A turkey burger is a lighter, flavorful alternative to the classic beef burger, offering a juicy and satisfying bite without the heaviness. Made with lean ground turkey, these burgers are packed with protein and can be seasoned in endless ways to create a delicious and wholesome meal. Whether grilled, pan-seared, or baked, turkey burgers are perfect for backyard cookouts, quick weeknight dinners, or even meal prep.
The key to a great turkey burger is keeping it moist. Since turkey is leaner than beef, adding ingredients like finely chopped onions, garlic, fresh herbs, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce helps boost flavor and moisture. Some recipes also include a bit of olive oil, Dijon mustard, or even grated zucchini to keep the patties juicy and tender.
Once the patties are shaped, they’re cooked until golden brown on the outside with a perfectly cooked interior. Turkey burgers pair beautifully with a variety of toppings. Go classic with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mustard, or get creative with avocado slices, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or a dollop of chipotle mayo for a smoky kick.
As for cheese, turkey burgers pair nicely with provolone, Swiss, cheddar, or even crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist. Serve the burger on a toasted brioche bun, whole wheat roll, or even lettuce wraps if you’re keeping it low-carb.
Turkey burgers are incredibly versatile and can be seasoned to match whatever cuisine you’re craving — from Mediterranean flavors with herbs and tzatziki to Southwest-style with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
Pair your turkey burger with classic sides like sweet potato fries, a crisp garden salad, or coleslaw. For drinks, a light lager, crisp white wine, or sparkling water with lime complements the flavors perfectly.
Juicy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, turkey burgers are a healthier yet equally satisfying option that deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Ingredients
- 1 piece ground turkey patty preferably lean
- 1 slice cheese optional, any variety
- 1 burger bun split
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 slice tomato or onion optional
- 1 leaf lettuce optional
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat a pan or grill over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Season the turkey patty with salt and pepper.
- Place the turkey patty on the pan or grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- If desired, place a slice of cheese on top of the patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt.
- Toast the burger bun halves on the pan or grill until lightly browned.
- Assemble the burger by placing the cooked patty on the bottom bun, followed by tomato slice, lettuce leaf, and the top bun.
This turkey burger recipe is so simple and tasty! My kids loved it!
Really simple recipe! Makes a great lunch. I skipped the onion and added BBQ sauce.
I love how customizable this is! BBQ sauce sounds delicious. I’ll try that next time!
Skipping the onion? I dunno, doesn’t that make it kinda bland? But everyone can tweak it, I guess.
Overall a good recipe, but honestly, I think beef burgers are way better. Just my opinion!
Nah, turkey is the future! It’s healthier and just as good if you cook it right. Give it a chance!
I get what you’re saying! Beef burgers are classic, but turkey can be pretty tasty too. Just a different vibe, I guess. 😊
I feel like turkey burgers always taste more like cardboard. Not my fav. Stick with beef!
Quick and easy! My kids gobbled them up! 👏❤️
So simple and easy! Perfect for a quick dinner. 10 outta 10!
This recipe is great! I made it for my family, and they loved it. The turkey was so juicy!
Sounds delicious! I’ll have to try this. I never thought turkey could be this good!
This recipe is so simple and quick! I made it in under 30 minutes and it was delicious. My kids loved it!
Turkey can be too dry, but I added some garlic and it was juicy! Just might try it with extra spices next time.
Easy to make, and it’s healthier than beef! I loved the option to add different toppings. Will make again!
I also love turkey burgers! They taste so good and are way better for you. Glad you enjoyed it! 🌟
This turkey burger is so juicy! I loved it! I’ll definitely make it again.
I tried it too! Super easy and delish. Can’t go wrong with a turkey burger, right?
Juicy? Really? I thought turkey was supposed to be dry. Maybe I did somethin wrong?
It turned out kinda dry for me… Maybe I cooked it too long? Not sure if I’ll try again.
Meh, I prefer beef burgers. This was okay but not what I wanted.
This was such a great recipe! The turkey burger was juicy and flavorful. Definitely a keeper! 😊
Honestly, I found the turkey to be kinda bland. Maybe add some garlic or spices next time?
I think it’s great that it’s lean! Healthier than beef and still yummy!
I don’t know, it seems like turkey burgers can’t be as good as beef. Just didn’t hit the spot for me.
Barely tasted the turkey. What’s the point of burger if it don’t have flavor??
But it’s healthier than beef, so there’s that. Maybe try marinating or a different seasoning?
I totally agree! Turkey can be so bland if not seasoned well. I usually add garlic powder and some spices to make it pop!
I didn’t have cheese, used ketchup instead. Still tasted great!
Ketchup instead of cheese? That’s kinda weird but if it worked for you, cool! 🍔
GREAT BURGER! mmm so yummy, I could eat them all day!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Nice! 🍔
Can you even call it a burger without beef? Just sayin’.
It may not be beef, but turkey burgers can be really tasty! Give it a try!
5 minutes on each side? Are you serious? Mine took longer to cook! Should have used a thermometer…
I was skeptical about turkey burgers, but this turned out better than expected! Will definitely make again.
Not sure what the hype is about. My turkey burger turned out dry, maybe I overcooked it. I think I’ll stick to beef.
I totally get you! Turkey can be tricky. You gotta watch the cooking time closely, or else it gets so dry. A bit of moisture can help! Maybe try adding some sauce next time?
Beef is just juicier! I don’t know why turkey burgers are a thing. My friend said they’re healthier, but who cares if they taste bad?
This is the best turkey burger ever! So juicy and flavorful, I can’t wait to make it again.
Really? They were kinda dry for me. I think I need to add more stuff next time to make them juicier. 🤔
I totally agree! These turkey burgers are a game changer! I’ve made them multiple times and they always turn out perfect. 😍
Turkey burgers r the bestest! Who needs beef?? 😋
Yum! Added some BBQ sauce and it was a hit with the fam. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Sounds delicious! BBQ sauce really kicks up the flavor, right? Can’t wait to try it myself!
Itz ok i guess,, didn’t have olive oil so used butter. Still worked lol.
No way I’m eating a turkey burger. Chicken is better, and they taste the same to me. Why not just use chicken?
Yesss! So simple but super tasty! Can’t wait to make these again next BBQ. 👍
Super easy to follow! Even my kids were able to help. We added some avocado on top, delish!
I tried it but it tasted kinda bland. I think I put too much salt tho. Gonna try again with more spices.