If you’re craving a burger night that’s lighter but every bit as satisfying as the classic, look no further than these Skillet Turkey Burgers. Juicy, flavorful, and ready in just over 20 minutes, these burgers capture everything you love about comfort food—without the extra heaviness. Each savory bite features seasoned turkey nestled in a golden-crisp bun, and the best part is that you can dress them up exactly the way you like. This recipe makes for a foolproof weeknight dinner or a quick lunch the whole family will devour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just a handful of straightforward, tried-and-true ingredients that ensure every bite of these Skillet Turkey Burgers is packed with flavor, moisture, and unbeatable tenderness. Each element plays a crucial role in the burger’s overall taste and texture, so don’t skip anything unless you’re opting for a fun twist!
- Ground turkey (1 lb): Opt for 93% lean for ideal juiciness—too lean and your burgers can dry out.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and prevents sticking, also helps you get a gorgeous sear on those patties.
- Egg (1): The ultimate binder to hold everything together and keep the burgers tender.
- Breadcrumbs (⅓ cup): These soak up juices for moist burgers; use almond flour for a low-carb twist.
- Finely chopped onion (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle sweetness and helps to keep the patties juicy.
- Minced garlic (1 clove): A single clove infuses the burgers with robust, savory depth.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): This secret ingredient brings a delicious umami punch.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the savory flavors in the turkey.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Freshly ground gives a subtle heat and warm flavor.
- Burger buns (4): Toasted buns add a perfect crunch; choose your family’s favorites.
- Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, cheese, ketchup, and mustard. Set up a toppings bar for a fun burger night!
How to Make Skillet Turkey Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Mixture
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—you’ll want plenty of space for combining. Add the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with clean hands or a fork just until everything is incorporated. The less you handle the meat, the more tender your Skillet Turkey Burgers will be!
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the turkey mixture into four even portions. With lightly dampened hands, shape each portion into a patty about half an inch thick. Try not to compact them too tightly—loosely formed patties have that irresistible, juicy texture you’re after.
Step 3: Sear in the Skillet
Set a large skillet (cast iron if you have it!) over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully lay in the patties, leaving a bit of space between each. Cook for 5–6 minutes on the first side without moving, letting a golden crust develop, then flip and cook for another 5–6 minutes until the centers reach 165°F.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
If you like a bit of crunch and warm, pillowy bread, don’t miss this step! Once the patties are done, set them aside and pop your burger buns cut side down into the same skillet for about a minute until nicely toasted. They’ll pick up some of those fabulous savory flavors left behind.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now comes the fun! Layer each burger patty onto the toasted bun bases and let everyone build their own dream Skillet Turkey Burger with toppings galore—lettuce, juicy tomato, sharp cheddar, and crisp pickles. Serve them up while still warm for ultimate enjoyment.
How to Serve Skillet Turkey Burgers
Garnishes
Elevate your Skillet Turkey Burgers with a selection of classic and creative toppings. Shredded lettuce, ripe tomatoes, sliced red onion, and tangy pickles are always crowd-pleasers. Don’t hesitate to offer a few cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack, and for a flavor boost, set out a zesty aioli or sriracha mayo as well.
Side Dishes
Pair these burgers with all-American favorites like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or crisp oven-baked potato wedges. If you’re going for something lighter, a tossed green salad or grilled vegetables are just perfect. For a complete feast, consider creamy macaroni salad or even corn on the cob to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can easily make a burger night buffet by letting everyone customize their own Skillet Turkey Burgers with an array of buns (brioche, whole wheat, even pretzel buns) and colorful spreads. Or, turn the burgers into sliders for a party platter, or serve them “naked” over mixed greens for a low-carb meal that’s every bit as tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Extra burgers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Layer parchment paper between patties to prevent sticking, and keep any extra toppings separate for the best texture when re-serving.
Freezing
If you’d like to stock up, Skillet Turkey Burgers are freezer-friendly before or after cooking. Place raw or cooked patties on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—label the bag with the date for easy meal planning.
Reheating
For best results, reheat cooked burgers gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water, or use the microwave at 50% power in short bursts. Either way, check that the center is steaming hot before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Skillet Turkey Burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the patties up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bring them to room temperature before cooking for even results and maximum juiciness.
What kind of ground turkey should I use for best results?
For the juiciest Skillet Turkey Burgers, choose ground turkey with a little fat, around 93% lean. Ultra-lean turkey tends to dry out more quickly, so that little bit of extra fat works wonders to keep each burger moist.
Can I grill these burgers instead of using a skillet?
Absolutely! While the stovetop is perfect for quick weeknight meals, Skillet Turkey Burgers hold their shape nicely on the grill too. Just make sure to oil the grates well and use a gentle hand when flipping to prevent sticking.
What toppings work especially well with turkey burgers?
Turkey loves bold, bright flavors—think pepper jack cheese, pickled red onions, avocado slices, leafy greens, and spicy condiments. Classic ketchup, lettuce, and tomato are always winners, but don’t be afraid to let your taste buds roam!
How can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Just swap the traditional breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, and use a gluten-free bun or serve “bunless” on lettuce wraps. The Skillet Turkey Burgers will still hold together and turn out perfectly delicious.
Final Thoughts
Burger night is about to become a whole lot more exciting with these Skillet Turkey Burgers on your menu. Savory, versatile, and incredibly satisfying, they’re sure to win over everyone at the table. Give them a try and see just how simple and delicious a homemade turkey burger can be!
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Skillet Turkey Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Juicy and flavorful, these Skillet Turkey Burgers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made with ground turkey and seasoned to perfection, these burgers are quick and easy to prepare in just one skillet.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, cheese, ketchup, mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Burgers: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Divide into four portions and form into patties.
- Cook the Turkey Burgers: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the turkey patties for 5–6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns in the skillet if desired. Serve the cooked patties on buns with preferred toppings.
Notes
- For extra juicy burgers, avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
