Written by Sarah Miller
Turkey Burgers are my ultimate weeknight meal lifesaver, especially on those crazy-busy days when everyone in my house seems to be starving at the same time. If you’re tired of dry or bland patties (yuck, right?), stick around. I’ll show you exactly how to make juicy, crazy flavorful turkey burgers every time. Oh and honestly, if you’ve ever loved my ground turkey pasta trick from this post, you’ll feel right at home here. You’ll even find a few ideas to change it up, just like I do when someone gets picky.
Ready? Let’s get into it. Oh, and if you want to sneak some leftovers into tomorrow’s lunch, I’ve got you covered, too. By the way, if you haven’t checked out my take on ground turkey pasta yet, definitely give it a look!
How to Make Turkey Burgers
Honestly, making turkey burgers is way simpler than people think. I used to be scared I’d end up with hockey pucks for dinner (been there, don’t wanna go back), but now I’ve got it down. First things first, buy good quality ground turkey. I usually grab lean, but not the extra lean stuff—which can dry out way too fast.
Mix that turkey in a bowl with salt and pepper. Toss in a little garlic powder and onion powder, too. Sometimes I go rogue and add some parsley or a squirt of Dijon mustard if I feel fancy. Don’t over-mix; just use your hands, and stop when it comes together. Form patties about half an inch thick. More than that, and they take forever to cook. Too thin, and…well, they get lost in the bun.
Cooking method? Grill or skillet both work (I flip-flop depending on the weather and if I’ve got time to clean the grill). Medium heat is your friend. They’ll need about five minutes a side if you made them normal size. Take ‘em off when the inside isn’t pink anymore and juices run clear. Let them sit for a couple minutes before you dig in, so they stay juicy.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Turkey | Base of the burger | Choose lean, but not extra lean for moisture |
| Garlic Powder | Flavor | Enhances the burger’s savory profile |
| Onion Powder | Flavor | Goes hand-in-hand with garlic |
| Breadcrumbs | Binding Agent | Use panko for extra crunch |
| Greek Yogurt | Moisture | Keeps burgers juicy |
; 
Recipe Variations
Okay, hear me out—turkey burgers are like a blank canvas for food fun. Sometimes I stuff them with cheese (hello, surprise mozzarella). Other times I mix in chopped spinach or grated zucchini to sneak in veggies—my kids have no clue, and I’m over here high-fiving myself. If you want them spicy, a spoonful of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes does wonders. Swapped out regular breadcrumbs for panko once…never looked back.
Want a lower-carb version? Just skip the bun, wrap that beauty in lettuce, and load it with salsa. For an Italian twist, try mixing in some parmesan and Italian seasoning. I’ve even mixed ranch seasoning in for that classic Midwest vibe. You can absolutely get creative—I swear, the turkey burger is just waiting for your personal touch. 
What to Put on a Turkey Burger
I’m a toppings fanatic, so let’s talk about what to pile on turkey burgers. I go classic with lettuce, tomato, and onion half the time, but sometimes I crave adventure.
- Avocado or guac for creaminess that takes it up a notch.
- Sautéed mushrooms with Swiss cheese—seriously, next-level stuff.
- Sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a punch of flavor.
- A big smear of barbecue sauce, maybe some crispy onions, if I wanna pretend I’m at a fancy burger joint.
Don’t leave out spicy mayo or a pickle, either. The more you layer, the better it gets in my book. 
Best Side Dishes for Turkey Burgers
Listen, turkey burgers deserve top-notch partners on the plate. Fries are classic, but let’s not stop there. If you’re feeling a little healthier—or just wanna shake it up—a simple salad always works. I’m obsessed with roasted sweet potatoes as a side, mostly ‘cause they’re sweet and salty all at once. Coleslaw? Always a win. Sometimes I’ll throw together a tray of oven-roasted veggies, because you can cook them at the same time as the burgers, less hassle, more yum. Picky eater in the house? Offer a little fruit salad and call it a balanced meal.
Recipe Tips
Real talk for a second—there are a few “secrets” that’ll keep your turkey burgers from becoming total disappointments. Turkey gets dry fast, so don’t cook them too long. If you want them extra juicy, a spoonful of Greek yogurt in the mix goes a long way (I learned this totally by accident). Always oil the grill or skillet before you start. Nothing’s worse than losing a perfect patty to sticking. And please, for the love of good food, season with more than just salt. Taste as you go, trust your gut, and don’t stress if your first batch is a little weird looking. They’ll taste delicious anyway.
Common Questions
Q: Can I freeze the patties?
A: Absolutely! Stack with parchment in between and wrap tight. They’ll keep for about three months.
Q: My burgers keep falling apart. Any ideas?
A: Yes! Add an egg and a few breadcrumbs to help them hold together.
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: Look for no pink in the center and clear juices—or use a meat thermometer, 165 degrees is your golden ticket.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: You bet. Skip any cheese, and check your toppings for sneaky dairy.
Q: Any way to make them less dry?
A: Try adding a bit of grated onion or even a touch of olive oil into the meat before forming patties.
Ready, Set, Burger Night
There you have it—my (slightly rambling, but hopefully helpful) take on making turkey burgers that actually taste like a treat. Let’s be honest, nobody needs another bland dinner, and this one is simple enough for a busy Tuesday. If you want even more inspiration, check out this Turkey Burgers Recipe – Tastess Better From Scratch that’s packed with useful ideas, or this Best Turkey Burgers Recipe that’s honestly a classic. Guaranteed, your family will ask for seconds—mine always does. What are you waiting for? Give it a go and let your kitchen smell like a five-star restaurant (no joke).
Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
Burger Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Turkey Choose lean, but not extra lean for moisture
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder Enhances the burger’s savory profile
- 1 tsp Onion Powder Goes hand-in-hand with garlic
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs Use panko for extra crunch
- 1 tbsp Greek Yogurt Keeps burgers juicy
- to taste Salt and Pepper Season well
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, breadcrumbs, and Greek yogurt.
- Form the mixture into patties about half an inch thick.
Cooking
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side until the juices run clear.
- Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes before serving.