The Best Turkey Burgers

Moist, juicy Turkey Burgers are a delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers and easy to make in just 20 minutes or less! This recipe uses simple ingredients and is packed with flavor for a healthy, satisfying meal your family will love!

A true story about me is that for a long time in life (about 10 years, to be exact) I was vegetarian. It was a decision I made in middle school and kept up throughout college, until at some point I decided to give meat another go.

During that time, for most of high school, I worked at a burger place. And while my co-workers were eating burgers on the daily, I was eating what I liked to call “bun sandwiches.” Which were basically burgers, loaded up with everything but the meat!

At the time, I thought they were absolutely delicious. But these days? I’ll take a burger. Preferably a turkey burger (I never fully got back into red meat)… and preferably one that’s moist and juicy.

Which is why this turkey burger recipe is my absolute favorite. It’s super moist, juicy, and flavorful thanks to the help of a few key ingredients. It’s delicious with or without cheese, with or without the bun, and can be loaded up with any (or all) of your favorite toppings!

what you’ll need for this recipe

Ground turkey – The key to juicy turkey burgers is using the right ground turkey. I’ve found that anything less than 10% fat produces burgers that are dry and tough, no matter what other ingredients the recipe calls for. For the best turkey burgers, choose ground turkey that’s 85% or 90% lean. Trust me… it makes all the difference!

Mayo – Adding a little bit of mayo keeps the burgers extra moist and acts as a binder for the patties, as well. I used Hellman’s mayo, but you can use any type you like.

Dijon – Dijon mustard adds a delicious, distinctive flavor to the burgers. (No bland burgers allowed!)

Worcestershire – A dash of worcestershire sauce adds an additional pop of flavor, giving these burgers delicious umami notes. Just beware – a little bit goes a long way.

Spices – A simple combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper rounds out the flavors perfectly. Feel free to add additional spices if you’d like. (See my suggestions below!)

how to make turkey burgers

Step 1: Combine the ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, mayo, mustard, worcestershire, and spices. Use a large spoon and/or your hands to combine the ingredients just until mixed. Do not overwork the mixture, as it will lead to tougher patties.

Step 2: Form the patties. Divide the mixture into fourths and make 4 large, round patties. Note: the mixture may be sticky, but don’t worry. It will firm up in the pan.

Step 3: Pan fry. Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and pan fry 4-6 minutes on each side, turning once. Patties should be golden brown and internal temperature should reach 165°F.

how to bake turkey burgers:

Form the patties and place them on a lightly greased rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°. If desired, sear the cooked burgers in a skillet over high heat for 1 minute on each side to brown.

how to grill turkey burgers:

Grease grill grates with oil and heat to medium high. Add turkey burgers and grill for a few minutes on each side, until internal temperature reaches 165°.

storing & reheating

Leftover turkey burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet and cover with a lid. Heat on medium until warmed through. You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually to keep them from sticking together.