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Colder weather isn’t so bad when it means food this good. Whip up these Fall Apple Turkey Burgers for a meal that uses all of the delicious flavors of the season!
Get ready for the best turkey burger recipe ever
Regulars of the Erin Lives Whole blog know that I am all about autumn cooking, especially with recipes that involve apples or pumpkin. Usually those recipes come in the forms of pies, cookies, cupcakes, and other baked goods, but today we’re ditching the oven in favor of something a bit more filling and savory: fall apple turkey burgers.
Yep, you read that right. These turkey burgers contain shredded honey crisp (or whatever flavor you prefer) apples and are absolutely fall wrapped up into a meal. They’re warm, cozy, and full of incredible flavor in each bite!
This meal is one for keeping on rotation for guests, as it’s a seemingly impressive feat that honestly doesn’t take too much kitchen skill. Just mix your ingredients and go! It’s an easy recipe that anyone can enjoy. And trust me, anyone who dives into one of these burgers will undoubtedly enjoy it.
Ingredients in fall apple turkey burgers
For the ingredients, we’ll be using 7 items with the option to add in cheddar cheese. There’s a separate ingredient list for the caramelized onions that uses yellow onion, avocado oil (or butter), and salt! Remember when I said this recipe was easy? Now you can see why. I like to keep things simple with as few ingredients as possible!
Burgers:
- Ground turkey
- Apple (I used honey crisp)
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Dried Thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Cheddar Cheese
Caramelized Onions:
- Yellow onion
- Avocado oil (or butter)
- Salt
And save some extra sliced apple for topping the burger!
Tools used to make this recipe
Fall apple turkey burgers couldn’t be simpler. In terms of kitchen tools, you’ll only need a large mixing bowl, a large skillet (and the accompanying lid), and a spatula.
For measuring, just grab cups to measuring out 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, and 1 tbsp.
How to make fall apple turkey burgers
It’s actually easy to make this recipe for turkey burgers from scratch, even though we’re incorporating an ingredient as unexpected as apples. For these patties, we’ll just mix everything together and then cook them on the stove. Then, assemble and enjoy!
First, add the turkey to a bowl. Using a box grater, shred the apple and onion into the turkey meat.
Add the garlic thyme, salt, and pepper and mix everything until well combined. I use my hands to ensure that everything is well incorporated.
Next, form the mix into patties. Use about 1/2 cup meat for each.
Heat a large skillet with 2 tbsp of avocado oil over medium low. If adding cheese, you can do it now.
Cover for 5 minutes so that the inside cooks. Repeat until all of the burgers are cooked.
While the burgers are cooking, prepare the carmelied onions. In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp of avocado oil or butter.
Once hot, add the sliced onions and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring every minute or so until carmelized. After about 5 minutes, reduce the heat to low. The whole process will take about 10-15 minutes.
Assemble the burgers with slices of apples and caramelized onion on top.
Dipping sauces to pair with turkey burgers
You know me – I’m all about delicious sauces! I often joke that the food is just a vehicle for the sauce (especially when we’re talking BBQ sauce). For these burgers, there are a number of sauces you can slather onto the buns to add great intense fall flavor!
- BBQ sauce (duh)
- Honey mustard
- Blue cheese dressing
- Dijon mustard
You can also check out recipes for sauces that use maple syrup. I have a good feeling that something like that would taste so good on these burgers. Plus, it’ll be totally autumn-worthy!
How to store fall apple turkey burgers
When it comes to storing these burgers, you can keep them in the fridge for up to one week. If you’d like to save a batch for down the road, freeze ’em for up to 3 months!
More fall-friendly entrees
Cozy up with some more of my fall favorites. All are inspired by the warm tastes of fall and use ingredients like apples, sweet potatoes, and cabbage.
- Healthy Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole
- Butternut Squash Soup (Vegan)
- One Pan Cabbage and Potato Skillet
- Healthy Apple Chicken Sausage Stuffing
Fall Apple Turkey Burgers
Colder weather isn’t so bad when it means food this good. Whip up these Fall Apple Turkey Burgers for a meal that uses all of the delicious flavors of the season!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 large apple, I used honeycrisp
- 1/4 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- *optional* cheddar cheese slices
Caramelized Onions
- 1 yellow onion, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
More sliced apple for topping!
Instructions
- In a bowl, add turkey. Using a box grater, shred apple and onion into turkey meat.
- Add in garlic, thyme, salt and pepper and mix until well combined (I use my hands).
- Form into patties, I used about 1/2 cup of meat for each.
- Heat a large skillet with 2 tbspย avocado oilย over medium heat, and once hot, add burgers.
- Cook for 5 minutes, flip, then turn the heat to medium low. *if adding cheese, now is the time* Cover for the next 5 minutes so the inside cooks. Repeat until all burgers are cooked.
- While burgers are cooking, prepare the caramelized onions. In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp avocado oil or butter.
- Once hot, add in sliced onions and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring every minute or so until caramelized. After about 5 minutes, reduce heat to low. The whole process will take 10-15 minutes.
- Assemble your burgers with slices of apples and caramelized onion on top.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Store in fridge for up to one week or freezer for 3 months.
There may be affiliate links in this post!ย By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat ๐
Chelsea says
These are a definite crowd pleaser!!!! So much flavor with the apple and the onion. Will definitely be making again!
Erin says
Hi Chelsea, so happy you loved them!
Jaclyn says
This is the best turkey burger recipe. Iโve made it at least 3 or 4 times now. The burgers end up being so juicy and flavorful. Also, so easy to make. Definitely recommend this recipe.
Erin says
Hi Jaclyn, so happy you love them!!
Leila says
Hands down the best turkey burger recipe out there! I’ve already made it more than five times and its always delicious.
Erin says
Hi Leila, so happy you loved them!!
Paige says
These burgers were so juicy and flavorful! Loved the idea of adding sautรฉed onions too. So good!
Erin says
Hi Paige, I am so happy you liked them!
Corina says
Made these for dinner last night (half batch) and the ratios were PERFECT! The apple is ingenious because it keeps the inside moist so you don’t get that typical dry turkey burger. Leftovers (fully cooked the night before) we heated it up in the oven next day, and still so delicious and juicy! Recommend adding mustard and arugula to the burger for spice ๐
Erin says
Hi Corina, I am so happy you loved them and great additions!!
Rachel Brumfield says
This is such a great recipe for a healthy meal prep or weeknight dinner. It took no time to make and most of the ingredients I already had at home. Even my fiancรฉ was blown away at how amazing it was. A MUST try!!
Erin says
Hi Rachel, so glad you both loved them!
Katie H says
Loved these burgers! Iโve always preferred my burgers on the grill but this recipe changed my mind. They were packed with flavor, not dried out at all, and got a good char on them. They were a great way to bring a little summer/fall flavor into my not so exciting winter recipe routine!
Erin says
Hi Katie, I am so happy you enjoyed the burgers so much! ๐
BBM says
WOW- can’t believe how juicy these burgers were! I used vegan cheese slices since I can’t eat dairy and that cheese melted perfectly following the instructions. Glad I got the Costco packs of ground turkey because these will def be in rotation at my house.
Erin says
Hi! I am so glad that you liked them and great addition!
Grace says
Great! My dad and I love these. The leftovers made a perfect lunch for the weekdays ๐
Erin says
Hi Grace, so happy you both enjoyed them!!
Julia says
Yum!!! So good with cheddar cheese and lots of honey mustard! I’m Celiac so I had them on a Schar gluten free ciabatta roll- delicious! Do not skip the caramelized onions on top!!! They’re the best!
Erin says
Hi Julia, so happy you liked it so much!!
Tara says
These were excellent! So much flavor. We added on some apple butter bbq sauce Wich was perfect for these burgers. We will definitely be making these again!
Erin says
Hi Tara, great idea and happy you enjoyed them!!
Cyndi Klose says
We don’t normally make turkey burgers but these were fantastic!! All four of our family members loved them.
Erin says
Hi Cyndi, I am so happy you tried and liked them!!
Andrea says
I made these for dinner the other day, and they were fantastic. My 5 year old daughter kept commenting at each bite, how delicious it was, she loved it, and to make it again.
Erin says
Hi Andrea, I am so happy you both enjoyed them!!
Marissa C. says
Forgot to hit 5 stars when I commented, but everything I said still stands! This is our go-to turkey burger recipe! Erin has suggested omitting the apples after the fall on Instagram, but we love keeping them in โ keeps them soo juicy, and we all know how dry ground turkey can be. Seriously โ my boyfriend makes these for lunch almost every week!
Erin says
Thank you Marissa!! ๐
Marissa C. says
This is our go-to turkey burger recipe! Erin has suggested omitting the apples after the fall on Instagram, but we love keeping them in – keeps them soo juicy, and we all know how dry ground turkey can be. Seriously – my boyfriend makes these for lunch almost every week!
Erin says
Hi Marissa, I am so happy you enjoyed them apples and all! ๐
Emily says
I told my boyfriend I was making โApple Turkey Burgersโ and he asked if I could make him something else. He ended up eating three of these and often asks when Iโm making them again. Weโve had them 3+ times since this fall. Awesome recipe. Super easy and flavorful.
Erin says
Hi Emily, I am so glad you both wound up liking them!!
Kathryn Schoenfeldt says
These were absolutely amazing! Highly recommend you will not be disappointed. My whole family (husband and 6 yo and 8 yo girls) loved them!!!! BBQ sauce on top is clutch
Erin says
Hi Kathryn, I am so glad everyone liked it! ๐
Megan says
These turkey burgers are delicious and so juicy! I’m a big turkey burger consumer and these are better than the ones I get in restaurants. Also, the caramelized onions are not to be forgotten. They add such a rich flavor to go with the sweetness of the burger. My new go-to recipe for burgers all year long!
Erin says
Hi Megan, thanks for sharing and so glad you loved them!
Taylor says
I made these for my family of picky eaters. They were all skeptical at first but everyone ended up loving these burgers and going back for seconds! Will definitely make again!
Erin says
Hi Taylor, so happy you loved them!!
brynna says
These burgers were amazing! I made these for my family and as a high schooler it was super easy to make. My brothers are super picky but they really liked them! I definitely recommend making sweet potato fries with it, goes well with the burgers. 10/10 recommend making these for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner!!
Erin says
Hi Brynna, I am so happy everyone enjoyed them so much!! Thanks for sharing!