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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 1/2 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 1/2 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 1/5 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 tbsp 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 tbsp 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
- 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
- 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 1/5 of the total meat depending on size you want. They will shrink once cooked.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet with 2 tbsp 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!
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 🙂
Michelle says
Quick, easy and overall great recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Michelle, so glad you loved them!! 🙂
Traci Chapman says
These are sooooo tasty! I always double the recipe for leftovers and my kids like them too!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Traci, so happy you all loved them!!
Brittany says
So simple and so delicious. This recipe is a staple in my dinner rotation!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Brittany, so happy you loved them!!
Sheila Turner says
Made these last night and they are delicious! Doubled the recipe to have quick lunches during the week. Thanks Erin as always! 😍
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sheila, so happy you loved them!!
kristina philipp says
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.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kristina, so glad you loved them and great idea!!
Ally says
Quick. East. Delicious. A win all around
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ally, so glad you loved them!
Jeezy says
THESE SLAP EVERY SINGLE TIME. THANK U FOR THE SIMPLICITY ERIN
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi! SO glad you loved them!! 🙂
Barbara says
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
★★★★★
Erin says
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!!
Megan S says
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!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Megan, so happy you loved them so much!! 🙂
Kayla says
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! 🙂
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kayla, so happy you enjoyed them!!
Emma says
10/10. Super simple and so juicy and delicious.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emma, so happy you loved them!!
Missy says
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.
Erin says
Hi Missy, so happy everyone loved it! 🙂
Sarah says
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!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah, so glad you both loved them!!
Ali Hudson says
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
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ali, I am so so happy you both loved them!! 🙂
Barbara says
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.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Barbara, so happy he loved them so much and you made them your own! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Carol says
Hi Erin, I have seen you make these on your IG stories so many times and I finally made them tonight-so delicious!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Carol, I am so glad you enjoyed them and thank you for your support! 🙂
Ronni says
Omg these burgers are my FAVORITE lunch prep ever!! Do not skip the grated onion, it makes it so so perfect and juicy 😍😍
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ronni, so happy you loved them!!
Emily says
I love these, definitely a staple in our house!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emily, so glad you loved them!!
Julie says
These are amazing! Made tonight and they were a big hit. Thanks!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Julie, so glad you loved the burgers!!
Alli says
So easy and delicious! Will definitely make these again.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alli, so glad you loved them!