Makes: *5 Servings*
Per Serving: *26g Protein | 157 Cal*

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You may not normally think of them as healthy foods, but burgers are a great, high-protein meal any time of the year. They’re so versatile, easy to make, and a total crowd-pleaser. This twist on a classic turkey burger gets tons of flavor from garlic, onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, spices, and cilantro for a healthy yet delicious meal you can serve to a crowd at a weekend cookout or throw together for an easy weeknight meal your whole family will love. Customize your toppings, the way you serve them, and the side dishes you pair with them to round out your meal and you’ll have a dinner to look forward to all week long.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Turkey Burger Recipe

Packed with Protein: Each delicious burger contains 26 g of protein to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Bursting with Bold Flavors: These flavorful ground turkey burgers get some oomph from cumin, smoky paprika, chili powder, green chiles, and bright cilantro.
Easy to Customize: You can serve these with slices of tomato, avocado, grilled pineapple, crunchy lettuce, red onion, and more. Serve them on buns, in lettuce wraps, or even as a burger bowl for a low-carb option.
Great for Meal Prep: For a quick, easy, healthy meal all week long, make a double batch of burgers and store in the fridge for lunches and dinners (or freezer for any time you need an easy meal).

Ingredients

1 lb (16 oz) lean ground turkey (93% lean)
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for a spicy kick)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 (4 oz) can green chiles, drained
2 eggs, beaten

Chipotle Mayo:

2 tablespoons light mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1 teaspoon chipotle powder (or 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers)
1 teaspoon lime juice (about half a lime)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
Pinch of salt and black pepper
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon honey or agave for a hint of sweetness

Optional Toppings:

Sliced avocado or guacamole
Sliced cheese (pepper jack, cheddar, or your favorite)
Salsa or pico de gallo
Grilled pineapple
Lettuce, tomato, and red onion
Whole-grain burger buns, lettuce wraps, or tortillas

Instructions

Preheat the grill or a heavy pan: Preheat your grill or a heavy skillet (like a cast iron skillet) over medium-high heat for the grill or low heat for the pan. Lightly oil (using avocado oil or olive oil) the grill grates or cast iron pan, depending on what you’re using, to keep the burgers from sticking.
Prep the burger mixture: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground turkey, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if you’re using it), garlic, spices, breadcrumbs, green chiles, and beaten eggs. Use your hands for more control while mixing the burger ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined, but try not to over-mix.
Form the patties: Divide the meat mixture into 5 equal-sized patties. Shape them into a patty that’s about ½-inch thick. If you're stacking the burger patties on a plate or baking sheet before cooking them, make sure to use parchment paper between the patties to keep them from sticking together.
Make the chipotle mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together all of the chipotle mayo ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes while you make the burgers.
Cook the burger patties: If you’re using a grill, place the turkey patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer. If you’re using a pan on the stove, raise the heat to about medium. Add the burger patties to the hot skillet, working in batches if necessary. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.
Prep your toppings: While the burgers are cooking, pull together your favorite burger toppings. Consider slicing cheddar cheese, tomato, red onion, and avocado, pulling out some pico de gallo or guacamole, and prepping lettuce leaves.
Build your burger: Serve the healthy turkey burgers on top of your base of choice (hamburger buns, a bed of lettuce, lettuce wraps, tortillas, etc) and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Nutrition Info (Per Burger - Makes 5 Servings)

Calories: 157
Protein: 26g
Carbs: 6g
Fat: 3g

FAQs

This recipe is an easy one to make gluten-free! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve your burgers on gluten-free buns, in a lettuce wrap, or on a bed of lettuce for a burger bowl.
Make sure the patties are cooked through and cooled completely, then store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze burgers by storing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat them in a pan or the microwave until warm.
Instead of green chiles, try banana peppers, pickled jalapeños, or something similar. Use more mild peppers to control the spice level or spicier peppers if you love spicy foods.
Try pairing these burgers with a green salad, roasted veggies, raw veggies, sweet potato fries, or even a few chips. (Pro tip: the chipotle mayo is a great dipping sauce for sweet potato fries or raw veggies!)

If you’re on the lookout for turkey burger recipes that are healthy, delicious, and packed with good-for-you ingredients, you’ve gotta give this one a try. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week, looking for an easy weeknight dinner your family will like, or you’re gearing up to host a backyard cookout, these turkey burgers are sure to hit the spot.