Turkey Burger Recipes - Cooking Light

Photo: Charles Masters

Healthy Turkey Burger Recipes

If you've written off turkey burgers after biting into a hockey puck-like patty (learn how to avoid that Cooking Mistake here) we're daring you to give them another try with one of these mouthwatering recipes. But, if you're already a fan, try one of these kicked-up versions the next time you fire up the grill. We promise, you'll be thanking us with every bite.

We'll start you off with Turkey Burgers with Roasted Eggplant.

Leftover eggplant puree from this recipe is perfect as a dip for toasted pita wedges. Marmite is a concentrated yeast paste that helps give this burger meaty flavor—find it in supermarket baking aisles and health-food stores. Use sesame-poppy seed buns.

View Recipe: Turkey Burgers with Roasted Eggplant

Photo: John Autry

Southwest Turkey Burgers

Dark green poblano chiles have mild to moderate heat. The darker the chile, the more fiery it will be. Serve these delicious burgers with Grilled Corn.

View Recipe: Southwest Turkey Burgers

Photo: Johnny Autry

Turkey Burger Pitas with Tahini Sauce

Although many cooks consider sauce a condiment or an afterthought, Lisa Richardson developed this recipe around her homemade sauce based on store-bought tahini. Richardson enjoys creating recipes and encourages her 8-year-old daughter to get involved in cooking. "She has her own recipe cards on which she jots down her new dishes," she says.

View Recipe: Turkey Burger Pitas with Tahini Sauce

Photo: Johnny Autry

Lamb and Turkey Pita Burgers

These burgers are super scrumptious, and quick too. Pita bread and a dollop of tangy sauce provide the finishing touches.

View Recipe: Lamb and Turkey Pita Burgers

Photo: Randy Mayor

Fajita Turkey Burgers

Zesty seasonings set these burgers apart, along with an avocado-tomatillo salsa topping that's refreshingly different from ketchup and mustard. Super busy? Make the patties and salsa ahead of time and refrigerate until needed―the burgers only take eight minutes to cook. Better yet, make a double or triple batch and freeze the extra for a no-work dinner later.

View Recipe: Fajita Turkey Burgers

Photo: Randy Mayor

Italian Burgers

This is no run-of-the-mill burger. Sautéed peppers and onions, cooked briefly in pasta sauce, top a robust patty made from ground turkey meat and spicy turkey sausage (removed from its casing). Serve with extra napkins.

View Recipe: Italian Burgers

Photo: Randy Mayor

Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

These Mediterranean delights take all of 12 minutes to cook, and contain only 303 calories apiece. Use the supereasy tzatziki in this recipe to dress the burgers, or try a Greek cheese: Kasseri (similar to mozzarella) and kefalotyri (think Gruyère) both work well and are relatively easy to find.

View Recipe: Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Turkey Burgers with Special Sauce

These burgers get added flavor from orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger, while the Special Sauce amplifies those tastes with creamy mayo and honey mustard. For a cheesy indulgence, top these burgers with slices of Swiss or provolone.

View Recipe: Turkey Burgers with Special Sauce

Photo: Randy Mayor

Mini Turkey Burgers with Gorgonzola

Another take on popular sliders, these small bundles are great to control portion size. Challenge your kids’ palettes by introducing blue cheese in these juicy mini burgers. If blue cheese is too far of a stretch, try feta or mild queso fresco mixed into the turkey burger mixture.

View Recipe: Mini Turkey Burgers with Gorgonzola

Photo: Randy Mayor

Feta-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

A simple yogurt-based sauce and a rich feta-and-spice stuffing makes these turkey burgers stand out above the rest. Pair with sautéed zucchini.

View Recipe: Feta-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Photo: Randy Mayor

Turkey Burgers with Goat Cheese

Topping burgers with goat cheese is an unexpected way to add great flavor without piling on a lot of extra fat and calories.

View Recipe: Turkey Burgers with Goat Cheese

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers with Papaya-Mango Salsa

Burgers on the grill are anything but ordinary when they're made with jerk-seasoned ground turkey. Ketchup and mustard step aside for a cool, fruity salsa that offsets the spice of the burgers. Be sure to coat the burgers and the grill rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Prepare the salsa up to a day in advance.

View Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers with Papaya-Mango Salsa

Photo: Randy Mayor

Cilantro Turkey Burgers with Chipotle Ketchup

The southwestern flavors in this turkey burger recipe are sure to be a hit at your table. Chipotle ketchup kicks it up a notch.

View Recipe: Cilantro Turkey Burgers with Chipotle Ketchup

Photo: Randy Mayor

Quick-and-Easy Turkey Burgers

Serve these easy turkey burgers for a family-friendly weeknight meal. Teriyaki sauce and onions add just the right pizazz to this low-calorie main dish.

View Recipe: Quick-and-Easy Turkey Burgers

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Southwestern Turkey-Cheddar Burgers with Grilled Onions

Wheat germ adds a nuttiness that complements the turkey and spices in this Southwestern-style burger. For more spicy heat, use Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers.

View Recipe: Southwestern Turkey-Cheddar Burgers with Grilled Onions