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    Home » Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes » Healthy Turkey Burger Recipe

    Healthy Turkey Burger Recipe

    Published: Apr 30, 2022 · Modified: Jun 5, 2022 by Tammy Overhoff

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    It’s time to shut down those old rumors and let everyone know that making a delicious healthy turkey burger recipe is possible. No more dried-up, flavorless burger patties. Trust me; these will be the best turkey burgers you have ever tasted! 

    turkey burgers on a plate in the front and 3 on a platter in back

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    I don’t mean to brag or anything, but I can make some mean turkey burgers! I first started my weight-loss journey back in 2010, and one of the first things I did to begin lowering my fat and calories was swapping out ground beef for ground turkey.

    In the beginning, I wasn’t always as successful with making that swap. Often, I was left with dried-out meat, no flavor, and nobody in my household that would eat it.

    However, I have learned many tips and tricks for getting the juiciest, most flavorful ground turkey burger over the years. Actually, I’ve become quite the expert in ground turkey recipes! 

    Today, I’m going to show you how to make the best turkey burger recipe. If you have a turkey burger skeptic on your hands, then definitely make this recipe, and I bet you can change their mind! 

    Once you have this recipe in your repertoire, here are some other turkey burger recipes to put on the summer grill menu – Greek Turkey Burgers, Buffalo Turkey Burgers, Italian Turkey Burger or Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Turkey Burgers. Or check out all of my ground turkey recipes.

    Jump to:
    • Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make a Healthy Turkey Burger Recipe
    • Cooking Tips
    • FAQs
    • How to meal prep turkey burgers
    • Other Ground Turkey Recipes
    • Healthy Turkey Burger Recipe

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    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Low carb, low fat, and high protein. This healthy turkey burger recipe will fill you up and keep you full. And, they taste great on their own without any bread. So, they are great options for a low-carb or keto diet.
    • Gluten-free. There are no breadcrumbs in this gluten free turkey burger.
    • Versatile. Turkey burgers are literally a blank canvas. You can add just about any flavor or ingredient to ground turkey and have endless recipe creations. It’s a great way to use up leftover sauces or other ingredients in the refrigerator and pantry.
    • Easy to meal prep. Turkey burgers only take about 5 minutes to mix up. You can make the patties ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill or freeze to have prepared for a future dinner. One of my favorite ways to meal prep turkey burgers is to make them entirely ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator for a quick heat and eat dinner. See more ground turkey meal prep ideas.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients for ground turkey burger Pattis. Ground turkey, seasonings, cream, and Worcestershire sauce

    Lean ground turkey. Before we get into any cooking techniques or seasonings, let’s start with the type of ground turkey that works best for making the juiciest turkey burger recipes.

    When I choose ground turkey, I always look for the ground turkey with higher fat content – 90% lean and 10% fat. 

    The higher the fat ratio, the juicier and more flavorful the turkey burgers will be. The leaner the meat, the less fat it has, which means the drier the burger will be.

    When you’re making a turkey burger, you want more fat because you have to cook it thoroughly. You can’t cook turkey burgers medium or medium-rare, so it’s essential to have higher fat content or add fat into the ground turkey to make sure that it stays moist.

    The next thing is you want to choose a ground turkey that has a coarse grind, not a finer one.

    A coarser grind makes the burgers easier to handle when putting the mixture together and forming the patties. Ground turkey that has a finer grind tends to have more liquid and is a lot mushier. 

    Not saying you can’t use this type of ground turkey for burgers, but the mixture will be harder to handle, so you might need to add a binder like eggs or breadcrumbs to form the patties. Also, if there is extra liquid in the turkey burger package, then make sure to drain that entirely before making the patties.

    I prefer keeping the turkey burgers gluten-free, so I don’t like using a breadcrumb binder when making burgers. For this reason, I tend to purchase a coarser ground turkey.

    I also purchase organic ground turkey when I can.

    Organic ground turkey has fantastic flavor, great texture, and all the organic brands I’ve purchased come in a larger grind.

    My favorite brands to purchase are Nature’s Rancher that I get from Whole Foods, Wegman’s organic turkey breast, and Butcher Box Online Meat Delivery. Butcher Box now has ground turkey, so I add at least four packages in every order.

    Milk or heavy cream. This is my secret ingredient to moist, juicy turkey burgers. One tablespoon of milk or cream will add just enough fat to keep the ground turkey from drying out. I use this tip even when I’m making a healthy beef burger recipe. It especially helpful when you’re using extra lean ground turkey.

    Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ground turkey is super bland, so it needs spices to perk the flavor up. This is the turkey burger seasoning I use to create the best favor.

    Worcestershire sauce. This is another secret ingredient I use to add flavor to turkey burgers – it gives a meaty flavor that resembles a beef burger that everyone loves. 

    How to Make a Healthy Turkey Burger Recipe

    step by step collage showing exactly how to make a turkey burger recipe
    • In a large mixing bowl, mix the lean ground turkey, spices, cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
    • Divide the turkey meat into four sections and then form them into patties.
    • Heat the grill to medium-high heat and let it heat up for 5 minutes.
    • Place the turkey patties on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side. 
    • Let the turkey burgers sit for 1-2 minutes, and then enjoy on your favorite hamburger bun with ketchup, tomato, lettuce, and all your favorite burger toppings!

    You can make the turkey burgers using an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan. My favorite way to cook turkey burgers is indoors with my Lodge Cast Iron grill pan. I live in Buffalo, NY, so I don’t grill outside year-round, so having a grill pan is essential. I’ve used this grill pan for a long time, and it makes it very easy to cook turkey burgers and recipes like wraps, quesadillas, vegetables, and even steaks.

    the best turkey burger recipe. A turkey burger on a whole wheat roll with sweet potato fries in the back.

    Cooking Tips

    Never push down on the burgers. This will squeeze all the juices out of the burger, and you’ll end up with a dry turkey burger.

    Try only to flip the burgers once. Again, you don’t want to overcook the turkey burgers.

    Let the burgers rest for a minute or so. This helps lock in all of the juices.

    Use a meat thermometer. I highly recommend grabbing a meat thermometer to help get to the right temperature without overcooking. Turkey burgers need to have an internal temp of 165 to be safe to eat.

    Don’t skip out on the Worcestershire sauce. This is hands down my secret ingredient to flavorful turkey burgers. I’ve been using this for YEARS, and it’s the best way to get a meaty, rich flavor.

    Swap oil for cream. If you don’t have milk or cream or want to keep the burgers dairy-free, add a tablespoon of olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil.

    Get creative with spices and flavor. A turkey burger is a blank canvas. You can spice it up with crushed red pepper or chipotle peppers or add some shredded cheddar cheese and bbq sauce. Or give it a greek flair with feta and spinach. You can even add a slice of bacon! The ideas are endless!

    Use a gluten free bun to if you have a gluten sensitivty.

    FAQs

    Is a turkey burger healthier than a hamburger?

    Yes, a turkey burger has less saturated fat and calories than a beef burger, making it better for heart health and weight loss.

    Is a turkey burger good for weight loss?

    Absolutely! A turkey burger is low in fat and calories but high in protein. This means it will fill you up and keep you full without breaking the calorie bank. 

    Of course, it’s essential to keep the toppings under control and use a low-carb option for the roll.

    Why are my turkey burgers dry?

    Dry turkey burgers are often the result of overcooking. The internal temperature needs to reach 165 degrees to be safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that you don’t overcook the turkey burgers.

    As I said, adding milk or cream is a great way to prevent dry turkey burgers. 

    How long to cook turkey burgers?

    When a turkey burgers internal temperature reaches 165 degrees its done cooking and safe to eat. Cooking time can range depending on the temperature of the grill but, generally speaking, it takes about 5 minutes on each side to reach 165 degrees.

    How to meal prep turkey burgers

    I always love to have a couple of healthy turkey burger patties meal prepped for a quick and easy dinner.

    The meal prep I do most often is to make them entirely ahead of time and then store them in the refrigerator using a glass container. Then, I just heat the burgers throughout the week.

    You can also make the patties ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator for 1-3 days, and then just cook them when ready to eat. I recommend putting parchment paper between the patties to stick together and are easier to handle.

    Last, you can freeze burger patties raw. Simply make the patties and then place them between parchment paper and flash freeze on a baking sheet or pan. Then, put the patties into a freezer bag and freeze. My advice is to thaw the patties entirely before cooking on the grill so they cook evenly.

    Other Ground Turkey Recipes

    • Cheeseburger Meatloaf
    • Italian Stuffed Peppers
    • Crockpot Turkey Tacos
    • Turkey Fried Rice
    • Healthy Turkey Meatballs
    How to make the best turkey burgers

    Healthy Turkey Burger Recipe

    It’s time to shut down those old rumors and let everyone know that making a delicious healthy turkey burger recipe is possible. No more dried-up, flavorless burger patties. Trust me; these will be the best turkey burgers you have ever tasted! 
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner, dinner recipe
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: best turkey burger recipe, how to make turkey burgers, turkey burger recipe, turkey burgers
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    resting time: 3 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 193kcal
    Author: Tammy Overhoff

    Equipment

    • Large Mixing Bowls
    • grill pan

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb ground turkey 85% or 90% lean
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tablespoon milk or cream

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl mix the ground turkey, seasonings, and milk.
    • Divide into 4 sections and then form into patties.
    • Heat grill to medium-high heat and let it heat up for 5 minutes.
    • Place the patties on the grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees when cooked completely.
    • Let the turkey burgers sit for 1-2 minutes and then enjoy.

    Notes

    How to meal prep turkey burgers
    I always love to have a couple of turkey burger patties meal prepped for a quick and easy dinner.
    The meal prep I do most often is to make them entirely ahead of time and then store them in the refrigerator using a glass container. Then, I just heat the burgers throughout the week.
    You can also make the patties ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator for 1-3 days, and then just cook them when ready to eat. I recommend putting parchment paper between the patties to stick together and are easier to handle.
    Last, you can freeze turkey burger patties raw. Simply make the patties and then place them between parchment paper and flash freeze on a baking sheet or pan. Then, put the patties into a freezer bag and freeze. My advice is to thaw the patties entirely before cooking on the grill so they cook evenly.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 401mg

    Have you tried Healthy Turkey Burger Recipe? If so, I’d love for you to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. We all learn from each other’s experiences. Also, it would be awesome if you could share a picture on Instagram and tag it #organizeyourselfskinny. I can’t wait to see it!

    Sharing is caring!

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    Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes, Recipes

    About Tammy Overhoff

    Hi, I’m Tammy Overhoff, a busy mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I am the owner, author, and recipe developer here at Organize Yourself Skinny. Since 2011 Organize Yourself Skinny has become a trusted resource for clean eating recipes to meal prep, reviews, and lifestyle hacks to help you fit healthy habits and routines into your busy schedule. Check out my online shop Reset & Flourish for all of my eBooks, Guides, and Bundles!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Deb says

      October 31, 2022 at 4:56 pm

      5 stars
      Is the nutritional information provided for 1 burger or for the entire recipe? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Tammy Overhoff says

        November 01, 2022 at 1:01 pm

        One burger.

        Reply
    2. Margaret says

      September 10, 2022 at 1:51 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious, super easy and much more flavorful than other turkey burgers I’ve made. Definitely going on repeat for us. 👏👏👏

      Reply
      • Tammy Overhoff says

        September 12, 2022 at 5:57 am

        Hi Margaret! So happy you and your family loved these turkey burgers.

        Reply
    3. T says

      August 07, 2022 at 3:23 pm

      5 stars
      Wow these turkey burgers were fantastic! Super flavorful and juicy!

      Reply
    4. tish says

      July 01, 2022 at 7:24 am

      5 stars
      These look great. My question is Do you think I can use Lactaid for the milk? I am lactaid intolerant and do not want to use oil? Thanks

      Reply
      • Tammy Overhoff says

        July 03, 2022 at 7:17 am

        yes that would be fine!

        Reply
    5. Emma says

      May 30, 2022 at 10:27 am

      5 stars
      The most delicious Turkey burger I’ve ever had

      Reply
    6. Laj says

      May 07, 2022 at 1:00 pm

      Have you tried with non-dairy milk as a substitute? Or other options for added fat?

      Reply
      • Tammy Overhoff says

        May 11, 2022 at 10:35 am

        Yes, unsweetened coconut milk works great.

        Reply
    7. Emily Grisham says

      January 01, 2022 at 12:30 pm

      How do you keep the burgers from falling apart in the pan or on the grill. Mine never seem to stay together in a patty.

      Thank!

      Reply
    8. Sharona says

      November 15, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      Should i thaw the turkey burgers in the fridge how long does it take?
      Is there a faster way to thaw them by running under cold water?

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Tammy Overhoff says

        November 16, 2021 at 7:18 am

        Hi Sharona,

        I take the turkey burgers out the night before when I’m going to use them.

        Reply
    9. Sazernark says

      May 19, 2021 at 8:17 pm

      Do you take temperature before or after the rest?

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        May 20, 2021 at 9:53 am

        That’s a great question. I take the temperature before it rests.

        Reply
    10. Jen says

      November 20, 2020 at 6:47 pm

      I have made these 4 times in the past 2 weeks! Such a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        November 25, 2020 at 12:28 pm

        That makes me so happy!!! My kids call me the Turkey Burger queen! 😂😂

        Reply

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