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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!
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DM says
The best!!! I wish I’d seen this recipe years ago, but happy to know about it now!! Thank you!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi, so happy you loved the burgers!!
Lettie says
These are super delicious! I’m guessing I can make meatballs as well?
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lettie, yes! I’d recommend reducing the cooking time slightly. Let me know how they come out!!
Julia says
I’ve made these many times now, they are so delicious!! So easy too. I never get frozen turkey burgers anymore after trying this recipe. So simple and flavorful
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Julia, so glad you loved them!!
Emma says
The perfect meal prep, tasty & easy!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emma, so happy you loved them! 🙂
Hannah says
Delicious, simple, flavorful… will make a double batch next time!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Hannah, so glad you loved them and great idea!!
Rich says
If putting on a gas grill, should you make earlier and refrigerate or can you toss them right on after mixing?
Erin says
Hi Rich, either way works, however I suggest stove top as turkey doesn’t do as well on a grill. Let me know how your burgers come out!
Beckie says
The few ingredients doesn’t impact the tastiness of this one bit. Super easy to make and so good. We grilled ours and they turned out perfectly.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Beckie, so happy you loved them! 🙂
Lilly says
I don’t have a cast iron skillet. Should I use a stainless steel pan or nonstick omelet pan instead? And if I do use stainless should I add some oil?
Erin says
Hi Lilly, nonstick works great! Still spray though.
Rose says
Made these tonight and will absolutely have them on repeat! I was a little worried they wouldn’t be flavorful enough with such few ingredients, but that was not the case at all. Such great flavor and so easy! Thanks for a great recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Rose, so happy you loved them so much! 🙂
Monica says
these are SO juicy and flavorful, & with so few ingredients…incredible! They turn out perfectly every time.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Monica, so happy you loved them! 🙂
Kate says
So so good! I cooked mine in the air fryer!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kate, so happy you loved them! 🙂
Liz says
They were so easy, but so delicious and juicy!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Liz, so happy you loved them!!
Amanda m says
Simple but so good!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Amanda, so happy you loved them!
Allison says
This is my go-to turkey burger recipe! Easy yet delicious. The grated onion trick is key.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Allison, so glad you loved them! 🙂
Krissy says
We don’t like onions that much could I use onion powder instead?
Erin says
Hi Krissy, yes of course! Let me know how your burgers came out!
Pamela Burke says
I diced my onion fine, used minced garlic from the jar and added a little of its juice (maybe 1 tsp)..these were juicy, delicious and as labeled “simple”. Better than a restaurant and my husband really enjoyed this burger. ❤️
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Pamela, so happy you all loved them! 🙂
Kelsey says
Totally obsessed with this recipe, I have been making it all summer and totally love it. Super easy, very flavorful with simple ingredients! Thanks for this great recipe Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelsey, so glad you loved the burgers!!
RJ says
I screwed up something along the way. Mine fell apart and we’re non eatable on a burger roll.
Erin says
Hi, oh no! So sorry that happened and hope you can make them again and just be sure to follow the recipe to a t. Good luck!!
Caitlin says
I am OBSESSED with these turkey burgers! They are so easy to make and beyond flavorful for just a few simple ingredients. I’ve been making a double batch each week for meal prep and throw them on salads. Make these, you will be addicted!
Erin says
Hi Caitlin, so happy you loved them so much!! 🙂
Meg says
Been reluctant about making my own burgers for awhile, but after seeing these on her instagram stories over and over as a household staple, I knew it was worth the shot…. Incredible!!! And impossible to mess up!! I did only a 1/4 of yellow onion and used 1/2tsp minced garlic- still great flavor and still juicy! Grilled for 5 minutes each side. Will be making all summer!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Meg, so happy you loved them so much and made them your own!! 🙂
Joyce says
Loved the recipe! Definitely will keep it on the rotation. One question – it was hard to form the patty bc the mixture was pretty wet. Is this normal? Tasted great once I cooked it and texture was perfect, but it was messy getting it onto the pan; not sure if that’s normal or user error. Thanks!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Joyce, yes, normal. Trick is to wet your hands before forming and make sure you are using 93/7 fat turkey! Hope that helps for next time you make them!!