Turkey Burgers

These turkey burgers are juicy, tender, and packed with savory flavor, ready in about 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients and no dry, crumbly patties.

Try my Greek Turkey Meatballs or Ground Turkey Casserole next for more easy ground turkey dinners!

Turkey burgers get a bad reputation for being dry and bland, but the right method fixes that. A little moisture from grated onion and a gentle hand when mixing keep the patties tender and full of flavor.

These turkey burgers use simple seasonings with no wine, no Worcestershire sauce, and no alcohol, and they work perfectly with ground turkey. They are a lighter, high protein alternative to beef burgers that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients List

You need 1 1/4 pounds of ground turkey, breadcrumbs, an egg, grated onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, plus a little olive oil for cooking. Add burger buns and your favorite toppings to finish.

Choose ground turkey that is 93 percent lean rather than 99 percent, since a little fat keeps the burgers juicy. Grating the onion adds moisture without leaving big chunks in the patty.

How to Make It

This is just the overview for these turkey burgers. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements and timing.

Mix the ground turkey with the breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, and spices until just combined. Divide into four equal portions and shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick, pressing a small dimple in the center of each so they stay flat. Cook in a hot oiled skillet for 5 to 6 minutes per side until the center reaches 165°F, then rest for 3 minutes before serving on toasted buns.

How Long to Cook Turkey Burgers

Cooking time depends on the method and the thickness of your patties. Use this chart as a guide, and always check with a meat thermometer for 165°F.

Ground turkey must always reach 165°F, so do not serve these turkey burgers pink in the middle.

Make Ahead Method

• Shape the patties up to 24 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator with parchment between each one.
• Freeze the raw patties on a tray, then stack them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen and add 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• Prep the toppings in advance by slicing tomato, onion, and lettuce so dinner comes together fast.

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Turkey Burgers

Recipe by TheMeatTable

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: TurkeyCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Calories

290

kcal

Juicy, tender turkey burgers with simple seasonings, ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs ground turkey (93 percent lean)

• 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup grated onion

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil, for cooking

• 4 burger buns, toasted

• Lettuce, tomato, and sliced onion, for serving

Directions

• Mix. Combine the turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently until just combined.
• Shape. Divide into 4 portions and shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Press a small dimple into the center of each.
• Heat the pan. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
• Cook. Cook the patties 5 to 6 minutes per side until browned and the center reaches 165F.
• Rest. Let the burgers rest 3 minutes before serving.
• Serve. Serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and sliced onion.

Notes

Do not overmix or the burgers will be tough. Use 93 percent lean turkey for the juiciest result. The USDA recommends 165F for ground poultry.

For food safety, ground turkey should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (USDA guidelines), so check the center of each patty before serving.

Nutritional Information

Turkey burgers are a lean, high protein dinner. Each patty, without the bun, has about 290 calories and 31 grams of protein, plus B vitamins, selenium, and zinc.

A patty also has about 7 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, and 15 grams of fat, with 3.5 grams of saturated fat. Sodium is about 560 milligrams per patty.

Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To lighten these turkey burgers, serve them in lettuce wraps or on whole wheat buns, and swap the breadcrumbs for old fashioned oats for extra fiber.

You can also load the patties with finely chopped spinach or mushrooms, which adds vegetables and keeps the burgers moist without changing the flavor much.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the burgers with sweet potato fries, a crisp side salad, or roasted vegetables. Toppings like avocado, tomato, pickles, and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce take them to the next level.

For leftover patties, see my Turkey Sandwich Ideas for sandwich ideas, or sprinkle on my Turkey Seasoning blend for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few simple slips can turn turkey burgers dry or crumbly. Avoid these for the best results.

• Using 99 percent lean turkey – It has too little fat and bakes up dry, so choose 93 percent lean.
• Overmixing the meat – Mix only until combined, since too much handling makes the patties tough.
• Skipping the dimple – A small dent in the center keeps the patties flat as they cook.
• Pressing on the patties – Squeezing them in the pan pushes out the juices.
• Undercooking – Ground turkey must reach 165°F, so use a thermometer.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave for about a minute.

Cooked patties freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

Turkey burgers can be every bit as juicy and satisfying as beef when you know the tricks. With a few simple ingredients and a gentle hand, this recipe will become your go-to for quick weeknight dinners.

FAQ

How do I keep turkey burgers from drying out?

Use 93 percent lean ground turkey, add grated onion for moisture, avoid overmixing, and cook only until the center reaches 165°F.

What temperature should turkey burgers be cooked to?

Ground turkey should reach 165°F in the center. Use a meat thermometer to be sure.

Can I make turkey burgers on the grill?

Yes, grill over medium high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side. Oil the grates well since turkey can stick.

Do I need breadcrumbs in turkey burgers?

Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and hold in moisture. Oats or crushed crackers work in the same amount.

Can I freeze turkey burgers?

Yes, freeze the raw patties on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Why are my turkey burgers falling apart?

They are usually too wet or underbound. Add a little more breadcrumb, chill the patties for 15 minutes, and handle them gently.

Try These Next

• Greek Turkey Meatballs
• Ground Turkey Casserole
• Turkey Sandwich Ideas
• Meat Temperature Chart