The absolute BEST turkey burgers that are moist, juicy and loaded with flavor. Only 5 ingredients and 20 minutes to prepare!
I’m always looking for healthy dinner ideas that my family will enjoy. These grilled turkey burgers are a favorite because they’re simple, quick and have tons of flavor. Some of my other go-to’s are turkey meatballs, balsamic chicken and veggies, sheet pan fajitas and stuffed bell peppers.
We absolutely love to grill out during the summer time. Cooking on the grill adds the best flavor and is perfect for fresh meats and veggies. While I love a big, juicy hamburger every now and again, I’m often in the mood for a lighter and healthier option.
Que these delicious and easy turkey burgers! I adapted it from my favorite hamburger recipe and the end result was just fabulous. The burgers were moist, juicy and full of flavor. Plus they’re a bit more healthy and great for when you aren’t in the mood for red meat.
Seasoning
If you’re wondering how to season your burgers, it’s super easy! I keep it simple and use BBQ sauce (or steak sauce), salt, pepper and garlic powder. The spices add just the right amount of flavor and the BBQ sauce binds the meat together and keeps them moist and juicy. You can also season them with this easy homemade hamburger seasoning. I always love to have a batch in my pantry!
How to make turkey burgers
To get started, preheat the grill to medium-high.
Form into patties. Add ground turkey, BBQ sauce, salt, garlic powder and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Mix with your hands just until combined and shape into 4 patties about 3/4-inch thick. Be sure to make a dimple in each patty (similar to photo above) to prevent burgers from bulging and shrinking when cooked.
Cook on grill. Place on grill and cook on each side for about 4-5 minutes. To tell if they’re done, place a meat thermometer in the middle of your burgers (see picture above). The temperature should reach 180°F and the juices should run clear.
Optional: Add cheese. Top with cheese slices if desired. Grill until cheese has melted and then turn heat off.
Serve and top! Serve on hamburger buns or lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings.
Favorite sides for serving
- Potatoes: French fries, potato wedges, sweet potato fries, baked potato , roasted red potatoes
- Veggies: Corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, roasted asparagus, baked zucchini fries
- Salads: Greek salad, caprese salad, watermelon salad, chopped salad, cucumber tomato salad
- Other sides: Quinoa salad, orzo salad, Italian tortellini pasta salad, broccoli salad with bacon
Favorite toppings:
- Ketchup
- Mayo
- Mustard
- Burger sauce
- Cheese
- Bacon
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
- Pickles
Secrets for the BEST turkey burgers
- Don’t skimp on the BBQ or steak sauce! It helps bind the burgers so they don’t fall apart on the grill.
- I like to use 80% lean, 20% fat ground turkey. The little bit of fat also helps to bind them.
- Make a thumbprint in the middle of your patties to prevent burgers from bulging.
- Don’t move the burgers until 4-5 minutes have passed. You want them to solidify and get a good char on the bottom prior to flipping.
- Use a meat thermometer to easily know when they are done.
- Make-ahead tip: Form your patties in advance and place in fridge until ready to grill.
More grilled favorites:
Turkey Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (80% lean and 20% fat)
- 2 Tablespoons BBQ sauce , or steak sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional toppings: ketchup, mayo, mustard, thousand island, cheese, bacon, lettuce leaves, tomato slices, sliced onion, pickles
For serving: hamburger buns or lettuce wraps
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Combine the ground turkey, BBQ sauce, salt, garlic powder and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Mix just until combined with your hands and shape into 4 patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make a well in your patties with your thumb to prevent from bulging.
- Place patties on the grill and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and then cook an additional 4-5 minutes, or until juices run clear and burgers have reached 180°F. Top with cheese slices, if desired. Grill until cheese has melted and turn off the heat.
- Serve on buns or lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Don't skimp on the BBQ or steak sauce! It helps bind the burgers so they don't fall apart on the grill.
- I like to use 80% lean, 20% fat ground turkey. The little bit of fat also helps to bind them.
- Make a thumbprint in the middle of your patties to prevent burgers from bulging.
- Don't move the burgers until 4-5 minutes have passed. You want them to solidify and get a good char on the bottom prior to flipping.
- Make-ahead tip: Form the patties in advance and place in fridge until ready to grill.
This is such a mouth watering recipe…i also loved turkey burgers..this looks soo yummy & sound soo delicious..Thanks For sharing…!
Love turkey burgers. They are so delicious
I love the idea of turkey meat instead of red meat for this burger! Thanks for the great healthy inspiration!
I know what I will be having for dinner tonight; this looks amazing! Looking forward to enjoying this!
These turkey burgers were AMAZING!! Seriously so good! Thanks for sharing!
We make turkey burgers weekly in the summer so I am so exited for this recipe! It’s definitely a keeper!