Rating: 3.73
(123)

Turkey Burger

November 22, 2024

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.

Turkey Burger
Turkey Burger
3.73 from 123 votes
A delicious and healthy alternative to a traditional beef burger, this turkey burger is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 350kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: alternative recipes, healthy eating, turkey burger
Cooking Method: Grilled
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar annita.medhurst89 says:

    5 stars
    This turkey burger recipe is so simple and tasty! My kids loved it!

  2. User avatar casey.flatley15 says:

    4 stars
    Really simple recipe! Makes a great lunch. I skipped the onion and added BBQ sauce.

    1. User avatar Deku Tree Sprout says:

      5 stars
      I love how customizable this is! BBQ sauce sounds delicious. I’ll try that next time!

    2. User avatar karren.rutherford26 says:

      3 stars
      Skipping the onion? I dunno, doesn’t that make it kinda bland? But everyone can tweak it, I guess.

  3. 2 stars
    it was good but not filling and felt kinda dry, like my mom’s old burgers. idk if I’ll make it again.

  4. User avatar wellRespected says:

    2 stars
    Overall a good recipe, but honestly, I think beef burgers are way better. Just my opinion!

    1. 3 stars
      Nah, turkey is the future! It’s healthier and just as good if you cook it right. Give it a chance!

    2. 4 stars
      I get what you’re saying! Beef burgers are classic, but turkey can be pretty tasty too. Just a different vibe, I guess. 😊

  5. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    3 stars
    Meh… mine kinda shrunk a lot and was a little bland until I added garlic powder and maybe a dash of paprika. Still ate it tho.

  6. User avatar dick.raynor2011 says:

    1 star
    I feel like turkey burgers always taste more like cardboard. Not my fav. Stick with beef!

  7. 5 stars
    Quick and easy! My kids gobbled them up! 👏❤️

  8. User avatar augustine.howell says:

    5 stars
    So simple and easy! Perfect for a quick dinner. 10 outta 10!

  9. User avatar wyatt.huels63 says:

    5 stars
    Simple and pretty foolproof—5-7 minutes per side worked great for my thin patty. The bun toast made a big difference.

  10. User avatar carolina.lebsack73 says:

    2 stars
    Why not just use beef? Turkey is always dry. I cooked it like the recipe said and it was still kinda meh. Cheese helped, but not enough.

  11. 2 stars
    I’m not sure about turkey burgers… they always feel kinda bland to me. But the salt/pepper helped. Needs a sauce.

    1. User avatar marketta.corkery says:

      5 stars
      Yeah I get that—plain ground turkey can taste a little flat. A sauce makes a huge difference. I like mayo + a little Dijon + garlic powder, or even just tzatziki!

  12. 5 stars
    This recipe is great! I made it for my family, and they loved it. The turkey was so juicy!

    1. User avatar Jeff Healitt says:

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious! I’ll have to try this. I never thought turkey could be this good!

  13. User avatar harris.hauck26 says:

    5 stars
    YUM! Add some BBQ sauce and it’s a whole new level!

  14. User avatar freddie.ernser91 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is so simple and quick! I made it in under 30 minutes and it was delicious. My kids loved it!

  15. User avatar lahoma.kuvalis says:

    4 stars
    Turkey can be too dry, but I added some garlic and it was juicy! Just might try it with extra spices next time.

  16. User avatar ashly.keebler1957 says:

    1 star
    don’t really like turkey… beef is way better.

  17. User avatar see.krajcik10 says:

    5 stars
    OMG so simple!!! 1st time cookin. Just added ketchup and mayo. Tasted great! Thx!

  18. User avatar pedro.feeney86 says:

    4 stars
    Easy to make, and it’s healthier than beef! I loved the option to add different toppings. Will make again!

    1. 5 stars
      I also love turkey burgers! They taste so good and are way better for you. Glad you enjoyed it! 🌟

  19. User avatar Tahm Kench says:

    5 stars
    This turkey burger is so juicy! I loved it! I’ll definitely make it again.

    1. User avatar lacey.marvin89 says:

      5 stars
      I tried it too! Super easy and delish. Can’t go wrong with a turkey burger, right?

    2. 2 stars
      Juicy? Really? I thought turkey was supposed to be dry. Maybe I did somethin wrong?

  20. 5 stars
    These turkey burgers are so juicy! I made them for my grill party and my friends loved them!

  21. User avatar tony.thiel says:

    4 stars
    Love that it’s lean turkey but still tasty. I added garlic powder and it was even better. Would make again for sure.

    1. User avatar theo.kunde47 says:

      5 stars
      Yes! Lean turkey burgers can get dry, but your add-ins probably saved it. Garlic powder is a must in my kitchen too.

    2. 3 stars
      I tried this once and thought it was kinda bland—maybe I didn’t season enough. Adding garlic powder makes sense though.

  22. 3 stars
    It turned out kinda dry for me… Maybe I cooked it too long? Not sure if I’ll try again.

  23. User avatar kraig.keebler1961 says:

    2 stars
    Meh, I prefer beef burgers. This was okay but not what I wanted.

  24. 3 stars
    It was fine. I forgot the cheese tho. lol.

    1. User avatar madalyn.adams91 says:

      4 stars
      No cheese? That’s a bummer! But at least the turkey burger was still fine. Next time, don’t forget to add it!

  25. User avatar keith.osinski says:

    3 stars
    I forgot to buy buns, so I used lettuce! Still tasted okay I guess.

  26. User avatar austin.keeling says:

    5 stars
    This was such a great recipe! The turkey burger was juicy and flavorful. Definitely a keeper! 😊

  27. User avatar paul.oconnell77 says:

    3 stars
    Honestly, I found the turkey to be kinda bland. Maybe add some garlic or spices next time?

  28. User avatar werner.turner2013 says:

    3 stars
    Why olive oil in the pan? My nonstick never needs it. Still tasted ok though, and the cheese melt was on point.

  29. 4 stars
    I think it’s great that it’s lean! Healthier than beef and still yummy!

  30. User avatar jeanelle.roberts92 says:

    3 stars
    It was okay, but the turkey was dry. Maybe I cooked it too long? Next time I’ll monitor it closer.

  31. User avatar theodore.welch5 says:

    4 stars
    I like that it’s basic, but I’d definitely check for doneness temp (165°F) instead of relying only on time. Also, I used a little extra oil so it wouldn’t stick.

  32. User avatar Mr. Monty Kilback says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know, it seems like turkey burgers can’t be as good as beef. Just didn’t hit the spot for me.

  33. User avatar georgianna.abshire59 says:

    5 stars
    Wow this is easy. 10/10 would eat again. Also the tomato + lettuce combo made it feel fresh.

    1. User avatar tula.fahey says:

      5 stars
      The tomato + lettuce combo is underrated. Makes the whole thing feel lighter, not greasy. Nice tip!

    2. User avatar clifton.mayer says:

      5 stars
      Seriously? 5-7 minutes each side and it’s done? Sounds way too easy but I’m into it. 😄

  34. User avatar Loonquawl and Phouchg says:

    4 stars
    Simple and easy recipe! I love how I can customize it with different toppings. Will make again!

  35. User avatar valda.yundt says:

    3 stars
    Who puts tomato on a burger? Tomato is a fruit! 😂

  36. User avatar Magrathean sperm whale says:

    2 stars
    Barely tasted the turkey. What’s the point of burger if it don’t have flavor??

    1. User avatar romona.ohara1972 says:

      3 stars
      But it’s healthier than beef, so there’s that. Maybe try marinating or a different seasoning?

    2. User avatar williams.maggio says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! Turkey can be so bland if not seasoned well. I usually add garlic powder and some spices to make it pop!

  37. User avatar Miss Casey Collier says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have cheese, used ketchup instead. Still tasted great!

    1. User avatar Frankie and Benjy says:

      4 stars
      Ketchup instead of cheese? That’s kinda weird but if it worked for you, cool! 🍔

  38. User avatar Ty Knotts says:

    5 stars
    GREAT BURGER! mmm so yummy, I could eat them all day!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

  39. User avatar conrad.nienow3 says:

    5 stars
    Nice! 🍔

  40. User avatar jefferey.johnston54 says:

    3 stars
    I had some trouble cooking the turkey patty all the way through. Maybe I need a better grill? Not bad overall.

    1. User avatar ryan.armstrong2005 says:

      5 stars
      I use a pan instead of a grill and it works fine! Don’t give up on the recipe, it sounds yummy!

    2. User avatar albert.bergnaum2002 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe try cooking it a bit longer? Turkey can be tricky. I always check with a thermometer to be safe!

  41. User avatar russell.emmerich87 says:

    2 stars
    Can you even call it a burger without beef? Just sayin’.

    1. User avatar mathWizard says:

      4 stars
      It may not be beef, but turkey burgers can be really tasty! Give it a try!

  42. User avatar Random Dent says:

    3 stars
    I followed it exactly, but my burgers came out a little dry. Next time I’ll try a slightly fattier turkey or add a sauce like mayo/aioli.

  43. 3 stars
    5 minutes on each side? Are you serious? Mine took longer to cook! Should have used a thermometer…

  44. User avatar Gormlaith says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about turkey burgers, but this turned out better than expected! Will definitely make again.

  45. 5 stars
    This turkey burger is delicious! I love how juicy it turned out. Will definitely make it again!

  46. 2 stars
    Not sure what the hype is about. My turkey burger turned out dry, maybe I overcooked it. I think I’ll stick to beef.

    1. User avatar jarrod.stoltenberg73 says:

      4 stars
      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?

    2. User avatar Talisha Goldner says:

      2 stars
      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?

  47. User avatar Margarett Morar says:

    4 stars
    I added BBQ sauce instead of cheese, and it was delicious! Who needs cheese anyway?

  48. User avatar lizzzard says:

    5 stars
    Turkey burgers r the best! Healthy and super easy to make. 5 stars from me!

  49. User avatar Charles Darwin says:

    5 stars
    This is the best turkey burger ever! So juicy and flavorful, I can’t wait to make it again.

    1. User avatar Draugr Wight says:

      3 stars
      Really? They were kinda dry for me. I think I need to add more stuff next time to make them juicier. 🤔

    2. 5 stars
      I totally agree! These turkey burgers are a game changer! I’ve made them multiple times and they always turn out perfect. 😍

  50. 4 stars
    Yum! I used a spicy cheese and it really kicked it up! Who knew turkey could be this good?

  51. User avatar Thufir Hawat says:

    5 stars
    Turkey burgers r the bestest! Who needs beef?? 😋

  52. User avatar CTRLplusW says:

    5 stars
    This turkey burger was super easy to make and tasted great! My kids loved it!

  53. 4 stars
    Yum! Added some BBQ sauce and it was a hit with the fam. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    1. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious! BBQ sauce really kicks up the flavor, right? Can’t wait to try it myself!

  54. User avatar dia.hackett says:

    3 stars
    Itz ok i guess,, didn’t have olive oil so used butter. Still worked lol.

  55. 2 stars
    not sure if this is healthy, turkey is low fat but still kinda greasy right?

  56. User avatar brenton.stamm says:

    4 stars
    Easy to follow ur recipe. But I ran out of buns, so I had it with rice. Still good lol!

  57. User avatar marty.renner1952 says:

    2 stars
    Why would you use turkey instead of beef? Beef burgers are way better! This was okay, but I’m not going to switch.

  58. User avatar dollie.tillman says:

    4 stars
    So easy. 10/10

  59. User avatar mark.wintheiser says:

    1 star
    No way I’m eating a turkey burger. Chicken is better, and they taste the same to me. Why not just use chicken?

  60. User avatar letitia.armstrong1995 says:

    5 stars
    Yesss! So simple but super tasty! Can’t wait to make these again next BBQ. 👍

  61. User avatar Samwise Gamgee says:

    4 stars
    Super easy to follow! Even my kids were able to help. We added some avocado on top, delish!

  62. User avatar cherly.mclaughlin says:

    5 stars
    Quick n easy, my kids loved it!

    1. 5 stars
      Glad to hear it! My kids devoured them too! 🍔😍

  63. User avatar janella.reilly24 says:

    2 stars
    Why would you put cheese on turkey? Isn’t that unhealthy?

  64. User avatar Miss Blanda IV says:

    5 stars
    This turkey burger is just the best! So juicy and flavorful!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! This is the best turkey burger I’ve ever made! Can’t wait to try it again.

  65. 5 stars
    Yum! I added avocado and spicy sauce. Will definitely make again!

  66. User avatar robert.stanton25 says:

    3 stars
    I tried making this and it was kinda bland. Maybe add some spices or sauce?

  67. User avatar jimmy.crona31 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get the hype. Mine turned out dry. Maybe I overcooked it? 😕

  68. 3 stars
    I tried it but it tasted kinda bland. I think I put too much salt tho. Gonna try again with more spices.

  69. User avatar Fiddlesticks says:

    3 stars
    It was okay. Just a turkey burger. Nothing fancy, not the biggest fan of turkey. Meat should be beef!

  70. User avatar rina.hauck1962 says:

    4 stars
    I don’t understand how turkey can be this good. Way better than beef!

  71. User avatar vernie.block says:

    1 star
    Turkey burger? Why not beef? Beef is way better. Just saying.

    1. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

      4 stars
      Beef is good, but turkey can be healthier! Just give it a try!

  72. User avatar joan.haley1965 says:

    3 stars
    Easy to follow, but my patty fell apart! 😕

  73. User avatar valentine.mayer says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about turkey being as good as beef, but wow! This recipe changed my mind.

  74. User avatar williams.rau1981 says:

    2 stars
    My turkey was dry!! Maybe I should’ve added some egg or something? Not sure what happened here.

    1. User avatar wayne.kilback says:

      4 stars
      You don’t need egg for turkey burgers! Maybe cook it less? Dry turkey is a common mistake.

    2. User avatar Pizpot Gargravarr says:

      5 stars
      I always add a bit of mayo or mustard to keep it moist. Next time try that!

  75. User avatar ivory.nitzsche1976 says:

    5 stars
    Simple and tasty—my turkey burgers usually come out dry but this was juicy. The 5-7 minutes per side worked perfectly for me. Toasting the bun is the upgrade.

  76. 3 stars
    It was okay, but I think I overcooked the turkey. Can someone tell me how to tell if it’s done without a thermometer?

  77. User avatar Mrs. Tereasa Stiedemann says:

    2 stars
    Too bland for my taste, added some spices but still not great. Maybe I did something wrong?

  78. User avatar ana.corwin28 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t think turkey burgers can ever taste as good as beef. Not for me. 😕

  79. 5 stars
    These turkey burgers are the best! So juicy and flavorful. I added avocado, and it was a game changer. 5 stars!

  80. 4 stars
    Great recipe! I used spinach instead of lettuce and it worked!

  81. 4 stars
    Cool recipe, but I forgot the cheese 😭 Next time for sure!

  82. User avatar King Daltus says:

    5 stars
    Quick and easy! My kids loved it, especially with the cheese. Thanks!

  83. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    4 stars
    Not bad, but 5-7 minutes each side seems long for everything—my patty was done way earlier. Maybe thickness matters a lot.

    1. User avatar Piter De Vries says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, I agree—5-7 minutes per side can be way too long unless the patty is thick. Mine was done sooner too.

  84. User avatar stanford.hintz65 says:

    3 stars
    Okay recipe, but I prefer my burgers with beef. Turkey just ain’t the same.

  85. 2 stars
    Do you really need to preheat the pan? I never do that and my burgers still turn out fine. 🤷‍♂️

  86. User avatar gilbert.jenkins says:

    4 stars
    Simple but effective! The cheese melting on the patty was a game changer. Yum!

    1. 5 stars
      Totally agree! Cheese makes everything better. I can almost taste it just reading your comment!

  87. User avatar irvin.weber83 says:

    5 stars
    Yummm! Just cooked it and my whole family loved it. Turkey is healthier than beef and tastes great with cheese!

  88. User avatar lona.boehm says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I made these for my family and everyone loved them. Will definitely make again!

  89. 5 stars
    This turkey burger is the bomb! So juicy and flavorful. My family loved it! Will definitely make again!

  90. User avatar eladia.wehner says:

    1 star
    Turkey burgers just ain’t it for me. I stick to beef. 🙁

  91. 1 star
    I forgot to add salt and it tasted like cardboard. Not a fan. Never making this again.

3.73 from 123 votes
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