Meet your new favorite meal - the best turkey burger recipe you'll ever try! Simple, healthy, and incredibly tasty, these burgers are made with ground turkey that perfectly absorbs the flavors of onion, garlic, and oregano. Whether you're cooking on your trusty cast iron skillet or grilling outside on a hot summer's day, this recipe is perfect for a family meal, a cookout, or even a quiet dinner for one.
Your new favorite turkey burger recipe
Not sure what to cook for dinner tonight? Let me help you decide with an amazing, easy-to-make turkey burger recipe!
These mouthwatering burgers are perfectly seasoned and taste incredible when placed on soft sesame buns. You can even add your favorite toppings to make them even more delicious!
The best part? It only takes 5 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal meal for those busy workdays. But don't worry, it's also a fantastic option for a relaxed weekend evening or when you have guests over!
No matter the occasion, turkey burgers are always a hit. So, let's get cooking and enjoy a wonderful meal!
Turkey vs. beef
Discover the countless perks of indulging in turkey burgers — they're not just delicious but also incredibly healthy! Compared to regular beef burgers, turkey burgers are packed with nutrients and have a flavorful twist.
First and foremost, turkey is a leaner source of protein that contains less saturated fat, making it the perfect choice for health-conscious individuals. Additionally, it is lower in calories and does a stellar job of keeping you satisfied for longer.
Beef, on the other hand, can also be considered a healthy option, although it is higher in saturated fat and calories.
Ingredients needed
When I say simple, I mean it.
Here’s a bit more about what I used:
- Ground Turkey: The base of this turkey burger recipe! I used one pound of lean ground turkey.
- Garlic: Because garlic makes everything taste better. I used two cloves of minced fresh garlic.
- Onion: To give the turkey burgers even more flavor and texture. You'll need ½ of a yellow onion, finely grated.
- Oregano: A classic herb that adds so much flavor to turkey burgers! Use dried oregano or sub with Italian seasoning if you'd like.
- Salt and Pepper: To bring out all the flavors! Don't be too hesitant to season your burgers - they need it!
Kitchen tools required
Here’s a bit more information about what I used to make these easy turkey burgers.
- Grater
- Large bowl
- Large cast-iron skillet
- Spatula
For measuring, you will need a teaspoon and a ½ teaspoon.
How to make the best turkey burger recipe
In just 5 minutes, you can have these mouthwatering burgers ready to go! Believe it or not, it's as easy as mixing, shaping, and searing. The patties only take about 10 minutes to cook, so you'll have dinner on the table in just 15 minutes!
To start, combine the turkey and garlic in a bowl.
Here's a little secret: Grab a box grater and grate the onion right into the bowl with the turkey and garlic. This will make the burgers extra juicy since all the onion juice gets mixed in.
Add the oregano, salt, and pepper, and use your hands to mix everything together.
Now, shape the mixture into patties, using ⅕ of the meat for each one. You can adjust the size to your preference; just keep in mind they will shrink a bit during cooking.
Heat 2 tablespoon of avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the burgers.
Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes to ensure the inside is fully cooked. Repeat for all the burgers.
Finally, serve your delicious burgers with onion, tomato, buns, or even over a bed of lettuce.
Get ready for a quick and tasty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Variations of turkey burgers
These burgers are delicious as is, but the possibilities with turkey burgers are endless. You can add different herbs and spices or mix in some chopped bell peppers for a colorful burger.
Here are a few ideas to get creative:
The best burger toppings
These burgers can be served on a bun with your favorite condiments, lettuce wraps, or even over a salad! Add avocado, onion, tomato, and pickles for some extra flavor.
To make it even better, add a few slices of your favorite cheese! You can also serve them as sliders - just cut each burger into quarters before serving.
Delicious side dishes to try
As far as side dishes go, here are some of my favorites:
- Crispy Baked Chili Lime Sweet Potato Fries
- Summer Avocado Corn Salad
- Healthy Potato Salad
- Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
Finish your meal with a classic delicious dessert like these ooey gooey chocolate chip cookies!
Recipe Tips
Below are some common turkey burger questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!
Can I freeze turkey burgers?
Absolutely! Just shape the patties, place them on a baking sheet or plate, and pop them into the freezer for 1-2 hours. Transfer to a storage bag or container, and they'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Do I need to cook turkey burgers all the way through?
Yes, it's important to cook turkey burgers all the way through. The internal temperature should be 165°F before you can enjoy your burger.
How do I cook frozen turkey burgers?
Frozen turkey burgers are a great time-saver! To start, preheat your skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil per patty. Place the frozen patties on the skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid - this will help ensure the burgers are cooked fully and evenly.
Storing leftovers
These burgers are best served warm, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.
If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try these!
Here are some of my favorite ground turkey recipes you should make next. Enjoy!
- Oven-Baked Turkey Tacos
- Turkey Picadillo
- Asian-Inspired Turkey Meatballs With Peanut Sauce
- Three Bean Turkey Chili
- BBQ Turkey Meatloaf
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis
Simple Turkey Burger Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
- Add oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix!
- Form into patties, using ⅕ of the total meat depending on size you want. They will shrink once cooked.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet with 2 tablespoon avocado oil over medium heat, and once hot, add burgers.
- 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.
- Serve with onion, tomato, buns, or over lettuce! Enjoy!
Julia Cook says
Just made these! Love it! Also used Wegmans turkey as you’ve mentioned in your stories!
Erin says
Hi Julia, so glad you loved it!!
Jenn says
Thee best recipe! These burgers are something special.. They’re a weekly staple now because they’re just that good! Grating the onion is the magic key for sure! I can’t eat frozen store bought patties.. this recipe has spoiled me!
Erin says
Hi Jenn, so glad you loved them!!
Sara S. says
So easy to make and so delicious! The onion really makes the burger so flavorful. I also love that it's a lighter version of a traditional burger. It definitely satisfied my craving and the whole family loved it. This recipe is officially a part of my core dinner meals.
Erin says
Hi Sara, so glad you loved them!!
Ally says
The absolute best burgers! So easy, simple and flavorful.
Erin says
Hi Ally, so glad you loved them!!
Annie says
Two thumbs up from me and my husband!!
Erin says
Hi Annie, so glad you both loved them!!
Lindsey B says
Easily one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten!!! I meal prepped these and ate them for the week and they were still so juicy and flavorful, even after warming them in the microwave. I’m blown away by how simple these were to make and how delicious they taste
Erin says
Hi Lindsey, so glad you loved them and enjoyed them SO much! 🙂
Miranda says
These are amazing!! So good. And honestly even better leftover. I have made all three turkey burgers on your blog, and they are all mouthwateringly good!
Erin says
Hi Miranda, so glad you loved them! 🙂
Whit G says
I made these burgers for a small gathering and they were SO easy and super tasty! I made extra to have throughout the week too and even reheated a couple days later, they are really good. I love the simplicity of the ingredients and the juicy, savory taste. I can’t wait to try the fall burgers sometime soon (even though it’s not fall!).
Erin says
Hi Whit, so happy you loved them so much! 🙂
Becca says
These turkey burgers were so juicy and delicious!! We added crumbled feta to our mix and they turned out really good!! Thanks for this recipe, Erin! It is definitely going to be a go to in our house 🙂
Erin says
Hi Becca, so glad you loved them and made them your own!
Sami says
Amazing!!! So much flavor. So easy to make. Will be a staple for sure!
Erin says
Hi Sami, so glad you enjoyed the burgers!
MaryKate Eccles says
This recipe is so simple and delicious! I make it at least once a week! 🙂
Erin says
Hi MaryKate, so glad you love them so much!!
Rachel M. says
It is crazy how easy this recipe is...but yet so much flavor. Through these together in the middle of the week last week and it was so quick but a great burger! Definitely going in my recipe bank for Go To recipes!!
Erin says
Hi Rachel, so glad you loved the burgers!
Kelly says
Sooo easy & delicious!!
Erin says
Hi Kelly, so glad you liked them!!
Michelle says
These were super easy and really good! I’ve never had good luck making turkey burgers but these were a success.
Erin says
Hi Michelle, so glad you loved them!
Meaghan says
I’ve always been hesitant to make my own turkey burgers, but I made these last night and they are AMAZING! So easy, so flavorful, and so light! Perfect summer meal 😊 I had in a lettuce wrap and my bf had in a normal bun, and it was a huge hit! Thank you for the best recipes!
Erin says
Hi Meghan, so glad you both enjoyed them and great idea!!
Daria says
These burgers are so simple and delicious.
Erin says
Hi Daria, glad you liked them!
Liz says
these turkey burgers were super easy and delicious! I added some cheese and caramelized onions as well. Definitely will make them again!
Erin says
Hi Liz, so happy you enjoyed the burgers!
Sara says
Simple and delicious! Will 100% be making these again. These turkey burgers are so flavorful.
Erin says
Hi Sara, so glad you liked them!!
Jenn says
The best turkey burgers I’ve ever had and so easy to make!
Erin says
Hi Jenn, glad you liked them!!
Kristen says
What brand of bun is “fluffy bun” or do you make your own?
Erin says
Hi Kristen, I like Martin's Rolls or any from Whole Foods. Let me know how your burgers come out!