Juicy Turkey Cheese Burger (Printable)
A juicy turkey burger with melted cheddar, fresh veggies, and tangy sauce offers a lighter twist on a classic favorite.
# What You Need:
→ Turkey Patties
01 - 1.1 lbs ground turkey
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Assembly
09 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
10 - 4 whole-wheat burger buns
11 - 4 leaves lettuce
12 - 1 large tomato, sliced
13 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 4 tbsp mayonnaise or burger sauce
15 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
16 - 1 tbsp ketchup (optional)
# Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid toughness.
02 - Shape the mixture into four even patties, slightly larger than buns as they will shrink while cooking.
03 - Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
04 - Place patties on the hot surface and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior turns golden brown.
05 - During the last minute of cooking, add a cheddar slice on each patty and cover to melt the cheese evenly.
06 - Toast whole-wheat buns on the grill or in a toaster until lightly golden.
07 - Spread mayonnaise or burger sauce on the bottom bun, layer with lettuce, turkey patty topped with melted cheese, tomato slices, red onion, and optional sauces. Top with the upper bun.
08 - Serve immediately alongside preferred side dishes.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes indulgent without the heaviness of beef, so you actually feel great after eating it.
- The melted cheese and simple aromatics packed into the patty mean you're not relying on toppings to carry the flavor.
- Ready in 30 minutes flat, including prep and cook time.
02 -
- Don't overmix the turkey; it's easy to compress it and end up with a burger that tastes like a hockey puck no matter how long you cook it.
- Turkey stays moist when you add finely chopped aromatics and a bit of Worcestershire—these add flavor and help bind without forcing you to add breadcrumbs.
03 -
- Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb before cooking; it prevents the center from puffing up and ensures even cooking.
- If you want extra flavor without extra work, mix a teaspoon of Dijon mustard directly into the turkey mixture instead of just using it as a condiment.