Turkey Burger

By Becky Hardin

Published Jun 22, 2024

Whenever I’m craving a burger but want something a little healthier, I make this turkey burger recipe. These ground turkey patties require only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to cook. I use Worcestershire sauce and ketchup to give these turkey burgers an umami punch. They’re so juicy and flavorful, I don’t even miss the beef!

Something about summer makes me feel lighter, and I want the food I eat to be lighter too. Ground turkey is lower in saturated fat and calories than ground beef, making these turkey burgers a great healthy alternative for burger night.

What’s in This Turkey Burger Recipe?

Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey to make healthy turkey burger patties.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a savory and tangy flavor to the patties.
Ketchup: This helps bind ingredients, and adds tangy and sweet flavor.
Hamburger Buns : Use any buns you like to serve these.

Tips for Success

If you want to go beyond the simple seasoning, try adding chili powder, garlic and onion powder, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning to your turkey patties.
If your patties aren’t quite holding together, try adding an egg!
Ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming. Cook these turkey burgers to 160°F, and let them rest (off heat) until they reach 165°F.
You can use a stovetop grill pan following the recipe card instructions. For an outdoor grill, set it to medium-high heat, and grill the turkey burgers for 4-5 minutes per side.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover turkey burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet or grill pan until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite classic turkey burger toppings include tomato slices, lettuce, onions, mayo , ketchup or mustard, and pickles . When I want a little extra indulgence, I’ll make turkey cheeseburgers by melting a slice of cheddar, pepper jack, Colby jack, or Swiss on each patty.

A healthier burger calls for some healthier sides, so I like to serve mine with sweet potato fries , a Caprese salad , or baked tomatoes with cheese .

5-Star Review

“Great recipe! Made them for the grandchildren and they loved them. Even the very picky eater. Hubby and I liked them too. Followed the recipe exactly.” -Barbara

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Ingredients1x2x3x

For the Turkey Burgers

▢ 1 pound lean ground turkey
▢ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
▢ 2 tablespoons ketchup
▢ ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt or kosher salt
▢ ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
▢ 1 tablespoon canola oil

For Serving

▢ 4 hamburger buns
▢ Sliced fresh tomato
▢ Thinly sliced red or white onion
▢ Lettuce
▢ Dill or Sweet Pickles
▢ Ketchup
▢ Mustard
▢ Mayonnaise

Video

Instructions

In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine all turkey patty ingredients (everything except canola oil). Gently mix the ingredients until incorporated. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each part into a ¼-½ inch patty (depending on preference). 1 pound lean ground turkey, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt or kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. When hot, add the oil. When the oil is hot (shimmers), carefully place the patties in the pan/griddle and cook them 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly seared on each side. A meat thermometer inserted in the middle of each patty should read 160°F. 1 tablespoon canola oil
Serve on buns and with your favorite toppings and condiments. 4 hamburger buns, Sliced fresh tomato, Thinly sliced red or white onion, Lettuce, Dill or Sweet Pickles, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise

Becky’s Tips

Nutritional information is for the ground turkey patties only (does not include optional buns or toppings).

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

How to Make Turkey Burgers Step by Step

Form the Patties: In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of lean ground turkey, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, ¾ teaspoon of seasoned salt or kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until incorporated. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each part into a ¼-½ inch patty (depending on preference).

Cook the Patties: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. When hot, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil. When the oil is hot (shimmers), carefully place the patties in the pan/griddle and cook them 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly seared on each side. A meat thermometer inserted in the middle of each patty should read 160°F.

turkey burger patties cooking in a pan. - 22

Assemble the Burgers: Serve on buns and with your favorite toppings and condiments.

A turkey burger topped with tomato, onion, and greens on a bun. - 23

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