Southwest Turkey Burgers

If you’re craving a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, look no further than Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers! These satisfying burgers pack a punch with spices and ingredients that create a vibrant meal everyone will love. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this recipe balances healthiness and taste all in one bite. Dive into these delicious turkey burgers that will leave your taste buds dancing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Whip these up in under an hour!
  • Simple Ingredients: Find everything you need at your local grocery store.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for grilling parties or weeknight dinners.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: These burgers are a hit with both kids and adults.
  • Unbelievably Delicious: Filled with spices that add a firecracker of flavor.

The unique blend of spices, combined with fresh toppings, sets these burgers apart from ordinary turkey patties, promising both comfort and satisfaction.

Ingredients Needed

For the burger base:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large egg

For the seasoning mix:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For serving:

  • 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
  • 1/2 cup sliced avocado
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers

  1. Preheat your grill: Set your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure the burgers cook evenly.
  2. Combine the base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped red onion, and olive oil thoroughly to create a flavorful base.
  3. Add the spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper for that southwest taste.
  4. Mix in the egg: Crack a large egg into the mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything well—this is crucial for binding your burgers.
  5. Form the patties: Shape the mixture into four equal patties. Ensure they are consistent in size and thickness for even cooking.
  6. Cook the burgers: Place the patties on your preheated grill. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Toast the buns: While the burgers are cooking, toast your whole wheat hamburger buns on the grill or in another pan for 1-2 minutes until they are lightly browned.
  8. Assemble the burgers: Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the grill. Spread a layer of salsa on the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a turkey burger patty on top, and finish with slices of avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
  9. Complete your burgers: Add the top halves of the buns and serve immediately alongside your favorite side dishes.

Serving and Storage Tips

To serve Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers, consider a fresh side salad or sweet potato fries to complement the flavors. For storing leftovers, wrap burgers in parchment paper or place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last up to three days. To reheat, use a microwave or throw them back on the grill for a few minutes.

Helpful Notes

If you want to kick it up a notch, add sliced jalapeños for extra heat or switch up the toppings with Greek yogurt instead of salsa. You can also make these burgers gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers are not just a meal; they are an experience bursting with flavor. Their quick preparation and simple ingredients make them ideal for busy nights or gatherings. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to leave a comment or a star rating if you enjoyed it! Share pictures on social media—what toppings did you try? We’d love to hear your twists!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works just as well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.

How do I make this gluten-free?

To make these burgers gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I freeze the patties?

Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked patties by wrapping them in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before cooking.

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Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers


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  • Author: chef-ava
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-free option available

Description

Flavorful turkey burgers with a spicy twist, perfect for summer barbecues and family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
  • 1/2 cup sliced avocado
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, red onion, and olive oil.
  3. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Mix in the large egg until well combined.
  5. Shape the mixture into four equal patties.
  6. Cook the patties on the preheated grill for about 5-6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Toast the whole wheat buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Assemble by spreading salsa on the bottom bun, adding the patty, avocado slices, and cilantro, then topping with the top bun.

Notes

For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños. Substitute Greek yogurt for salsa for a twist. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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