This turkey burger recipe is made with classic condiments like ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for bold, juicy flavor in every bite. It’s quick, healthy, and more flavorful than your average turkey burger. You can even make them ahead and freeze them!
Best Turkey Burger Recipe
I wanted to create a basic turkey burger you can enjoy on a bun, just like a classic beef burger. I’ve tried the store-bought versions—like Bubba Burgers—and honestly, I think they’re awful. Dry, bland, and just not satisfying. So after a few rounds of testing in my own kitchen, I finally landed on this version—and they came out perfect. It’s versatile and made with condiments you already have in your kitchen. Feel free to get creative with your toppings or mix in different herbs and spices to the ground turkey mixture to make it your own!
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Burgers
I wanted to create a basic turkey burger recipe you can eat on a bun, just like a beef burger. Something with no added veggies, like my Turkey Zucchini Burgers or Turkey Broccoli Rabe Burgers, which are delicious too. I’ve purchased turkey burgers, like Bubba Burgers, from the supermarket, and I think they’re awful. This turkey burger recipe is delicious, perfect for a quick dinner or a casual weekend get-together.
- Juicy, never dry – Thanks to simple pantry condiments like mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire.
- Quick and easy – Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or summer cookouts.
- Customizable – Add your favorite herbs, spices, or toppings to make it your own.
- Freezer-friendly – Make a double batch and freeze the extras for later.
Turkey Burger Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these turkey burgers. See recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Ground Turkey: Choose 93% lean ground turkey. 99% ground turkey meat would be too dry. If you prefer a beef burger, substitute 90% lean ground beef.
- Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the turkey together.
- How do you add flavor to ground turkey? Dried onion flakes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, grated garlic, and salt flavor turkey burgers.
- Burger Buns: I prefer whole-wheat buns such as Martin’s whole wheat potato rolls or Old Tyme’s 647 rolls for fewer carbs and calories and more fiber.
- Popular Burger Toppings: Cheese, tomato, red onion, iceberg lettuce, sliced pickles, ketchup, mustard, caramelized onions, and avocado are all great options.
How to Make Turkey Burgers
Here’s the step-by-step directions. See recipe card below for printable recipe.
- Make the Patties: Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried onion flakes, ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic, and salt. Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions and press down into half-inch thick patties.
- Cook on the Stove: Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium-low heat. When hot, lightly spray it with oil, add the burgers, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for four to five minutes on each side until browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should be 165°F).
- Air Fryer: Air fry turkey burgers 400F about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
- Grill Turkey Burgers: Clean the grill well and wipe the grates with a paper towel covered in oil to prevent sticking. Cook the burgers on medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Assemble the Burgers: While the patties cook, toast the buns, and prepare your toppings. Place the meat on the bread and top with your veggies and condiments.
How to Grill Turkey Burgers without Falling Apart
Turkey burgers can stick to the grill due to their lower fat content than beef. However, there are a few ways to prevent it from happening:
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before you put the burgers on. A hot grill helps sear the meat quickly, keeping the juices in and preventing sticking.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Before you start grilling, rub a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil over the grates, which will create a nonstick surface.
- Don’t Move the Burgers Too Soon: After placing your burgers on the grill, let them cook undisturbed until they release easily, typically about five to six minutes. If you flip them too soon, they may stick.
- Use a Spatula: When it’s time to flip your burgers, use a wide spatula and scoop under the meat completely to prevent them from falling apart.
What to Serve with This Turkey Burger Recipe
You can go the traditional route and serve these healthy turkey burgers with sweet potato fries, French fries, or onion rings. Potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian Pasta Salad and corn salad are some other options. I went with grilled asparagus for something lighter, but this creamy cucumber salad, cabbage slaw, or green salad would also work.
How to Freeze Turkey Burgers
Turkey burger patties are perfect for meal prep because you can freeze them raw. Store them in the freezer in a zip-locked bag with pieces of parchment in between so they don’t stick together. Then when you’re ready to serve them, thaw them in the fridge and cook them according to the instructions.
Once cooked, leftover turkey burgers will last up to 4 days refrigerated.
FAQs
Is a turkey burger healthier than a beef burger?
Turkey burgers are typically healthier than beef burgers. It depends on the type of ground turkey you’re using. I always choose 93% turkey, which is lean without being dry.
What do you use to keep turkey burgers from falling apart?
You need a binder to prevent turkey burgers from falling apart. I used whole wheat breadcrumbs in this recipe, but gluten-free panko would also work.
How do I keep turkey burgers from falling apart?
Adding breadcrumbs helps bind the mixture if it’s too loose. A beaten egg would also help. Avoid over-mixing to keep the texture tender.
What’s the best kind of ground turkey to use?
93% lean ground turkey is ideal—it has just enough fat to stay juicy without being greasy. Ultra-lean (99%) can turn out dry.
More Turkey Burger Recipes You’ll Love
- Naked Greek Feta-Zucchini Turkey Burgers
- Inside-Out Turkey Cheeseburgers
- Buffalo Turkey Cheeseburger
- Naked Turkey Bruschetta Burger
- Greek Turkey Burgers
Turkey Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs, or gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup dried onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- olive oil spray
- 4 burger buns
Optional For Serving: (not inlcuded in n.i)
- cheese
- sliced tomato
- sliced red onion
- Iceberg lettuce
- sliced pickles
- ketchup and mustard
- caramelized onions
- avocado
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried onion flakes, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and salt.
- Make 4 equal patties, press down to flatten so they are not too thick, about 1/2 inch thick so they cook in the center.
To cook on the stove:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium-low heat. When hot, lightly spray oil.
- Add burgers to the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook 4 to 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Keep an eye on the bottom to prevent burning and to make sure the burgers are cooked all the way through.
- While the burgers are cooking, prepare your buns and toppings. Toast the buns if you like.
- When the burgers are done, place them on the buns, add your desired toppings, and serve immediately.
If grilling:
- Clean grill well before cooking and spray with oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the burgers on medium heat about 5 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink in the center and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Air Fryer Option: Air fry turkey burgers 400F about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
Last Step:
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Notes
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before you put the burgers on. A hot grill helps to sear the meat quickly, keeping the juices in and preventing sticking.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Before you start grilling, take a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil and, using tongs, rub it over the grill grates. This will create a non-stick surface.
- Don’t Move the Burgers Too Soon: After placing your burgers on the grill, let them cook without disturbing them until they release easily from the grill, typically about 5-6 minutes. If you try to flip them too soon, they may stick and fall apart.
- Use a Spatula: When it’s time to flip your burgers, use a wide spatula and make sure to scoop under the burgers completely to prevent them from falling apart. Remember to make sure your turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are cooked safely.
I made these burgers with 1/2 the breadcrumbs. I’m just not a fan of breadcrumbs in burgers. These burgers are phenomenal! Great recipe! I’ve made them with beef too. My guys couldn’t stop saying how delicious they are. Thank you Gina!
Perfect!
We love, love, love these burgers. We do, however, find them sticky to handle from formation into the pan. Refrigerate first? Open for suggestions
What a great recipe – thank you for the inspiration! From one Gina from Long Island to another 🙂
Thanks Gina! 🙂
Based on the ingredients, I never would have thought the ingredients would work together…Boy WAS I WRONG. One of the best Turkey Burger recipes I have ever tried.
I have since purchased the Skinnytaste Protein cook book and am not disappointed
Thanks Glenn!
THEE best turkey burger recipe my family has ever tried. Used crushed club crackers instead of breadcrumbs, crispy fries onions instead of dried flakes and added some caramelized onions to the mix! My kids couldn’t stop raving about them.
So happy to hear!!
Very good! I may reduce the amount of dried minced onion. It’s a lot. I may try fresher minced red onion.
Good flavour. I added an egg to bind the ingredients. Turned out really good.
Great burgers. Very flavorful. I was worried about 1/4 cup of dried onion flakes, which is equivalent to 1 cup of fresh onions. But they really added to the flavor.
Very flavorful and moist! I used 1.5 tbsp onion powder instead of dried onion flakes and panko bread crumbs. Cooked on the grill. Prep & cook time was quick as well!
Delicious recipe! I put cheese on one of the burgers, but it’s not necessary unless you just want some cheese. Enjoyed this without a bun and with a cucumber and tomato salad. Such a quick, yummy dinner on a summer evening.
Most flavorful turkey burger ever! My breadcrumbs weren’t seasoned so added 1/2 teaspoon of lemon pepper. SO so good!
My kids are picky eaters! I hadn’t even walked over with my plate of food when I hear my teenager say “Oh my gosh mom! You nailed it! This is sooooo good!” She devoured it alongside my other teen. Flavorful! Moist! Just absolutely wonderful. I did add a couple smaller seasonings to it too! Thank you for sharing this recipe! Will be making again!
YAY
My husband really liked these. Not dry! I used garlic powder rather than a clove because he is sensitive to it. I made and froze a batch so he can have easy weeknight dinners. Thanks for the recipe!
Very good – I haven’t even grabbed cheese or a bun! I think having ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire in the patty makes it very flavorful. I threw in some leftover red onion and green pepper – a nice bonus!
So glad you loved it, I totally agree!
Family loved the burgers. I didn’t have the onions, but we still thought the flavor was great!
I was looking for something tasty, satisfying, healthy, and quick…this was a winner on all fronts! Appreciate that only pantry/fridge staples were needed.
Thanks Teresa!
They are delish! We used 99% lean turkey and Italian-seasoned crumbs on the Blackstone. YUM. Thank you for sharing
Excellent!!
Followed the recipe exactly as written, and it was great! Thank you
Thrilled you enjoyed it!
Tastes very good. I will make it again.
So glad you loved it!
Very good! Great taste!
Thanks Joann!
Excellent, easy to make enjoyed as a burger salad. Used Panko rather than breadcrumbs.
Perfect
I love this recipe and make it often. I don’t eat a bun with it. But dress it with all the things. Delish every time.
I also love it in bowls
Excellent and easy recipe! Followed exactly. Tasty turkey burgers at home. Thank you as always for a delicious dinner!
Have made them twice in our air fryer. Fantastic! Great cheeseburger.
Hi! Love this recipe and make it at least once a month. Question: does the calorie breakdown include buns, etc or is it just the patty?
Yes buns included here
Easy and excellent!
Very tasty burger! Make them often
This was amazing. Might be the best burger I have had
Thanks Randy!
So happy you loved it!!
I cooked in the air fryer 6 min each side. Excellent!!
What temp?
400
These were good. I used homemade breadcrumbs- I just put some whole wheat bread in the food processor and pulsed it a few times. Caution to the link for the breadcrumbs in the recipe- it’s full of chemicals! Why go with healthier whole wheat if it has all those chemicals? I completely avoid high fructose corn syrup. I also used fresh onions- I didn’t have onion flakes and fresh onion seemed better. Cooked them on the grill.
Excellent. Made in air fryer. Very juicy, nicely browned. So easy.
delish! juicy! easy to make
These were amazing! Used gluten free breadcrumbs. Hubby kept commenting on how well they did on the grill and said that he could do without beef burgers now that we’ve found this recipe. Thank you!
Perfect! Glad you both enjoyed them!
Made this recipe tonight. Was the turkey burger recipe I have been looking for! Great taste and easy to make and the first turkey burger recipe that did not shrink too much or fall apart. Highly recommend this!
Easy to make and tasted good. I rate it a 3 because it didn’t “wow” me. My guests like it.
Easy, moist and delicious! I almost didn’t make it because I’ve tried too many other turkey burger recipes that were dry.
this were so good – and a surprise, since they are so easy to make. Thank you!
i thought these were so good- made the night before, put in patties and put in the fridge. set them out a little before grilling. perfection! thank you! used coconut aminos and gluten free panko bread crumbs.
Delicious! Entire family loved them. Can never go wrong with Skinnytaste. 🙂
Tried these for dinner, delicious!
This one goes in my recipe box
Perfect recipe for Memorial Day weekend! I subbed 1/4 fresh chopped onion for the onion flakes and they were perfect. Definitely a keeper.
So delicious! We omitted the 2/4 onion flakes and added 3/4 tsp onion powder but otherwise followed the recipe. Topped the cheddar & avocado. This recipe is a keeper. Even our skeptical 16 year old devoured them.
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! my husband loved them so much he wants them as his “regular burger” for now on. Shared recipe with friends and family too!
Perfect! Thank you!
I wasn’t expecting much, but, these were so good! So easy to make!
These burgers were great. I’ve made them with ground turkey & ground chicken.
These turned out very well. I will do this again.
Great easy recipe and turkey was not too dry. My son says he likes these turkey burgers better than beef burgers. I will definitely make again!
Made it step by step, used panko bread crumbs because that is what I had on hand. It was delicious! Perfect recipe, thank you!!
Taste was ok, but they were very mushy. would like to have had a denser patty.
This is a good recipe but too much work for me. I bought 93% turkey patties. I cooked it in the air fryer as directed. Low cal and delicious
Very good turkey burger recipe! Tasty, quick, pantry ingredients. Will repeat. Highly recommend!
This is an excellent recipe. I followed the recipe as posted, but I added one egg to the mixture to bind it together for grilling. It grilled beautifully. The seasonings were spot-on.
These are delicious! Thank you!
Love these burgers! Does the caloric breakdown include the bun?
Very tasty burgers! Perfect blend of seasonings. I did use fresh onion as well. Will definitely make again.
The burgers are wonderfully seasoned. I did use the air fryer cooking method and my homemade gluten free breadcrumbs. Will definitely be making these again and again.
I tried Bubba turkey burgers and agree that they are pretty bad, plus they have lots of sodium. Anyway I made the burgers exactly as you recommended and I have never had anything as good!! Honestly I would eat these over a beef burger any day! I had cheddar cheese and mild banana peppers on top.
My very critical husband loved the flavor of these patties. I did use fresh onion instead of dehydrated since I didn’t have any but it came out very well.
These were the best turkey burgers I’ve ever made and didn’t require any special trips to the grocery store! Also per my 4 and 6yr old… they are kid approved (I made them small like a slider)
Perfect!
I’ve tried several turkey burger recipes, this one is definitely my favorite. Very flavorful, not bland like so many others. I had to use honey mustard instead of regular mustard and soy sauce for the worcestershire sauce. Turned out delicious! Thank you for the recipe, I’ve saved it!
Really good. Held together well. I used Tamari and Montreal Steak Seasoning instead of salt. Will definitely make these again…soon!
I’ve been so disappointed w/turkey burgers.This recipe restored my confidence. I added a little oregano , a bit of olive oil in the mix and actually did not use any salt. Made them thin and they did not fall apart. I’ll be using this recipe again.Thanks
This is a delicious way to enjoy turkey burgers. I cooked mine in the Air Fryer and they were GREAT! LOVE all your recipes so far!!!
First time making these burgers in the air fryer and they were delicious! Will be making again! Topped with the best guacamole recipe and chef’s kiss!
I made these in my air fryer and they turned out great. I added some fresh chopped spinach to sneak in extra veggies. These were delicious!
We all loved the flavor of these!
These burgers were really tasty and my husband loved them! But how do you keep them from falling apart? Any suggestions?
Use an egg.
Mix it in well with the mixture, it will help keep it together.
I made these Turkey Burgers for dinner tonight and they were soooooo gooood!! I did add Spicy Mustard and 1 tsp of Montreal Steak Seasoning. Simple yet so flavorful!! I topped my burger with 1 slice of Sargento Ultra Thin Swiss Cheese and some WW Coleslaw and used 1/2 of Joseph’s Lavash Bread!! So yummy. I do have to ask you, since I am doing WW I see this burger has 8points. Is that including the burger bun?
Yes 🙂
Followed the recipe, but used Italian style bread crumbs and spicy mustard so not sure if that might have made a difference. They were a bit thicker than they needed to be, cooked on the stove for the correct amount of time, but they were very mushy to eat. Afraid this won’t be a repeat in our house.
Thank you for another healthy and delicious recipe! Will be making this recipe again!
Question! Does anyone know what kind of mustard to use? Not specified in the recipe and dijon/deli mustard are totally different flavors.
Thanks!
I just made these and they were delicious! I wondered the same thing, but I just ended up using yellow mustard. 🙂
Any mustard is fine but I used yellow mustard.
This was probably user error, but I could not get the patties to stay together. They just fell apart in the pan. However, the taste was great so I am going to try again!
Try adding an egg to help bind it together. That’s what I will do when I make them tonight.
After you form the Pattie’s place them in the freezer for a few minutes before you cook them
Is the bun included in the calorie count?
Yes
Oh these turned out so amazing! I served them with caramelized onions and both my husband and five year old devoured them. Thank you!
Yum!!
Made this and used a keto bun that was 1 point. I also used 99% fat free and worked out to be 1 point. I ate some avocado and it all was delicious. Thanks again for your site and all your recipes.
These are absolutely delicious! I do low carb so I substituted bread crumbs for pork rind crumbs but spiced everything else the same. Cooking direcions for stove top cooking is spot on. These turned out so juicy and flavorful. Definitely saving this one!!
Just made these burgers. Flavorful and moist and delicious.
Fantastic recipe! Is the bun low cal? Trying to work out nutritional info. Thanks in advance.
Old Tyme’s 647 rolls have fewer carbs
So yummy! I used ground chicken breast and had melted cheese on the top and no bun. It was sooo good! My husband loved it too!
Great!!!!
Juicy and delicious
Was wondering like others here…
Is the nutritional information for the bun and burger? or burger alone?
Thanks Gina, love your recipes!
Includes the bun. 🙂
Want to do this but does the N.I include the bun or is that just for the burger?
What buns do you use? What would be the N.i. for just the patty?
You read my mind! I bought ground turkey today ☺️☺️☺️