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Home By Meal

Simple Turkey Burger Recipe

★★★★★ 55 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: ErinPosted: 3/21/21Updated: 4/26/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Simple Turkey Burger Recipe
Simple Turkey Burger Recipe

Enjoy this Simple Turkey Burger Recipe for a quick and easy meal that can be customized with your favorite toppings. Only 5 minutes of prep time needed!

holding a turkey burger

Your new favorite go-to dinner

What’s for dinner tonight? If you’re still undecided, I’m about to choose for you with this simple turkey burger recipe. These easy but perfectly seasoned burgers are absolutely delicious atop fluffy sesame buns and garnished with your favorite burger add-ons!

With only 5 minutes of prep time, this is the perfect mid-week meal for enjoying after a long work day. However, it’s also fun and tasty on a relaxed weekend evening, and perfect for serving to friends or guests!

Turkey burgers hit the spot basically hit the spot no matter the occasion. Let’s dive in!

bite inside turkey burger

Ingredients in easy homemade turkey burgers

Easy ground turkey burgers start with just that – ground turkey – before jumping into the spices and mixed-in onion (which is a huge component fo the great flavor!).

  • Ground turkey: First up, begin with 1 lb of ground turkey.
  • Garlic: Our first flavoring will be 2 cloves of minced garlic.
  • Onion: Then, 1/2 of a yellow onion will be used to add flavor, texture, and even juiciness.
  • Oregano: Continue the spice lineup with 1 tsp of dried oregano.
  • Salt & Pepper: Finally, include 1/2 tsp of salt and pepper (each).

Tools needed to create this recipe

When I say this is an easy turkey burger recipe, I mean it! The simplicity extends to the tools that are required. You’ll need only 4 main items to make this dish, along with 2 measuring cups!

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Box grater
  • Stirring utensil
  • Cast iron skillet
  • Measuring cups: 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp
grated onion on turkey burger

How to make simple turkey burgers

5 minutes is all it takes to prep these delicious burgers. Can you believe it?! Just mix, shape, and sear. Total cook time for the patties is about 10 minutes, which means dinner is served in only 15!

First, combine the turkey and garlic in a bowl.

Next comes a key step — use a box grater and grate the onion over the bowl, letting it fall directly into the turkey and garlic mixture. This method creates juicer burgers because all of the onion juice goes into the mix.

Add the oregano, salt, and pepper. Use you hands to mix everything together.

Next, form the mix into patties, using 1/5 of the meat for each one. You can use more or less if you prefer different sized patties, noting that they will shrink when cooked.

Heat 2 tbsp of avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the burgers.

Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and then turn the heat to medium-low. Cover for 5 minutes to let the inside cook. Repeat until all of the burgers are cooked.

Finally, serve with onion, tomato, buns, or over lettuce.

making turkey burgers

Easy turkey burger toppings

How do you like to serve up your burgers? I keep it simple with onion, tomato, and my favorite fluffy buns.

Additional options include thick cheddar or pepper jack cheese, pickles (of course!), avocado, and even bacon!

Carb-free option: Serve your burger totally carb-free by enjoying it on a lettuce “bun” with the previously mentioned onion, lettuce, and pickles. Add a little bit of your favorite sauce, and enjoy!

Turkey vs. beef

There are loads of benefits to choosing turkey burgers, one of which is the amazing flavor! But, the benefits also extend into the health realm, as turkey burgers are notoriously more nutritious than standard beef burgers.

For starters, turkey is a much leaner protein and contains less saturated fat. This right away makes it ideal when looking for the healthiest option. It’s also lower calorie and does a great job of keeping you fuller for longer!

turkey burger on bun

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Now that you know why turkey rules, here are some more yummy meals that feature it as the main protein! Try the chili — it’s definitely a top favorite (I’d even say it’s just as good as simple turkey burgers).

  • Butternut Squash Chili with Turkey
  • Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
  • Easy Turkey Meatballs
  • Three Bean Turkey Chili

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis

simple turkey burger
bite inside turkey burger
★★★★★ 5 from 55 reviews

Simple Turkey Burger Recipe

Prep: 5Cook: 10Total: 15 minutes
Yield 5 burgers 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 yellow onion
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine turkey, garlic, and use a grater to shred onion into burger. This is a key step for creating juicy burgers. I use a box grater and finely grate the onion over the meat so all the juice goes in.
  2. Add oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix!
  3. Form into patties, using 1/5 of the total meat depending on size you want. They will shrink once cooked.
  4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet with 2 tbsp avocado oil over medium heat, and once hot, add burgers.
  5. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, then turn the heat to medium low. Cover for the next 5 minutes so the inside cooks. Repeat until all burgers are cooked.
  6. Serve with onion, tomato, buns, or over lettuce! Enjoy!
Author: ErinCategory: dinner, lunch, meal-prep, gluten-freeMethod: stovetopCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
bite inside turkey burger

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! 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 🙂

You May Also Like...

  • Three Bean Turkey Chili
  • butternut squash chili in bowl with cheese
    Butternut Squash Chili with Turkey
  • easy turkey meatballs in a skillet
    Easy Turkey Meatballs (Gluten-free)
  • Thai Turkey Meatballs with Peanut Sauce
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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Traci Chapman says

    Posted on 4/18 at 11:27 am

    These are sooooo tasty! I always double the recipe for leftovers and my kids like them too!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/18 at 6:00 pm

      Hi Traci, so happy you all loved them!!

      Reply
  2. Brittany says

    Posted on 3/8 at 11:17 am

    So simple and so delicious. This recipe is a staple in my dinner rotation!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/8 at 3:04 pm

      Hi Brittany, so happy you loved them!!

      Reply
  3. Sheila Turner says

    Posted on 3/7 at 4:05 pm

    Made these last night and they are delicious! Doubled the recipe to have quick lunches during the week. Thanks Erin as always! 😍

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/8 at 3:01 pm

      Hi Sheila, so happy you loved them!!

      Reply
  4. kristina philipp says

    Posted on 2/24 at 10:33 am

    Great recipe. I sometimes add grated zucchini to the mix. It is filling, and the kids don’t know they are eating a green (yuk) vegetable.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/24 at 12:06 pm

      Hi Kristina, so glad you loved them and great idea!!

      Reply
  5. Ally says

    Posted on 1/28 at 12:43 pm

    Quick. East. Delicious. A win all around

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/28 at 8:11 pm

      Hi Ally, so glad you loved them!

      Reply
  6. Jeezy says

    Posted on 1/21 at 7:42 pm

    THESE SLAP EVERY SINGLE TIME. THANK U FOR THE SIMPLICITY ERIN

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/24 at 5:33 pm

      Hi! SO glad you loved them!! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Barbara says

    Posted on 1/20 at 1:25 pm

    Have you (or anyone) substituted the turkey for ground chicken keeping the rest of the recipe the same? Love the turkey burgers but have a package of ground chicken I need to use. Thank you

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/21 at 11:33 am

      Hi Barbara, I haven’t but that will probably work. Just may need to adjust your cooking time. Let me know if you try it and how they come out!!

      Reply
  8. Megan S says

    Posted on 1/16 at 11:53 am

    I’ve never made homemade turkey burgers until trying this recipe. Let me just say I will NOT be buying store bought burgers ever again!! SO good. Thanks, Erin! Can’t wait to try the apple/ fall variation. We had ours on Dave’s killer bread buns and it was heavenly!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/19 at 9:42 am

      Hi Megan, so happy you loved them so much!! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Kayla says

    Posted on 1/11 at 8:47 am

    Grating the onion is genius! Juiciest, yummiest turkey burgers ever. AND they are Whole30 approved (sans bun), so they will be on my weekly rotation for the month. Thank you, Erin! 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/12 at 10:52 pm

      Hi Kayla, so happy you enjoyed them!!

      Reply
  10. Emma says

    Posted on 1/3 at 3:00 pm

    10/10. Super simple and so juicy and delicious.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/3 at 4:25 pm

      Hi Emma, so happy you loved them!!

      Reply
  11. Missy says

    Posted on 12/22 at 6:07 pm

    Made them for the second time tonight and had to post a review because they are a hit in my household, again! So tasty, simple, the spices are just perfect.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/23 at 12:01 pm

      Hi Missy, so happy everyone loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Sarah says

    Posted on 12/1 at 4:19 pm

    The shredded onion is a game changer!!! My bf’s favorite food is cheeseburgers, but I’ve got him on board with turkey burgers with this recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/2 at 3:47 pm

      Hi Sarah, so glad you both loved them!!

      Reply
  13. Ali Hudson says

    Posted on 11/30 at 6:18 pm

    I am not a fan of Turkey burgers but ELW has never done me wrong and OH MY GOSH are these amazing!!! Even my husband loves them! Can’t wait to share with my friends and family xoxo

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/1 at 1:46 pm

      Hi Ali, I am so so happy you both loved them!! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Barbara says

    Posted on 11/19 at 10:00 am

    I made these for my son who loves turkey. Me, on the other hand, not so much. However, when cooking them they smelled fantastic. My son said they were awesome and with the aioli on them were great. After checking several recipes I chose this because of the fewer ingredients and what I had on hand. The only thing I added was a sprinkle of red pepper flakes that I saw in another recipe to give it a little kick. I will be making more soon. Thank you for a great recipe.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/19 at 11:37 am

      Hi Barbara, so happy he loved them so much and you made them your own! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Carol says

    Posted on 10/22 at 6:17 pm

    Hi Erin, I have seen you make these on your IG stories so many times and I finally made them tonight-so delicious!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/23 at 6:49 am

      Hi Carol, I am so glad you enjoyed them and thank you for your support! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Ronni says

    Posted on 10/17 at 2:06 pm

    Omg these burgers are my FAVORITE lunch prep ever!! Do not skip the grated onion, it makes it so so perfect and juicy 😍😍

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/18 at 6:03 pm

      Hi Ronni, so happy you loved them!!

      Reply
  17. Emily says

    Posted on 10/17 at 12:16 pm

    I love these, definitely a staple in our house!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/18 at 5:55 pm

      Hi Emily, so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
  18. Julie says

    Posted on 9/30 at 7:56 pm

    These are amazing! Made tonight and they were a big hit. Thanks!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/2 at 8:20 am

      Hi Julie, so glad you loved the burgers!!

      Reply
  19. Alli says

    Posted on 9/20 at 12:29 pm

    So easy and delicious! Will definitely make these again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/20 at 3:27 pm

      Hi Alli, so glad you loved them!

      Reply
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