If you’re ready to shake up burger night with something juicy, flavorful, and just a little bit lighter, then these Turkey Burgers are about to become your new go-to! They’re packed with savory goodness thanks to a perfect blend of ground turkey, aromatic onion, and punchy Worcestershire sauce. Easy enough for a weeknight and delicious enough for company, these burgers strike just the right balance between hearty and wholesome—you’d never guess they’re lower in fat than classic beef patties! Whether stacked high with fresh toppings or simply served with your favorite bun, this recipe proves that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Turkey Burgers is all in the simple, fresh ingredients—each one adds something essential to the final flavor and texture. Most are probably already in your pantry, and together, they create a burger the whole family will love.

Ground turkey (1 lb, 93% lean): The star ingredient—look for 93% lean for the best mix of juiciness and flavor.
Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Helps bind the mixture and keeps the burgers moist, never dry.
Egg (1): Acts as a natural binder and gives the patties structure.
Finely chopped onion (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle sweetness and a little crunch to every bite.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings an umami depth and savory edge that lifts the turkey.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts flavor without overpowering the delicate turkey meat.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of warmth and rich color.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for pulling all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of subtle heat.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon for cooking): Ensures a golden brown crust and juicy middle.
Optional toppings (lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, cheese, burger buns): Let your creativity shine and build your dream Turkey Burgers!

How to Make Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Mix the Burger Mixture

Grab a large bowl and combine your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a fork to mix everything gently—just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make the burgers dense, so keep it light for the juiciest results.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1/2-inch thick. Press a slight dimple into the center of each with your thumb—this little trick helps them cook evenly and stay flat instead of puffing up in the middle.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or on a grill pan over medium heat. Place the patties down and let them sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping once. They’re done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you’re adding cheese, pop a slice on top during the last minute, then cover the pan to melt.

Step 4: Build Your Turkey Burgers

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Toast your burger buns, add the patties, and pile on your favorite toppings—crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, tangy pickles, or melty cheese. Serve immediately for maximum juiciness and flavor.

How to Serve Turkey Burgers

Garnishes

Set up a burger bar with bowls of colorful toppers: shredded lettuce, thick tomato slices, sharp red onion rings, tangy pickles, and a variety of cheeses. Don’t forget a swipe of your favorite sauce—aioli, ketchup, or zesty mustard all work wonders. Let everyone personalize their own Turkey Burgers for a fun, family-style meal.

Side Dishes

Pair your Turkey Burgers with classic crispy oven fries, a vibrant coleslaw, or a big green salad for lighter fare. Sweet potato wedges add a touch of sweetness, and grilled corn on the cob makes it a summertime feast. The possibilities are endless and delicious!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Turkey Burgers into sliders for parties, serve them bunless on a bed of greens for a low-carb entrée, or pile them into wraps with tzatziki and fresh veggies. You could even break up a cooked patty as a protein-packed topping for salads or grain bowls—the savory flavor plays well with just about anything.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Turkey Burgers, cool them to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days—they stay moist and flavorful, making them perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked Turkey Burgers for easy meal prep. Place parchment or wax paper between each patty and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, cook directly from frozen (just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time), or thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For best results, reheat cooked patties gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water, just until warmed through. The microwave also works in a pinch—cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Either way, they stay delicious on day two (or three!).

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey breast instead of 93% lean?

Yes, you can use ground turkey breast for even leaner Turkey Burgers, but they may turn out a bit drier. If you go this route, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the mix to help keep them juicy.

How do I prevent the burgers from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your skillet or grill pan is well-heated before adding the olive oil, and wait until the oil shimmers for an even, nonstick surface. Don’t try to flip the patties until they’ve developed a golden crust—they’ll release more easily when they’re ready.

Can I grill these Turkey Burgers outdoors?

Absolutely! Turkey Burgers are delicious on an outdoor grill. Just be sure to oil the grates well and handle the patties gently, as they can be a bit more delicate than beef burgers. Watch the temperature closely and remove them as soon as they hit 165°F to avoid overcooking.

What are some dairy-free topping ideas?

If you’re avoiding dairy, there are still plenty of exciting ways to top your burgers—try spicy avocado slices, dairy-free cheese, or a tangy slaw with vinaigrette. Salsas and guacamole also add a fresh twist without any dairy needed.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes! Shape the patties up to a day ahead and store them, covered, in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes Turkey Burger night a breeze, especially when you’re serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Final Thoughts

With their juicy texture, rich flavor, and simple prep, Turkey Burgers are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. They’re endlessly customizable and practically guaranteed to satisfy burger cravings without weighing you down. Give them a try and watch them disappear—even the skeptics will be coming back for seconds!

Turkey Burgers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and lean turkey burgers that are easy to make and perfect for a healthy meal option. These juicy patties are flavorful and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Optional Toppings:

Lettuce
Tomato
Red onion
Pickles
Cheese
Burger buns

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Instructions

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties.
Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Place the patties on toasted buns and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.