Hey there everyone! I’m excited to share this fantastic recipe for homemade turkey burgers. They’re incredibly simple to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, you can prep them ahead of time and throw them in the freezer for a future meal!
These burgers are designed to be enjoyed just like a classic beef burger, on a bun with your favorite toppings. No surprise veggies snuck in here, unlike my yummy Turkey Zucchini Burgers or Turkey Broccoli Rabe Burgers (those are delicious too, by the way!).
I’m not a huge fan of store-bought turkey burgers – frankly, I find them pretty bland. This recipe is different. These homemade turkey burgers are bursting with flavor and come together in a flash. They’re perfect for a casual weekend get-together or a satisfying weeknight meal. Plus, they’re made with ingredients you probably already have on hand!
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and customize these burgers to your taste. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices mixed into the ground turkey to create your own signature burger.
Let’s Burger Up!
Ingredients:
- Ground Turkey: Look for 93% lean ground turkey for the best results. Super lean (99%) turkey can be dry. You can also substitute ground beef (90% lean) if you prefer.
- Breadcrumbs: Seasoned whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs will help bind the burgers together.
- Flavor Boosters: We’ll use a combination of dried onion flakes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, grated garlic, and salt to add tons of flavor to our ground turkey.
- Burger Buns: I prefer whole wheat buns for a touch more nutrition. Martin’s whole wheat potato rolls or Old Tyme’s 647 rolls are both great options.
- Classic Toppings: Load up your burgers with cheese, tomato, red onion, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard, caramelized onions, or avocado – the possibilities are endless!
Cooking Up Your Burgers:
- Shaping the Patties: Combine all your burger ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into patties about ½ inch thick.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. When hot, lightly spray it with oil and add your burgers. Reduce heat to low and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Air Fryer: For a healthier option, air fry your burgers at 400°F for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Grill Master: If you’re feeling fancy, fire up the grill! Clean the grates well and wipe them with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking. Grill your burgers over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
Building Your Burger Masterpiece:
While your burgers are cooking, toast your buns and prepare your favorite toppings. Once the patties are cooked through, assemble your burgers and devour!
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Burger:
Turkey burgers can be a little more delicate than beef burgers due to their lower fat content. Here are a few tricks to prevent them from falling apart on the grill:
- Preheat the Grill: A hot grill sears the meat quickly, locking in the juices and preventing sticking.
- Oil the Grates: Give your grill grates a quick rub with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to create a nonstick surface.
- Patience is Key: Don’t move your burgers too early! Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes until they release easily from the grates. Flipping too soon can cause them to tear.
- The Right Tool for the Job: Use a wide spatula to flip your burgers. Make sure to slide it under the entire patty to avoid any breakage.
Sides and Storage:
- Classic Sides: Pair your burgers with your favorite sides like sweet potato fries, French fries, onion rings, potato salad, macaroni salad, or a refreshing salad.
- Freeze for Later: Turkey burger patties are perfect for meal prep! Simply form your patties, store them in a zip-lock bag with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking, and freeze until ready to cook. Thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking according to the instructions above.
- Leftovers: Cooked leftover turkey burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The Perfect Weeknight Turkey Burger: Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy!
These burgers are designed to be enjoyed just like a classic beef burger, on a bun with your favorite toppings. No surprise veggies snuck in here, unlike my yummy Turkey Zucchini Burgers or Turkey Broccoli Rabe Burgers (those are delicious too, by the way!).
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup dried onion flakes
- 1 tbsp each: ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- Olive oil spray
- Burger buns (4)
- Your favorite toppings (cheese, tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles, etc.) – optional
Instructions
- Mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion flakes, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and salt in a bowl.
- Form 4 patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, spray with oil. Cook burgers 4-5 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through (165°F).
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium, cook burgers 5 minutes per side or until cooked through (165°F).
- Air Fryer: Cook burgers at 400°F for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Toast buns if desired.
- Serve burgers on buns with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Turkey burgers can stick to the grill. To prevent this:
- Preheat grill for a hot sear.
- Oil the grates.
- Don’t move burgers too soon (5-6 minutes).
- Use a wide spatula to flip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 351 kcal
- Sugar: 8.5 g
- Sodium: 768.5 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 33.5 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 84 mg
