Juicy Homemade Ground Turkey Burger Recipe with Garlic and Herbs

Full of flavor and nutritious, these homemade turkey burgers are satisfyingly tasty and grill-ready in under 15 minutes.

My husband and I are enjoying life as empty nesters, which has given us the chance to focus on healthier, simpler meals. Lately we’ve been experimenting with lighter dinner ideas that still deliver big flavor—and these turkey burgers quickly became a favorite.

I blended a few different ideas into one recipe and the result is juicy, savory turkey patties that grill beautifully. Below you’ll find the ingredients, step-by-step instructions for forming and cooking the burgers on the grill or in the oven, plus tips for toppings, sides, storage, and nutrition.

How to make Homemade Turkey Burgers

Ingredients for this recipe:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 cup cauliflower rice (use plain cauliflower rice)
• 2 cups mushrooms, finely diced
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to make the turkey burger patties

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced onion, cauliflower rice, finely chopped mushrooms, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed—use a spoon or clean hands, but avoid overworking the meat to keep the burgers tender.

Step 2: Portion the mixture into 1/2 cup portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty; this helps prevent the burger from puffing up while cooking.

Step 3: If you want to freeze the patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a resealable bag or airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

How to cook turkey burgers on the grill

Remove the thawed patties from the refrigerator and preheat your grill to medium-high (around 425°F / 220°C). Make sure the grates are hot so the patties sear and release easily.

Lightly oil the grill grates using tongs and an oiled paper towel to prevent sticking.

Place the patties on the hot grill and cook for about 5 minutes on the first side. Flip carefully with a sturdy spatula and cook another 4–6 minutes on the second side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to cook turkey burgers in the oven

If grilling isn’t an option, bake the patties in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven. Place a cooling rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and arrange the patties so air circulates around them. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches about 155°F (68°C), then tent with foil and let rest five minutes—carryover heat will bring them to the safe 165°F target.

Toppings and serving ideas

Turkey burgers pair well with the usual burger toppings or lighter options. Popular toppings include:

• Grilled or sautéed mushrooms
• Diced raw or caramelized onion
• Sliced ripe tomatoes
• Crisp lettuce or baby greens
• Your favorite cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)
• Ketchup, mustard, or a light mayo mixed with hot sauce

For a lower-calorie option, skip the bun and serve the burger over a salad, with cauliflower steaks, or a generous side of roasted vegetables.

Side dishes that complement turkey burgers

Serve these burgers with classic sides like potato salad, cold pasta salad, potato chips, sweet potato fries, roasted sweet potatoes, or classic French fries. Lighter sides like a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables work well too.

Storage and make-ahead tips

The patties freeze well either before or after cooking. Freeze uncooked patties individually on a sheet, then transfer to a resealable bag. Thaw in the fridge before cooking. Cooked patties will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, and can be reheated gently in an oven or skillet.

Nutrition (approximate per serving)

These turkey burgers are a versatile, lean alternative to beef—flavorful, easy to prepare, and convenient to freeze for quick dinners. Give them a try on the grill or in the oven, and customize the toppings to suit your taste.

Recipe credit: Rita Joy