If you’re on the hunt for a mouthwatering, protein-packed meal, look no further than these Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers. My journey with this recipe started when I craved something hearty yet healthy, and believe me, these burgers did not disappoint. With a medley of spices and fresh toppings, they deliver a perfect punch of flavor—ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend backyard barbecue. But the best part? They’re quick to whip up, and you probably have most of the ingredients on hand.
Why you’ll love this dish
Let’s talk about what makes this recipe so special. First and foremost, these turkey burgers are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly nutritious. Ground turkey is a lean alternative to beef, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing taste. Plus, the blend of spices—like chili powder and cumin—takes the flavor profile to a whole new level.
Picture this: It’s Friday night, you want to treat the family to something delicious, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enter these Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers! They’re perfect for weeknight dinners and even kid-approved, thanks to the customizable toppings that let everyone build their ideal burger.
"Absolutely loved these! The spice blend was just right, and the avocado added a nice creaminess. This recipe is definitely going into our regular rotation!" – Satisfied Reviewer
Preparing Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers
This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. First, you’ll combine all the ingredients, form the patties, and then cook them to juicy perfection. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll be doing:
- Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, cheese, and veggies.
- Season and add an egg for binding.
- Shape into patties and grill them to guarantee that perfect char.
- Assemble your burgers with fresh toppings and enjoy!
Gather these items
Before you dive into cooking, here’s what you’ll need to whip up these Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers:
- 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 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
- 1 large egg
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup sliced avocado
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Feel free to substitute ground turkey with chicken or even a plant-based alternative if you prefer a vegetarian option!
Step-by-step instructions
Ready to make your burgers? Here’s how you can easily prepare them:
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped red onion, and olive oil.
- Add the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
- Crack the large egg into the bowl and mix it all together using your hands or a spoon. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into four equal patties, ensuring they’re of similar size and thickness for even cooking.
- Place the patties on the preheated grill or grill pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the burgers are grilling, toast the whole wheat hamburger buns on the grill or in a pan for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Once the patties are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a moment.
- Spread a small amount of salsa on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Add a turkey burger patty on top of the salsa-covered bun.
- Finish with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
- Place the top half of the bun on each burger.
- Serve your Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers immediately with your favorite sides.
Best ways to enjoy it
Now that your burgers are grilled to perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve them. For a delightful dining experience, consider pairing these burgers with:
- Sweet potato fries for a nutritious twist.
- A fresh side salad to balance the spiciness.
- A classic coleslaw for that crunchy contrast.
- Chips and guacamole, because who doesn’t love chip-dipping?
The vibrant colors and flavors will surely impress your guests or family!
How to store & freeze
Proper storage is crucial for keeping your turkey burgers fresh. Here are some tips:
- Leftovers: Store any leftover assembled burgers in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you wish to prep ahead, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place the burgers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a minute or so.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers turn out stellar:
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the meat can lead to tough burgers. Gently combine the ingredients just until mixed.
- Chill the patties: If time allows, chill the formed patties for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps them hold their shape.
- Use a meat thermometer: To guarantee juicy, perfectly cooked burgers, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Recipe variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some creative twists you can try with your burgers:
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash more cayenne for extra heat.
- Cheesy goodness: Swap the Parmesan for shredded cheddar or pepper jack for a different cheese experience.
- Hearty toppings: Experiment with toppings like pickled red onions, pepperoncini, or even a fried egg for breakfast-style burgers.
Common questions
What’s the prep time for these burgers?
Prep time usually takes about 15-20 minutes, while cooking adds another 10-15 minutes. In total, you can typically have everything done in under an hour!
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they are in an airtight container.
Enjoy your cooking session, and get ready to savor these zesty, delicious Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers!
Print
Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
Delicious and nutritious turkey burgers packed with spices, perfect for any weeknight dinner or backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
- 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 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
- 1 large egg
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup sliced avocado
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped red onion, and olive oil.
- Add chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
- Crack the large egg into the bowl and mix everything together until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into four equal patties.
- Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Toast the whole wheat hamburger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Spread salsa on the bottom half of each toasted bun, add a turkey burger patty, top with sliced avocado and chopped cilantro, and place the top half of the bun on each burger.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground turkey with a plant-based alternative. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg