for a finishing flourish.

How to Make Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, bring together ground turkey, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, parsley, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mixing gently with a fork or your hands, go just until combined—overmixing makes the patties tough, so aim for a light touch.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into four parts, then form each into a thick disk about three-quarters of an inch thick. Patties should be uniform in size so they cook evenly. If the mixture feels sticky, wet your hands slightly to keep things smooth and tidy.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep Your Cooking Surface

Whether you’re a grill devotee or love a trusty skillet, get your surface hot over medium-high and give it a light slick of oil. This step ensures your Turkey Burgers develop a gorgeous crust without sticking—plus, that sizzle is irresistible.

Step 4: Cook the Turkey Burgers

Lay the patties on the hot grill or skillet. Let them cook for five to six minutes per side, flipping just once to lock in moisture. They’re ready when a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the center—no pink in sight and super juicy inside. Resist pressing down; that squeezes out all the flavor!

Step 5: Rest and Assemble

Transfer the patties to a plate and let them rest for about two minutes (trust me, this keeps them moist). Pile each patty onto a toasted bun and add your favorite toppings—lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles—and a slather of whatever sauces make you happy. Serve right away and enjoy every bite.

How to Serve Turkey Burgers

Garnishes

There’s no wrong way to top a Turkey Burger, but I love a vibrant spread: crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, thin slices of red onion, and a couple of snappy pickles. A dollop of spicy mayo, honey mustard, or even cranberry sauce (trust me!) brings a pop of bold flavor to every bite.

Side Dishes

Turkey Burgers pair up beautifully with classic sides like oven-baked sweet potato fries, a bright green salad, or even grilled corn on the cob. For a weeknight twist, try pairing them with a chilled quinoa salad or roasted veggies tossed in olive oil and sea salt.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the bun? Serve your Turkey Burger in a lettuce wrap for a lighter option or crumble the cooked patties over a salad for a protein-rich topper. You can even serve them slider-style at parties, stacked high on mini buns with a variety of homemade sauces for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Turkey Burgers will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just wrap cooked patties snugly in foil or store them in an airtight container so they stay fresh and ready for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

Caught up in meal-prep mode? Shape the raw patties and freeze them on a lined baking sheet until firm, then slip them into a freezer-safe bag for future cravings. They’ll keep up to three months—just thaw overnight before cooking for best results.

Reheating

To perk up leftover Turkey Burgers, reheat them gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water. The key is to warm them through without drying them out, so a watchful eye is your best friend here.

FAQs

Can I make Turkey Burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shape the patties up to a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This is a great way to get ahead for busy weeknights or prep before guests arrive.

How do I keep my Turkey Burgers from drying out?

The secret is not to overmix the meat and to cook just until done—165°F (74°C) at the center. Adding grated onion or even a spoonful of olive oil to the mix also helps lock in that juicy texture.

Can I cook these in the oven instead of a grill or skillet?

Definitely! Arrange patties on a lined baking tray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They turn out perfectly moist, with less mess to clean up.

What’s the best way to freeze Turkey Burgers?

Freeze raw patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together and makes it easy to pull out exactly as many as you need later on.

Can I swap out any of the ingredients?

Turkey Burgers are incredibly flexible! Mix in fresh herbs or swap the parsley for basil or cilantro, use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed, and play with the spices for something new each time.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of happiness in sitting down to a homemade Turkey Burger—especially one this tasty and simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something wholesome and packed with flavor, give these a try and make them your own. It’s a meal that never disappoints!

Turkey Burgers Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These juicy turkey burgers are packed with flavor and make for a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. Easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Turkey Patties:

1 pound ground turkey
1 small onion, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
½ cup breadcrumbs

For Serving:

4 burger buns, toasted
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Red onion slices
Pickles
Condiments of choice

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, parsley, egg, and breadcrumbs.
Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾ inch thick.
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
Cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
Assemble the burgers by placing patties on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and preferred condiments.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For juicier burgers, mix in 1 tablespoon of olive oil or a little grated zucchini.
These burgers can also be cooked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Freeze raw patties on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for quick meals.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Stovetop
Cuisine: American