Turkey Burger Recipes

May 21, 2012
Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Don't let these healthy turkey burgers fool you. They're packing flavor in a major way.
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Healthy Turkey Burger Recipes

Credit: Photo: Charles Masters
View Recipe: Turkey Burgers with Roasted Eggplant

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.

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Southwest Turkey Burgers

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: 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.

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Turkey Burger Pitas with Tahini Sauce

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: 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. Tahini is condiment that is made from hulled sesame seeds, and it's used in a lot of Mediterranean cooking, as well as traditional hummus. Here, whole wheat pitas hold together a hearty greens, mini turkey burger patties and a creamy, tahini sauce. Think all those delicious, savory flavors of a gyro meet lean protein and sesame spread.

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Lamb and Turkey Pita Burgers

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: 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.

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Fajita Turkey Burgers

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Italian Burgers

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Turkey Burgers with Special Sauce

Credit: Photo: Lee Harrelson
View Recipe: 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.

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Mini Turkey Burgers with Gorgonzola

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Feta-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Turkey Burgers with Goat Cheese

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers with Papaya-Mango Salsa

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: 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.

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Cilantro Turkey Burgers with Chipotle Ketchup

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Quick-and-Easy Turkey Burgers

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Southwestern Turkey-Cheddar Burgers with Grilled Onions

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Southwestern Turkey-Cheddar Burgers

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.

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