If you are looking for a flavorful, juicy, and healthier alternative to the classic beef burger, this Ground Turkey Burger is an absolute game changer. Packed with a blend of herbs and spices that enhance the naturally mild turkey flavor, these patties come out tender, perfectly seasoned, and ready to satisfy your burger cravings without any guilt. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend cookout, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a deliciously memorable meal that everyone will love.

Ground Turkey Burger Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Turkey Burger recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table, from moisture and spice to freshness and color. Every element works in harmony to create patties that are juicy, flavorful, and bursting with personality.

Ground turkey (93% lean): The star protein that keeps the burger light yet meaty.

Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to prevent dryness.
Dijon mustard: Introduces a mild tanginess to brighten the flavor.

Kosher salt: Enhances all the other seasonings, bringing balance.
Ground black pepper: Delivers a gentle kick that wakes up the palate.

Garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory depth.
Onion powder: Adds sweet, aromatic notes.
Smoked paprika: Imparts a subtle smokiness for that grilled feel.

Chopped fresh parsley: Brings vibrant color and fresh herbal brightness.
Olive oil: Used for cooking, ensuring a golden crust without sticking.

How to Make Ground Turkey Burger

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients to have everything within easy reach. In a medium mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and freshly chopped parsley. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything gently but thoroughly until the ingredients are uniformly blended. This step is crucial because it ensures that each bite is perfectly seasoned and juicy.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Once the mixture is ready, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about half an inch thick. Making sure the patties are even in size helps them cook consistently, so none end up over or underdone. This is your chance to give your burgers a nice round shape that will cook evenly on the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Place the patties into the skillet in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Cook the patties for approximately five minutes per side. You’ll want to see a beautiful golden-brown crust develop on the outside, while the inside reaches a safe and juicy doneness. Avoid pressing down on the patties to keep all those flavorful juices locked inside.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Once cooked through, transfer the burgers from the skillet to a plate and serve right away. Ground Turkey Burgers taste best fresh off the pan when they’re still warm and moist. Don’t forget to prepare your favorite buns or plates of sides to complement these tasty patties.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Burger

Garnishes

A simple patty deserves some fantastic toppings! Crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onions add classic freshness and crunch. Don’t shy away from creamy avocado or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or your favorite sauce — they elevate the burger to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Side Dishes

Ground Turkey Burgers pair amazingly well with crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh cucumber salad, or even roasted vegetables tossed with olive oil and herbs. If you want to keep it light but satisfying, stick with a side of steamed green beans or a vibrant coleslaw for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn your Ground Turkey Burger into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or serve sliced patties over a bed of quinoa and mixed greens for a hearty bowl meal. You can also experiment with different buns like brioche, ciabatta, or pretzel rolls to add new textures and flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though they might disappear fast), place cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days and remain juicy and flavorful when properly stored.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooked Ground Turkey Burger patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with layers of parchment paper to avoid sticking. Frozen patties can be stored for up to three months without losing quality.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated patties gently in a skillet over medium heat or use an oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Covering the patties will help retain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

Is ground turkey a healthy choice for burgers?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is lean and high in protein, making it a great alternative to traditional beef burgers, especially if you’re watching fat intake or want a lighter option.

How can I prevent the Ground Turkey Burger patties from drying out?

Adding ingredients like mayonnaise and Dijon mustard helps retain moisture, and cooking on medium heat prevents the patties from overcooking and drying out.

Can I grill these Ground Turkey Burgers instead of cooking them in a skillet?

Yes! Just be careful with the heat to avoid drying out the burgers, and consider using a grill basket or foil to keep them juicy and intact.

What are some good toppings for Ground Turkey Burgers?

Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion work beautifully, but you can also get creative with avocado, pickles, cheese, or spicy sauces for extra flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free buns or serve the Ground Turkey Burgers in lettuce wraps or over a salad to keep the meal gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Burger recipe is a true keeper—it’s simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. I can’t recommend enough giving these tasty patties a try because they bring a fresh, light twist to everyone’s favorite comfort food. Get your skillet ready and enjoy the juicy goodness of a Ground Turkey Burger that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.

Ground Turkey Burger Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

Author: Lila

Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 patties 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This Ground Turkey Burger recipe offers a flavorful, healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made with lean turkey and a blend of spices, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, these patties are juicy, tender, and perfect for a quick skillet-cooked meal.

Instructions

Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the ground turkey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chopped parsley. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined into a consistent mixture.

Shape Patties: With moist hands, shape the turkey mixture into four patties, each about ½ inch thick. Moist hands help prevent sticking and ensure uniform patties.
Heat Skillet: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until hot but not smoking. This ensures a good sear without burning the oil.
Cook Patties: Add the prepared patties to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside.

Serve: Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and serve immediately with your favorite sides or on a bun.

Notes

Using moist hands helps in shaping the patties without sticking.
Ensure the patties are uniform in size for even cooking.

Serve with your favorite sides or on a bun.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 patty
Calories: 200
Sugar: 1g

Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g

Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g

Fiber: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: ground turkey burger, turkey patties, healthy burger, low fat burger, skillet burger