Turkey Cheese Burger Delight (Printable)

A juicy turkey patty paired with melted cheddar, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce for a tasty meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Turkey Patties

01 - 1.1 lbs ground turkey
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Assembly

09 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
10 - 4 whole-wheat burger buns
11 - 4 leaves lettuce
12 - 1 large tomato, sliced
13 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 4 tbsp mayonnaise or burger sauce
15 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
16 - 1 tbsp ketchup (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
02 - Form the mixture into 4 even patties, slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
03 - Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
04 - Cook patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and patties develop a golden-brown crust.
05 - During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover to melt thoroughly.
06 - Lightly toast burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden.
07 - Spread mayonnaise or burger sauce on bottom bun, layer lettuce, a turkey patty with melted cheese, tomato slices, red onion, and optional sauces. Top with upper bun.
08 - Serve immediately with preferred side dishes.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Turkey stays juicy and flavorful when you don't skimp on the seasonings and binding ingredients.
  • Ready in 30 minutes flat, which means weeknight dinner without the stress.
  • Feels indulgent enough for company but fits into meals where you're watching your fat intake.
02 -
  • Never skip the oil on the grill or skillet—turkey is lean and sticks easily, and sticking means the patty breaks apart when you flip it.
  • The internal temperature matters because undercooked turkey is a food safety risk, so use a thermometer if you're uncertain.
03 -
  • Shape the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for 15 minutes before cooking—they hold together better and cook more evenly.
  • If your meat mixture feels too loose, add a beaten egg white to help bind everything together without adding fat.