This post may contain affiliate links.
This turkey burger recipe is packed with simple ingredients like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices that give it tons of extra flavor.
The secret is in the mix—and I’ll show you how to make it just right.
You have to try this Turkey Burger Recipe — no dry patties, no boring bites, and definitely no one asking, “Where’s the beef?”
HERE IS WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING:
“I finally got A Great Tasting Turkey Burger recipe. Thanks Dana” – Tammy
These delicious turkey burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend grilling, or anytime you want something lighter than traditional beef burgers but still totally tasty.
Plus, they cook fast—just 10 minutes on a medium-high heat grill—and you’ll have dinner ready before anyone starts complaining they’re hungry.
They also freeze great, which means you can make a big batch ahead of time and just pull them out when needed. (Look at you, meal planner!)
Let’s get into why this turkey burger recipe is a must-try and how to make them taste like something you’d order at your favorite burger joint.
Some of our other favorite TURKEY RECIPES we have on our site include: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe, Ultimate Turkey Sandwich with Bacon and Cranberry Sauce, and Leftover Turkey Sandwich Moistmaker.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- They’re juicy and flavorful – Thanks to ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and bread crumbs, these turkey patties stay moist and delicious—not dry and boring like some ground turkey recipes.
- Quick to cook – Just 10 minutes on a preheated grill (or cast-iron skillet) and you’re done.
- Make ahead and freeze – The uncooked patties freeze like champs. Meal prep win!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Light brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Plain breadcrumbs
- Large egg
- Ground turkey
HOW TO MAKE TURKEY BURGER RECIPE:
- Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg to a large bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add the ground turkey and gently mix it to combine; try not to over-mix.
- Divide the mixture into 4 5-ounce patties and place them on a parchment paper lined sheet tray.
- Make an indentation in the center of the patties; this will help them not plump up later on the grill.
- Place in the freezer for 25 minutes.
- Prepare your grill over medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Place the patties on the grill and cook until an internal temperature reaches 160°F, 3-5 minutes per side. If desired, add a slice of cheese during the last couple of minutes of cooking.
- Serve as is or on buns with burger toppings.
FAQ: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT KIND OF TURKEY IS THE BEST TO USE?
Look for 85/15 lean ground turkey.
This gives you just enough fat to keep things juicy, without making the burger greasy.
Ground turkey breast (which is very lean) can work, but might need a little more help staying moist.
WHY DO I HAVE TO FREEZE THE PATTIES?
Great question!
Freezing helps the patties firm up, which keeps them from falling apart on the grill.
It also helps keep the center of each patty from puffing up too much.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Want to add a little pizzazz to your turkey burgers?
Here are some great options:
- Diced red onions
- Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
- Crumbled feta or blue cheese
- A spoonful of dijon mustard
- A splash of soy sauce or hot sauce
- Minced fresh garlic
- A sprinkle of chili powder
- A dash of smoked paprika
- Shredded cheddar in the mix
- Sliced tomato and lettuce on top
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
No worries if you’re out of something!
Try these swaps:
- Use panko instead of breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture
- Sub in egg whites instead of a whole egg
- Try ground chicken instead of turkey
- Use tamari or soy sauce if you’re out of Worcestershire
- Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup
- Use fresh garlic if you prefer it over garlic powder
HOW TO STORE:
ROOM TEMPERATURE: Serve immediately after cooking.
Don’t let them sit out for more than 1-2 hours.
REFRIGERATOR: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FREEZER: Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet with parchment paper, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid.
Cooked burgers can also be frozen—just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Don’t over-mix the turkey! It makes the burgers tough. Mix gently and just until combined.
- Make a thumbprint in the center of each patty—it keeps them from turning into turkey baseballs on the grill.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should be 160°F.
- If grilling, oil your grill grates first so the burgers don’t stick.
- Want to use a pan? Try a cast iron skillet or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Serve with toppings of choice—get creative with sauces, veggies, and even pickles!
There you go—Turkey Burger Recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and seriously delicious.
It’s everything you want in a burger without the heaviness of ground beef.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, grilling with friends, or just feeding yourself, these healthy turkey burgers are sure to impress.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Learn more about the author, Dana DeVolk, on our ABOUT ME page!
The BEST Turkey Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar packed
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 pound ground turkey 85/15
Instructions
- Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg to a large bowl and whisk to combine.2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons light brown sugar, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 large egg
- Add the ground turkey and gently mix it to combine; try not to over-mix.1 pound ground turkey
- Divide the mixture into 4 5-ounce patties and place them on a parchment paper lined sheet tray.
- Make an indentation in the center of the patties; this will help them not plump up later on the grill.
- Place in the freezer for 25 minutes.
- Prepare your grill over medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Place the patties on the grill and cook until an internal temperature reaches 160°F, 3-5 minutes per side. If desired, add a slice of cheese during the last couple of minutes of cooking.
- Serve as is or on buns with burger toppings.
Notes
- Don’t over-mix the turkey! It makes the burgers tough. Mix gently and just until combined.
- Make a thumbprint in the center of each patty—it keeps them from turning into turkey baseballs on the grill.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should be 160°F.
- If grilling, oil your grill grates first so the burgers don’t stick.
- Want to use a pan? Try a cast iron skillet or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Serve with toppings of choice—get creative with sauces, veggies, and even pickles!
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
Follow @ThisSillyGirlsKitchen on Instagram and @danadevolk on Pinterest for more!
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Thanks so much, I really worked hard on this one, turkey burgers can be hit or miss.
I finally got A Great Tasting Turkey Burger recipe. Thanks Dana