Turkey Burgers

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These turkey burgers are healthy, flavorful and easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients in under 30 minutes. Make this delicious turkey burger recipe for an easy and satisfying weeknight meal!

Turkey Burger on a plate with a bun and toppings

I love a good hamburger, but when I crave something a little lighter but just as delicious – I make these turkey burgers.

This recipe is bold and flavorful; ground turkey is mixed with garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika and barbecue sauce. The egg and breadcrumbs hold everything together, yielding a juicy turkey burger with a perfect texture.

Plus, they’re easy to make in under 30 minutes. Serve on your favorite burger buns with the fixings of your choice for a hearty and healthy dinner!

a stack of 2 Turkey Burgers on buns, the top one has a bite taken out of it

Turkey Burgers: Ingredients & Substitutions

overhead view of the ingredients in this Turkey Burger recipe
  • Ground turkey. If you’d prefer a burger with a different meat try this hamburger recipe, or ground chicken burgers.
  • Barbecue Sauce. You can substitute 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce with 1 tablespoon milk for the 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce.
  • Breadcrumbs. quick oats are a good, gluten-free substitute.
  • Spices. I included our favorite spice blend, you can adjust according to your tastes.
a hand holding a Turkey Burger on a bun

How to Make Turkey Burgers

Let’s walk through this recipe together, and be sure to watch the video for additional guidance.

Make the Turkey Burger Patties

Begin by combining the ground turkey, BBQ sauce and egg in a large bowl.

two photos showing how to make Turkey Burger patties

Then, add the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt and pepper and stir to combine.

two photos showing how to make Turkey Burger patties

Next, form the mixture into 6 patties (I suggest weighing the full mixture, then dividing by 6 so the patties are uniform in size).

6 Turkey Burger patties on a plate before cooking

Cook the Turkey Burgers

These turkey burgers are best when cooked on the stovetop . You can grill them but I suggest doing so in a pan or on a flattop.

Heat 2 Tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a cast iron skillet or nonstick fry pan.

Then, add the burger patties and cook on the first side for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown.

two photos showing how to cook Turkey Burgers in a cast iron skillet

Flip, cover and cook the burgers over medium heat until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.

two photos showing how to cook Turkey Burgers in a cast iron skillet

Serve

Serve immediately on a hamburger bun with your favorite fixings Here are some suggestions:

  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Guacamole
  • Pickles
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Onion
  • Mayonnaise
  • Cheese (add cheese in the last 2 minutes of cooking on the second side so it melts).
6 cooked Turkey Burger patties on a plate

Best Sides to Serve With Turkey Burgers

a Turkey Burgers on a bun with lettuce and tomatoes

Store/Freeze

If you find yourself with leftover turkey burgers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Or, freeze the patties in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

a stack of 2 Turkey Burgers, the top one has a bite taken out of it and a pickle on top

Turkey Burger Recipe FAQS

Are turkey burgers really healthier?

Ground turkey has less saturated fat, both turkey and ground beef have excellent health benefits.

What holds turkey burgers together?

In this recipe, egg, barbecue sauce and breadcrumbs hold the burgers together.

What sauce goes with turkey burger?

We suggest ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, and mustard!

What cheese is best on turkey burgers?

Here are some cheeses I suggest to melt on top of your burger:
Cheddar
Swiss
American
Colby Jack
Pepper Jack

a stack of 2 Turkey Burgers, the top one has a bite taken out of it

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Best Turkey Burgers

Laura
These turkey burgers are healthy, flavorful and easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients in under 30 minutes. Make this delicious turkey burger recipe for a satisfying weeknight meal!
5 from 1 vote
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 turkey burgers
Calories 126
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes

Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

Make the Turkey Burger Patties

  • In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, BBQ sauce and egg. Stir to combine.
  • Then, add the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
  • Form the mixture into 6 patties (I suggest weighing the full mixture, then dividing by 6 so the patties are uniform in size).

Cook

  • Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a cast iron skillet
  • Add the turkey burger patties and cook on the first side for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Flip, cover and cook over medium heat until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.

Serve

  • Serve immediately on a bun with your favorite fixings!

Video

Notes

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
  • Ground turkey. If you’d prefer a burger with a different meat try this hamburger recipe, or ground chicken burgers.
  • Barbecue Sauce. You can substitute 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce with 1 tablespoon milk for the 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce.
  • Breadcrumbs. quick oats are a good, gluten-free substitute.
  • Spices. I included our favorite spice blend, you can adjust according to your tastes.
Store/Freeze
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Or, freeze the patties in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Serving: 1turkey burger patty | Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 336mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 114IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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1 Comment

  1. This looks delicious. I signed up to get new recipes in my inbox but am not receiving them so I keep checking your blog for new posts. I wrote to you about this but have not heard back. How can I receive new blog posts when they are published? Thanks.