Juicy Homemade Turkey Burger Recipe with Savory Seasoning

Full of flavor and nutritious, these homemade turkey burgers are delicious and easy to make. Grill them to perfection in under 15 minutes.

My husband and I are empty nesters now, and this new phase of life has prompted us to rethink our meals. We’re enjoying the freedom, and we’re also making a conscious effort to eat a little healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Over the last few weeks we tried several lighter dinner ideas. These turkey burgers stood out — they’re simple, tasty, and satisfying. I blended a few ideas together to create this version and I’m sharing it here so you can try it, too.

How to make Homemade Turkey Burgers

Ingredients for this recipe:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup cauliflower rice (roasted cauliflower rice works well; omit lemon if using a lemony version)
• 2 cups mushrooms, finely diced
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make the turkey burger patties

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced onion, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, Greek yogurt, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently with a spoon or clean hands until everything is evenly distributed. Avoid overworking the meat so the burgers stay tender.

Step 2: Measure about 1/2 cup of the mixture for each burger. Roll into a ball with your hands and flatten into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty — this helps prevent the burgers from puffing up as they cook.

Step 3: If you want to save patties for later, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a sealed bag or container so they’re ready when you are.

How to cook turkey burgers on the grill

Remove the number of patties you plan to cook from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator. For grilling, preheat to medium-high — roughly 425°F — so the grates are hot and searing.

Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking. Using a pair of tongs and an oiled paper towel or cloth is a simple, safe method to prevent sticking.

Place the patties on the hot grill and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes per side. Use a wide spatula to flip gently so the burger releases cleanly from the grates. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10 to 12 minutes total depending on thickness.

A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to confirm doneness. Insert it into the center of the burger to check the temperature.

How to cook turkey burgers in the oven

If grilling isn’t an option, the oven works great.

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Place a cooling rack inside a rimmed baking sheet so air can circulate and juices can drip away.
• Arrange the patties on the rack and bake for about 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches about 155°F, then remove and tent with foil for 5 minutes. The burgers will continue to cook while resting to reach a safe 165°F internal temperature.

Toppings and serving ideas

Turkey burgers are versatile. Top them like you would beef burgers or keep things light with fresh veggies. Popular options include:

• Sautéed or grilled mushrooms
• Diced onion or caramelized onions
• Sliced tomatoes and crisp lettuce
• Cheese (American, cheddar, or Swiss)
• Ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise mixed with a little hot sauce

For a lower-calorie meal, skip the bun and serve burgers over a salad or with roasted vegetables, such as roasted or grilled cauliflower and sweet potatoes.

Classic burger sides also work well: potato salad, cold pasta salad, potato chips, sweet potato fries, or regular French fries.

More ground-turkey ideas

If you enjoy cooking with ground turkey, try these variations and family favorites: turkey pumpkin chili, ground turkey sloppy joes, or a turkey shepherd’s pie. Ground turkey adapts well to many comfort-food recipes and can be seasoned to suit many cuisines.

I hope you enjoy these turkey burgers as much as we do. They’re an easy, flavorful option for weeknight dinners or for preparing ahead and freezing for later. If you try them, serve with your favorite toppings and sides and adjust seasonings to make them your own.