The best turkey burger recipe with lean ground turkey and plenty of spices and flavorings. In my opinion, these turkey burgers are just as delicious as their beef counterparts, and they take just minutes to make!
I use ground turkey a lot in cooking, it’s a versatile and healthy protein option. My favorite recipes that include ground turkey are slow cooker turkey chili, turkey meatballs, and these fabulous turkey burgers.
I love a big juicy hamburger, but when I’m looking for a delicious burger that’s on the lighter side, I turn to these turkey burgers. They’re tender, juicy and loaded with flavor. You won’t miss the beef, I promise!
How do you make turkey burgers?
This recipe starts with lean ground turkey, which is mixed with breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, egg, Worcestershire sauce and spices. The turkey mixture is formed into patties, then is cooked either on the grill or in a pan on the stove. Place your turkey burgers onto buns with an assortment of toppings, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for turkey burgers
- Be sure to use 93% lean ground turkey, which is a mix of dark and white meat. I’d avoid the 99% lean ground turkey breast because it’s much more likely to dry out.
- Your turkey mixture can be prepared up to 6 hours before you plan to cook it.
- Serve your burgers with plenty of toppings, I like to use lettuce, tomato, avocado and red onion.
- You can melt sliced cheese on top of the burgers during the last 5 minutes of the cooking process.
How do you know if a turkey burger is done?
Ground turkey is cooked through when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the burger registers at least 165 degrees F. You can also cut into the burger to check to see if it’s done; for a turkey burger, there should be no pink remaining inside.
Is a turkey burger healthier than a hamburger?
The answer to this question depends on what type of ground beef you’re comparing your ground turkey to. Many burgers are made with chuck, which is 80% lean. In this case, the turkey burger would be the healthier choice because it’s lower in fat and calories. That being said, if you use an extra lean ground beef (93% lean), it will have a similar nutritional profile to the ground turkey.
How do you keep turkey burgers from sticking to the grill?
If you’re using an outdoor grill, you’ll want to take care to make sure that your burgers do not stick to the grates.
- Make sure your grill grates are super clean. If there are bits of old food left on the grilling surface, the burgers will be more likely to stick.
- Coat your grill grates with vegetable oil before you place the burgers on the grill. You should also add a little extra oil to the surface of your burgers for added insurance that they will not stick.
- Make sure your grill is pre-heated before you add the burgers
My husband has proclaimed this recipe to be the best turkey burger he’s ever had, and I have to agree with him. They’re fresh, light and packed with flavor!
MORE GRILLING RECIPES
- Grilled Chicken Tenders
- Grilled Asparagus in Foil
- Lemon Sriracha Shrimp
- Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
- Pork and Pineapple Kabobs
Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey 93% lean
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs I use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 hamburger buns
- assorted toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado and red onion
Instructions
- Place the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and parsley in a bowl. Stir to combine.
- Shape the meat mixture into 4 patties. Brush the vegetable oil all over the patties.
- Preheat an outdoor grill, indoor grill pan or skillet on the stove to medium high heat.
- Add the burgers and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until completely cooked through.
- Place the burgers on the buns, add toppings as desired, then serve.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on June 25, 2015 and was updated June 18, 2019 with new content.
This is SO clever!! What a fun 4th of July dinner idea, I love it! Pinned!
Thanks for pinning! Happy (early) 4th of July!
These are awesome! I love to scrunch chips onto my burgers anyway, but he patriotic theme is just perfect. I think I may have to add these to our 4th menu!
Thanks Heather! I agree on the chips on burgers, I learned that from a Bobby Flay cookbook 🙂
Finally someone had the genius idea to make a patriotic burger, I would take this anytime over the dessert with food coloring melting in the sun!
Thanks Katalina, no food coloring here, it’s amazing that the potatoes are naturally so colorful!
I love this Patriotic Burger (mostly because of its unpretentious lack of lettuce). I haven’t seen a lettuce-free burger in ages, which is what I also want to have! Thanks so much for making this happen lol
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I didn’t add lettuce because I thought it would take away from the red, white and blue effect 🙂
This looks really cool! Love the idea. Above all, I just want a bite!
Thanks Tina, next time I’ll mail you one to sample 😉
This is sooooooooooo fun! I totally agree on the 4th being the ultimate grilling holiday! Can’t wait to try this!
Thanks Justine! Burgers are one of my favorite things to grill because they’re so easy, less time minding the grill and more time socializing 🙂
Purple what?! Potatoes! Who knew! This burger looks delish. I’m going to start exercising my jaw so I can take a BIG bite of that beautiful burger!
Yes! I don’t think every single grocery store has purple potatoes but I see them fairly often around here.
Yes! I don’t think every single grocery store has purple potatoes but I see them fairly often around here.
Not gonna lie, you just blew my mind with these purple potatoes. Such an interesting combo, especially with all that cheese, tomato, and beef! Yeesh, I’m hungry now!
The combination actually tastes good too! I promise 🙂
That looks super tasty, and those potatoes are so pretty.
Thanks Angie, almost too pretty to eat! They should be in a centerpiece or something 🙂
Oh my! LOOOOVE how that’s stacked up! All I can think is “nom nom nom!!!”, cookie-monster-style! 😀
So simple, so pretty and I’m sure it’s delicious. I love the toppings, they’re the perfect twist!
Thanks Dawn, it’s actually a great flavor combination!
What a fun, unique burger! I love the red, white and blue!
Oh I bet the potatoes on the burger is delicious!!
Great use of the potatoes!!
Beautiful dish, so healthy I am a chips fan. So this is something for my todo list. 🙂
What a fun idea for the upcoming holiday!! Nothing says “America” like a big, juicy hamburger. 🙂 Love this recipe and I bet it’s delicious, too! Yummed. 🙂
Oh my goodness, what a creative idea. I wouldn’t have thought of making blue chips in a million years! That burger looks delicious and worth giving a try. Thanks for sharing Sara!
I love the idea of using chips in a burger! Great idea! Cute hamburger picks too =) xoxo
Thanks Colleen, Bobby Flay always puts chips in his burgers which where I got the original idea 🙂
The 4th of July BBQ just got a Fabulous makeover ! Bravo Bravo !
Ok so that mozzarella?! AMAZING. And I am loving the idea of the crispy blue potatoes too. What a great burger!
Thanks Des, the fresh mozzarella is surprisingly good on a burger!