Turkey Burgers

Published May 17, 2019. Updated May 17, 2023

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The Ultimate Turkey Burger! Made with everyday ingredients and they taste just as good as a beefy hamburger! They take less than 10 minutes prep and 10 minutes cook time, meaning you can have dinner ready in 20 minutes, talk about must have recipe!

Turkey Burger layered with bun, ketchup, lettuce, turkey patty, red onion, tomato and yellow mustard. Served with a side of pickles on a white platter.

Homemade Turkey Burgers Recipe

Oh and did I mention there’s no grill required here? Meaning no waiting for the grill to preheat, and you can make these 365 days a year even on those cold winter days.

These delicious turkey burgers turn out juicy and flavorful every time! Nothing complicated, just a straight forward method and a good sear and you’ve got a dinner or lunch everyone will enjoy.

Turkey Burger Video

Of course they’re the perfect thing to make for summer parties but it’s also a great recipe for busy weeknights with the minimal prep and short cook time.

I serve them two ways, either in buns with toppings or protein style with just lettuce leaves, mashed avocado and other toppings. They’re good enough though you could even just serve them plain.

If you’ve never tried a turkey burger or if you normally opt for the pre-formed patties I highly recommend trying these, you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients needed to make turkey burgers shown here, including ground turkey, bread crumbs, light mayonnaise, Worcestershire, garlic powder onion powder, salt and pepper.

Ingredients for Turkey Burgers

  • Lean ground turkey – I recommend sticking with Jennie-O brand, it’s not nearly as wet as some other brands.
  • Dried breadcrumbs – preferably unseasoned. Homemade or store-bought works great.
  • Salt and pepper – keep in mind you may be adding salty toppings so don’t overdue it. 1/2 tsp salt seems just about right.
  • Garlic powder and onion powder – I like that these are more mild than fresh so the aren’t overpowering flavors here.
  • Mayonnaise – these keep the burgers nice and juicy. I prefer light mayonnaise but regular will work too.
  • Worcestershire sauce – this helps mimic that rich flavor of a traditional beef burger. It may be a small amount but it adds lots of depth.
  • Olive oil – I like to keep it healthy with olive oil but vegetable oil will work great too. You’ll only need a little for searing.

Showing how to make turkey burgers, mixing turkey burger patty mixture in a glass mixing bowl.

How to Make the Best Turkey Burger

  • Mix all ingredients except oil: add ground turkey to a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle in breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Add mayonnaise and drizzle in Worcestershire sauce.
  • Gently toss and break up meat mixture to evenly blend.

Four formed turkey burger patties on a cutting board.

  • Shape into patties: divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 1/2-inch thick.
  • Heat the skillet: preheat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes.
  • Sear and cook burgers through: add turkey patties and sear until browned on bottom, about 4 – 5 minutes, flip and continue to cook until cooked through, about 4 – 5 minutes longer.

Four turkey burger patties in a large black skillet.

How to Tell When a Turkey Burger is Done?

Insert an instant read thermometer in to the center of the turkey patty (halfway through the thickness) it should register 165 degrees when it’s fully cooked through.

Low carb open faced turkey burger on lettuce leaves. Served with a side of corn and watermelon.

Can I Grill Them?

Yes these could also be grilled over medium high heat (it should take approximately 4 – 6 minutes per side). If doing so you may want to freeze for 10 minutes first to help the patties hold their shape even better.

Can I Make the Patties in Advance?

Yes you can prep the patties a day in advance, just keep in mind they may stick the the surface a bit (even on parchment) so you may have to do a little reshaping.

Two turkey burgers on a white serving platter.

Tips for Turkey Burgers:

  • Stick with Jennie-O turkey (not sponsored). It isn’t so wet (as some other brands I’ve used in the past are) and holds it shape well.
  • Use a little mayo. It keeps them nice and juicy.
  • Preheat the skillet so you get an nicely browned exterior on the burgers.
  • Use an instant read thermometer to take the internal temperature. Not only for food safety but if you cook much past 165 burgers will start to dry out.
  • Serve immediately. Warm burgers are always best so have your toppings ready to go when the burgers are about to finish up. I like to prep the toppings as the burgers are cooking to make the best use of time.

Close up image of hand holding a turkey burger on a bun.

What are the Best Sides for Turkey Burgers?

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Turkey Burger layered with bun, ketchup, lettuce, turkey patty, red onion, tomato and yellow mustard. Served with a side of pickles on a white platter.
5 from 125 votes

Turkey Burgers

The Ultimate Turkey Burger! Made with everyday ingredients and they taste just as good as a beefy hamburger! They take less than 10 minutes prep and 10 minutes cook time, meaning you can have dinner ready in 20 minutes, talk about must have recipe!
Servings: 4
Prep10 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Ready in: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add ground turkey to a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle in breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add mayonnaise and drizzle in Worcestershire sauce.
  • Gently toss and break up meat mixture to evenly blend. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 1/2-inch thick.
  • Preheat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes. 
  • Add turkey patties and sear until golden brown on bottom, about 4 - 5 minutes, flip and continue to cook until cooked through, about 4 - 5 minutes longer. Center should register 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer. 
  • Serve warm in hamburger buns or lettuce leaves with toppings of choice.

Notes

  • *I've tried making these with other brands of ground turkey and they are too sticky. Jennie-O turkey isn't so wet and easy to work with.
  • Good toppings include mashed avocado, red onion, sliced tomatoes, dill pickle coins, ketchup and mustard, light mayo mixed with ketchup, or bacon and provolone cheese if you want to splurge.
  • Nutrition is for patties only, does not include buns or toppings as that amount will vary based on what you use.
Nutrition Facts
Turkey Burgers
Amount Per Serving
Calories 222 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 85mg28%
Sodium 450mg20%
Potassium 265mg8%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Protein 21g42%
Vitamin A 85IU2%
Vitamin C 0.4mg0%
Calcium 27mg3%
Iron 1.5mg8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

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188 Comments

  • Ro LaShomb

    I used butterball ground turkey and used my grill pan on stove after spraying. Delicious!!’

  • Jasson

    Very nice recipe chef 👍👌👏. I made them tonight 😋. Thank you for your effort 🌞😎

  • Olivia

    I have tried a few of your recipes and they all have came out flavorful and delicious. Since I made these turkey burgers my fiancé no longer wants regular burgers and has requested these several times. It’s now my go-to recipe and I’m making it again tonight with some sesame seed brioche buns. I also love your beef barbacoa recipe!

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      I’m happy to hear you’ve been enjoying my recipes Olivia! Thanks for letting me know!

  • Patricia P Mapley

    I have never really liked Turkey Burgers. I bought a pound of 94% lean Plainville ground turkey. I made 4 burgers using this recipe. I froze 2 and cooked 2. We loved the burgers and I recently bought another pound of the same brand of ground turkey. I just made 4 burgers and have them in the freezer. This will be a regular on our weekly menu. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

  • Shleepysushi

    These are tender, flavorful, and delicious! They may be difficult to manage on a grill. Putting foil under May help.

  • Sherry Prokopetz-Gueola

    Hello ~

    I love this reciepe and used sour cream instead of mayo ~ amazing! Mayo goes on top with lot’s of dill.

    XXXX
    Dreaming of Paris

  • Amy

    I followed the receipe exactly and cooked them in the air fryer at 400 for 20 minutes. Flip at 10 minutes. Great

  • MICHELE MELI

    Yum! Perfect blend. Added avocado, tomato ,red pepper from the jar, remoulade sauce and cheese on the the thin bread rounds. So good! This will become a staple