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Tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, this Turkey Burger Recipe is big on flavor without the guilt of red meat. Made with simple ingredients, these ground turkey patties are easy to make and cook flawlessly on the grill or stovetop.
I love a good hamburger from time to time, but the real winner (at least if you ask me) is the turkey burger. Lower in saturated fat and calories, they’re healthier than the beloved American beef burger but just as juicy and delicious.
Of course, ground beef burgers and turkey burgers are definitely not the same, and this recipe is not promising that one will taste just like the other. But turkey burgers are amazing, especially when they’re cooked in a pan or cast iron skillet and given a chance to develop a rich, brown, flavorful crust.
Best ground turkey for turkey burgers – getting the right fat content.
When making homemade turkey burgers, it’s key to consider the fat content of the ground turkey you’re using.
In general, using extra lean ground turkey (typically 99% fat-free) to make turkey burgers can result in dry and crumbly patties. Instead, look for ground turkey with a higher fat content. This will produce more flavorful burger patties that hold together better during cooking. Ground turkey with 15% to 20% fat, or a blend of dark and white meat, is ideal.
How to Make the Best Turkey Burger
Begin by combining the ground turkey, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika powder in a large mixing bowl, then divide the mixture into four equal parts and form each part into ½-inch thick patties.
Cover the patties with plastic wrap and transfer them to the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
When ready to cook your patties, add the olive oil to a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Place one or two patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They’re fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If adding cheese, place a slice of cheese on top of the patty, then turn the heat off and cover with a lid until the cheese is fully melted.
Repeat until all the patties have been cooked.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- The raw turkey patties will shrink and puff up while cooking. For this reason, make them about a half inch larger than the size you want them to be, and use the back of a spoon to make an indent in the center of each patty.
- Transfer the raw turkey patties to the refrigerator for at least 30-60 minutes to chill before cooking. This helps prevent them from falling apart as they cook.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Turkey Burger Toppings
You could add almost anything to the top of a turkey burger patty. Here are some of my favorites:
- Ketchup, mustard, and mayo (the classics)
- Garlic Aioli
- Guacamole
- Bacon
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Pickles or pickle relish
- Sauteed Mushrooms
- Caramelized Onions
- BBQ sauce
- Fried egg
- Cheese (cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, feta cheese, goat cheese, etc.)
Storage and Freezing
Turkey burgers are juiciest when they are served immediately; however, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will last for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze leftover turkey patties, first, allow them to cool before transferring them to a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange them on the baking sheet in a single layer and transfer them to the freezer for 2-3 hours or until just frozen. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a large freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.
Easily reheat the frozen patties in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the patties, making sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Recipes to Serve with Turkey Burgers
These juicy turkey burgers are fantastic with various side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:
- Macaroni Salad
- Crab Salad Recipe
- Fruit Salad Recipe
- Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan
- Easy Creamy Potato Salad Recipe
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
- Fresh Corn Salad Recipe
If you try making this delicious turkey burger recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
Turkey Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground turkey, preferably dark meat or between 80-90% lean
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced parsley
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Toppings
- 4 slices white cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices red onion
- 4 slices tomato
- 4 green leaf lettuce leaves
- Mayonnaise
- Pickles
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika powder.
- Divide the mixture into four equal parts and form each part into ½-inch thick patties. (Note: The raw patties will shrink while cooking, so make them about a half inch larger than the actual size that you want them to be.)
- Transfer the turkey patties to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill. This will help prevent them from falling apart as they cook.
- When ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Place one or two patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Place a slice of cheese on top of the patty, then turn the heat off and cover the pan with a lid to let the cheese fully melt.
- Repeat this process with the remaining patties.
- Prepare each burger by spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom of a burger bun, followed by a turkey patty, a slice of onion, tomato, lettuce, and pickles, and follow it up with the top bun.
Grilling Instructions
- Mix the ground turkey, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika powder in a large bowl.
- Divide the mixture into four equal parts and form each part into ½-inch thick patties. (Note: The raw patties will shrink while cooking, so make them about a half inch larger than the actual size that you want them to be.)
- Transfer the turkey patties to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill. This will help prevent them from falling apart as they cook.
- When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent the patties from sticking.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Notes
- For a little extra flavor, I like to sprinkle the top of each patty with salt just after cooking.
- Make it gluten-free: Pick a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce) and substitute the bun for a gluten-free bun.
- These turkey burgers will last for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
