• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
freebie! download my top 8 dessert recipe ebook

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Erin Lives Whole

Healthy Eats + Delicious Treats

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Dessert
      • Soup
      • Sides
      • Drinks
      • Snacks
      • Sauces & Dips
    • Dessert Type
      • Bars & Balls
      • Breads & Muffins
      • Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cookies
      • Frozen
      • Pie & Cobbler
      • Other
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Paleo Friendly
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Method
      • 30 Minute or Less
      • Air Fryer
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot
      • Meal Prep
      • No Bake
      • One Pot/Pan
      • Oven
      • Stove Top
    • Season
      • Fall
      • Holiday
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Recipe Filter
    • All Recipes
  • Ebooks
  • Shop
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Subscribe to receive latest recipes

    Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

  • Browse by Diet
    • Gluten-Free
    • Dairy-Free
    • Nut-Free
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Drinks
  • Snacks
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
Home Recipes By Meal

Easy Simple Turkey Burger Recipe

83 Reviews Recipe
gf df
By: Erin Antoniak • Updated On September 15, 2023

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

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.

holding a turkey burger

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!

bite inside turkey burger

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.

grated onion on turkey burger

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.

making turkey 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:

  • Greek Turkey Burger with Tzatziki
  • Pineapple Turkey Burger
  • Fall Apple Turkey Burger

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!

turkey burger on bun

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.

simple turkey burger

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

bite inside turkey burger
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 83 reviews

Simple Turkey Burger Recipe

Prep: 5 Cook: 10 Total: 15 minutes
Yield 5 burgers 1x
Scale
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: Erin Antoniak Category: dinner, lunch, meal-prep, gluten-free Method: stovetop Cuisine: American Diet: Gluten Free
bite inside turkey burger

Did you make this?

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

erinliveswhole

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
    Thai Turkey Meatballs with Peanut Sauce
Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
Recipe Rating




  1. DM says

    Posted on 11/21 at 12:27 am

    The best!!! I wish I’d seen this recipe years ago, but happy to know about it now!! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/21 at 3:52 pm

      Hi, so happy you loved the burgers!!

      Reply
  2. Lettie says

    Posted on 10/25 at 10:01 am

    These are super delicious! I’m guessing I can make meatballs as well?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/26 at 3:16 pm

      Hi Lettie, yes! I’d recommend reducing the cooking time slightly. Let me know how they come out!!

      Reply
  3. Julia says

    Posted on 10/20 at 5:30 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/22 at 3:05 pm

      Hi Julia, so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
  4. Emma says

    Posted on 10/13 at 4:22 pm

    The perfect meal prep, tasty & easy!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/15 at 4:02 pm

      Hi Emma, so happy you loved them! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Hannah says

    Posted on 8/21 at 1:32 pm

    Delicious, simple, flavorful… will make a double batch next time!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/21 at 4:58 pm

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

      Reply
  6. Rich says

    Posted on 7/3 at 5:59 pm

    If putting on a gas grill, should you make earlier and refrigerate or can you toss them right on after mixing?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 7/13 at 12:07 pm

      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!

      Reply
  7. Beckie says

    Posted on 6/1 at 12:18 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/2 at 1:23 pm

      Hi Beckie, so happy you loved them! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Lilly says

    Posted on 4/25 at 9:33 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/2 at 8:36 pm

      Hi Lilly, nonstick works great! Still spray though.

      Reply
  9. Rose says

    Posted on 4/16 at 7:14 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/16 at 7:19 pm

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

      Reply
  10. Monica says

    Posted on 2/28 at 10:21 am

    these are SO juicy and flavorful, & with so few ingredients…incredible! They turn out perfectly every time.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/28 at 3:35 pm

      Hi Monica, so happy you loved them! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Kate says

    Posted on 1/5 at 9:08 pm

    So so good! I cooked mine in the air fryer!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/6 at 12:27 pm

      Hi Kate, so happy you loved them! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Liz says

    Posted on 12/8 at 7:45 pm

    They were so easy, but so delicious and juicy!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/9 at 11:24 am

      Hi Liz, so happy you loved them!!

      Reply
  13. Amanda m says

    Posted on 12/4 at 5:18 pm

    Simple but so good!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 2:32 pm

      Hi Amanda, so happy you loved them!

      Reply
  14. Allison says

    Posted on 12/4 at 2:02 pm

    This is my go-to turkey burger recipe! Easy yet delicious. The grated onion trick is key.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 1:03 pm

      Hi Allison, so glad you loved them! 🙂

      Reply
    • Krissy says

      Posted on 1/15 at 9:50 pm

      We don’t like onions that much could I use onion powder instead?

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 1/17 at 8:48 pm

        Hi Krissy, yes of course! Let me know how your burgers came out!

  15. Pamela Burke says

    Posted on 11/28 at 7:47 pm

    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. ❤️

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/29 at 11:46 am

      Hi Pamela, so happy you all loved them! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Kelsey says

    Posted on 9/15 at 9:31 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/16 at 11:05 am

      Hi Kelsey, so glad you loved the burgers!!

      Reply
  17. RJ says

    Posted on 9/5 at 3:10 pm

    I screwed up something along the way. Mine fell apart and we’re non eatable on a burger roll.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/9 at 7:11 am

      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!!

      Reply
  18. Caitlin says

    Posted on 7/31 at 9:41 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/1 at 2:01 pm

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

      Reply
  19. Meg says

    Posted on 6/8 at 9:06 am

    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!!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/8 at 5:13 pm

      Hi Meg, so happy you loved them so much and made them your own!! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Joyce says

    Posted on 6/7 at 2:40 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/10 at 8:24 pm

      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!!

      Reply
Older Comments
Newer Comments

Primary Sidebar

erin in front of a building

Hey there!

I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

grocery lists

Shop My Grocery Downloads

Do you head to the grocery store and feel overwhelmed with all of the options? Well, I've created FIVE downloadable and printable grocery lists from five different and popular grocery stores. All of my absolute must haves from Whole Foods, Target, a regular grocer, Trader Joe's, and Costco!

Shop Now

Popular Posts

chickpea brownie on a tray

Chickpea Brownies

bite out of healthy cookie dough ball

Healthy Cookie Dough Balls

cauliflower wings on plate

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

pouring syrup on stack of oatmeal blender pancakes

Oatmeal Blender Pancakes

Trending Recipes

avocado corn salad

Summer Avocado Corn Salad

cilantro lime shrimp on plate

Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice

paleo cookie skillet with ice cream

Healthy Cookie Skillet

banana bread muffin on a rack

Paleo Banana Bread Muffins

Featured On

good housekeeping logo
parade logo
feed feed logo
business insider logo
everyday health logo
country living logo
bar desserts
truffles
bar desserts
bar desserts
muffins
vanilla birthday cake with chocolate icing

Get latest updates To your inbox!

Back to Top
© 2026 Erin Lives Whole
  • Privacy Policy
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Simple Turkey Burger Recipe
Simple Turkey Burger Recipe