Ina Garten’s Turkey Burger Recipe

If you love turkey burgers and want a recipe that packs in flavor without a ton of effort, that’s Ina Garten’s turkey burger folks!

The combo of lean turkey, fresh breadcrumbs, and the bite of garlic and Parmesan cheese results in an unbelievably moist and juicy burger. Yum!

Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce—it’s the secret ingredient that brings a depth of flavor you’ll crave and keep coming back for.

Pair these burgers with your favorite toppings, and you’ll have a versatile dish that’s great for dinner any night of the week.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Turkey Burger Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Ground Turkey
• 1/2 cup Fresh Breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley (minced)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 3/4 tsp Salt
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2 Onion (grated)
• 1 tbsp Canola Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Add the grated onion and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Step 2:

Shape the seasoned mixture into four patties, each about 1/2 inch thick.

Make an indent in the center of each patty; this helps them cook evenly.

Step 3:

Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the skillet.

Step 4:

Cook each patty for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Use a spatula to flip them carefully.

Step 5:

Let the cooked burgers rest for a few minutes before serving them with your favorite toppings and buns.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Don’t Overmix

When combining the ingredients, make sure to mix just until they’re combined to prevent the patties from becoming too dense.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese add an incredible amount of flavor, so try to avoid dried or pre-grated versions.

Make Ahead Option

You can form the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours, making dinner preparation even faster.

Handle with Care

When flipping the burgers, use a spatula and turn them gently to prevent them from falling apart.

Customize Your Patty

Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the mix for a personalized twist on the classic recipe!

What to Serve with Turkey Burgers

Classic French Fries

You can’t go wrong serving turkey burgers with a generous helping of crispy French fries!

The crunchy texture pairs beautifully with the juicy turkey patties.

Add some seasoned salt or a little smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Sweet Potato Wedges

For a twist, try sweet potato wedges.

Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavor of the turkey burgers superbly.

Bake them until they’re perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a refreshing choice to balance the richness of the burgers.

The tangy, creamy dressing adds a refreshing contrast.

You can use a mix of green and purple cabbage for a bit of color.

Grilled Pineapple

If you feel adventurous, grilled pineapple is a surprisingly great side.

The caramelized sweetness and hint of smokiness are a nice contrast to the savory turkey.

Simply grill slices and serve them alongside the burgers.

Caprese Salad

A caprese salad is another unexpected but lovely accompaniment.

The fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a bright and vibrant flavor profile.

Drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze for an extra touch.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nutty, earthy flavor that’s a bit unexpected but oh-so-satisfying.

Toss them with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt before roasting.

They’ll be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Choices

Try adding different types of cheese to your turkey burger!

While some prefer the classic cheddar, others enjoy gouda or blue cheese for a unique twist.

Regardless of choice, cheese adds a rich taste!

Bun Alternatives

For a low-carb option, swap out regular buns for lettuce wraps.

It’s a simple substitution that brings a refreshing crunch to each bite and keeps the meal lighter.

Flavor Enhancements

Consider mixing in spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to give your burgers an extra kick.

You might also use fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley to boost the overall flavor profile.

Moisture Boosters

Using finely chopped mushrooms in the turkey mixture can keep your burgers juicy.

Another option for moisture is adding a small amount of grated zucchini or finely diced onions.

These moisture boosters work wonders!

How to Store Leftover Turkey Burgers

Making extra turkey burgers and having leftovers is always a win!

When it’s time to store them, the process is straightforward and simple.

The key is to keep them fresh and flavorful for your next meal.

Refrigerator Storing

Once your turkey patties have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container.

Refrigerating them like this will keep them fresh for up to 3 or 4 days.

You’ll find they’re just as tasty when you’re ready to eat them again!

Freezer Storing

If you plan to keep them a bit longer, freezing is a fantastic option.

Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or place parchment paper between them.

Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 or 4 months.

This method helps avoid sticking together, making it easy to take out what you need.

Ready-to-Use Portions

For ease, portion your patties for quick and simple future meals.

This way, you won’t have to thaw more burgers than you plan to eat.

It’s a time-saver for those busy weekdays!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Meat

When you mix the turkey mixture too much, it can lead to dense, tough burgers instead of juicy, tender ones.

Handle the mixture gently to keep the texture just right.

Skipping the Seasoning

You might be tempted to skip the seasoning step, but don’t do it!

Turkey is naturally less flavorful than beef, so it’s essential to flavor it well.

Use a mix of herbs, salt, and pepper to enhance the natural taste.

Cooking at the Wrong Temperature

Make sure not to rush and cook the patties at a high temperature.

Cooking at medium heat allows the turkey burgers to cook through without burning the outside.

Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.