Looking for a burger that’s big on flavor but a little lighter than beef? These 30-minute juicy turkey burgers are exactly what you need. I’ve tested this recipe over and over to make sure the patties stay tender, flavorful, and anything but dry.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey – Use 85% lean for the juiciest results. Leaner turkey (like 93% or 99%) tends to dry out when cooked.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds savory depth. If you don’t have it, soy sauce works as an easy substitute.
Cheddar Cheese – Melts well and pairs nicely with turkey, but you can also use provolone, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Swiss.
Seasonings – Garlic powder, salt, and pepper keep things simple but flavorful—feel free to add onion powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs if you like.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How to Make Turkey Burgers
Step 1 | Make Turkey Patties
Mix the ground turkey with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until combined, then divide into four patties about ½ inch thick.
Step 2 | Cook the Turkey Burgers
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the patties for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then add cheese during the last minute and cover the pan to melt it.
Step 3 | Assemble
Toast the buns if you’d like, then assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments, and serve right away.
Tips & Notes
Mix gently: Overmixing makes the burgers dense and tough. Stir just until everything is combined, then stop.
Make a thumbprint: That little indent in the center helps the burgers cook evenly and keeps them from puffing up like meatballs.
Use a meat thermometer: Turkey needs to be fully cooked to 165°F, but you don’t want to overdo it. A quick-read thermometer ensures you hit the safe temp without going dry.
Let the pan get hot: Make sure your skillet is preheated before adding the burgers. A hot pan helps form a brown crust that locks in juices.
Turkey Burger
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey 85% lean
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns
- 4 cheddar cheese slices
- sliced tomato, sliced onion, pickles, lettuce
- ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal balls and form into patties about ½ inch thick. Press a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb (this helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up).
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- If using cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover the pan to help the cheese melt.
- Toast the buns if desired. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
More Ground Turkey Dinner Recipes
Ground Turkey Quesadillas - Crispy tortillas filled with seasoned turkey and melty cheese—perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs - Juicy meatballs with gooey cheese centers, great over pasta or on their own.
Ground Turkey Tacos - A lighter twist on classic tacos, made with simple spices and your favorite toppings.
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