These turkey burgers are healthy, flavorful, and quick to make with a handful of simple ingredients in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
I love a great hamburger, but when I want something lighter without sacrificing flavor, I make these turkey burgers. Ground turkey is mixed with garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika and a touch of barbecue sauce for depth. An egg and breadcrumbs help bind the patties so they stay juicy and hold their shape.
They come together in under 30 minutes and are delicious served on your favorite bun with fresh toppings for a healthy, comforting meal.
Turkey Burgers: Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground turkey. Use ground chicken or beef if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
- Barbecue sauce. If you don’t have barbecue sauce, substitute 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce plus 1 tablespoon milk for the 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce.
- Breadcrumbs. Quick oats work well as a gluten-free alternative.
- Spices. The suggested spice blend is flexible—adjust amounts to suit your taste.
How to Make Turkey Burgers
Follow these straightforward steps to make flavorful, juicy turkey burgers.
Make the Turkey Burger Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, barbecue sauce, and egg. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
Add the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Form the mixture into six even patties. For consistent size, weigh the mixture and divide by six before shaping.
Cook the Turkey Burgers
These burgers are best cooked on the stovetop in a heavy skillet or on a flattop for a good sear, though you can grill them if preferred.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a cast iron skillet or nonstick pan.
Add the patties and cook the first side for 3–5 minutes, until golden brown. Flip, cover, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve
Serve the burgers immediately on a bun with your favorite toppings. Popular choices include:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Guacamole
- Pickles
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
- Mayonnaise or aioli
- Cheese — add slices during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking so they melt nicely.
Best Sides to Serve With Turkey Burgers
These burgers pair well with classic barbecue sides and simple salads, such as pasta salad, potato salad, macaroni salad, fruit salad, broccoli salad, cucumber salad, burrata salad, mac and cheese, coleslaw, or a three-bean salad.
Store/Freeze
Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. To freeze, arrange patties in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.
Turkey Burger Recipe FAQs
Ground turkey generally has less saturated fat than ground beef, making it a leaner option while still providing good protein.
In this recipe, the egg, barbecue sauce, and breadcrumbs bind the mixture and keep the patties from falling apart.
Ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, and mustard are all great options depending on the flavor profile you want.
Cheddar, Swiss, American, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack melt well and complement turkey nicely.
If you try this recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment and rating. Your feedback helps others find and improve the recipe.
Best Turkey Burgers
Laura
Video
Equipment
- cast iron skillet
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- mixing bowl
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 Tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Make the Turkey Burger Patties
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, barbecue sauce, and egg. Stir gently to combine.
- Add breadcrumbs and all spices, then stir until evenly mixed.
- Form mixture into 6 even patties.
Cook
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a cast iron skillet.
- Add the patties and cook the first side 3–5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip, cover, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve
- Serve immediately on a bun with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Ground turkey: swap for ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- Barbecue sauce: or use 1 tablespoon Worcestershire + 1 tablespoon milk.
- Breadcrumbs: quick oats are a good gluten-free stand-in.
- Spices: change amounts to suit your taste.
Store/Freeze
Refrigerate cooked patties in an airtight container for 3–5 days. Freeze in a single layer for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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