Turkey and Vegetable Burgers

Updated Feb. 1, 2022

Turkey and Vegetable Burgers
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
30 minutes
Rating
5(616)
Comments
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Turkey meat is relatively lean, and so turkey burgers are often quite dry. The vegetables in this particular burger help keep the patty moist.

Featured in: Burgers Without the Beef

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Ingredients

Yield:6 burgers
  • 1tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½cup finely diced onion
  • ½cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1large garlic clove, green shoot removed, minced
  • cup finely grated carrot (1 large carrot)
  • pounds lean ground turkey breast, preferably organic, from humanely raised turkeys
  • 1tablespoon prepared barbecue sauce
  • 1tablespoon ketchup
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • Canola oil for the skillet
  • Whole grain hamburger buns
  • condiments of your choice
Ingredient Substitution Guide
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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a medium skillet and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes, and add the diced red pepper and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and the grated carrot and cook, stirring, for another minute or two, until the carrots have softened slightly and the mixture is fragrant. Remove from the heat.

  2. Step 2

    In a large bowl, mash the ground turkey with a fork. Add about ¾ teaspoon kosher salt if desired, and mix in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Add the sautéed vegetables and mix together well. Shape into 6 patties, about ¾-inch thick. Chill for 1 hour if possible to facilitate handling.

  3. Step 3

    Heat a nonstick griddle or a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat and brush with a small amount of canola oil, or prepare a medium-hot grill. When you can feel the heat when you hold your hand above it, cook the patties for 4 minutes on each side. Serve on whole grain buns, with the condiments of your choice.

Tip
  • Advance preparation: You can make this turkey burger mix, shape into patties and freeze for 2 or 3 months. Thaw as needed. The mix will keep for a day in the refrigerator, but check the use-by date on the package.

Ratings

5 out of 5
616 user ratings
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Comments

Instead of the ketchup and BBQ sauce, use a dollop of mayo and a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. Sublime!

This was a hit at our house - very tasty. I added a dollop of goat cheese for a cheeseburger option and served with sautéed mushrooms.

made with zucchini grated instead of carrots, and added 1 TBS mayo per notes. Terrific recipe, moist and flavorful. I will make this again!

“From humanely raised turkeys?” Really?

Doubled the volume of veggies, ketchup and BBQ for extra flavor and moisture, and to stretch the meat. Also added 2/3 cup plain Panko and the patties stayed together quite nicely. Used avocado oil for both steps. Scrumptious!

Followed the recipe as written. Added goat cheese bc so many commenters recommended it. Took a bit longer to cook bc I made big patties. Served on homemade French bread. Juicy and delicious burgers.

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