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This hearty Italian turkey burger recipe combines lean ground turkey with flavorful Italian turkey sausage for a healthier twist on a classic burger. The special blend gives you all the satisfaction of a traditional burger but with less fat and more Mediterranean flavor.
I first created these burgers when trying to satisfy my burger-loving husband while keeping our meals on the healthier side. The combination of spicy Italian sausage with lean ground turkey was such a hit that it's become our go-to summer grilling recipe whenever we entertain.
Ingredients
- 99% lean ground turkey: creates the lighter base for these burgers
- Turkey sausage: adds incredible flavor without the fat of traditional pork sausage
- Panko bread crumbs: help bind the burgers and maintain moisture
- Ground basil and oregano: provide classic Italian flavors that permeate every bite
- Fennel seeds: add that authentic Italian sausage flavor profile
- Garlic powder: infuses the meat with rich flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic
- Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors without making the burgers taste salty
- Black pepper: adds a subtle heat that balances the herbs
- Red pepper flakes: contribute a gentle warmth that wakes up your taste buds
- Asiago cheese: brings a sharp nutty element that elevates these burgers
- Mozzarella cheese: provides that irresistible melty stretch when you take a bite
- Whole wheat hamburger buns: offer a hearty base with extra fiber
- Red onion: delivers sweetness when grilled that complements the spiced meat
- Bell peppers: add vibrant color, natural sweetness, and vitamin C
- Extra virgin olive oil: helps the vegetables caramelize beautifully on the grill
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat which ensures proper cooking without burning. While waiting for the grill to heat up, use this time to prepare your burger mixture which allows the flavors to start melding together.
- Mix the Burger Ingredients:
- Place ground turkey, turkey sausage with casings removed, panko breadcrumbs, and all herbs and spices in a large bowl. Use your fingertips to gently combine everything ensuring even distribution of spices. The key here is to mix thoroughly without compacting the meat which can make your burgers tough. The spices should be visible throughout the mixture.
- Form the Patties:
- Shape the meat mixture into six equal-sized patties. Make them slightly larger than your buns as they will shrink during cooking. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb which prevents the burgers from puffing up in the middle during cooking.
- Grill the Burger Patties:
- Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 5 minutes until the bottoms are nicely browned and release easily from the grate. Flip once and continue cooking for approximately 5 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. In the last minute of cooking, top the burgers with both cheeses allowing them to melt perfectly.
- Prepare and Grill Vegetables:
- While the burgers cook, toss sliced onions and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl ensuring all pieces are lightly coated. Transfer to a grill basket and cook for about 8 minutes, turning frequently, until the vegetables are softened and showing light char marks. The slight caramelization brings out their natural sweetness.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Toast the buns briefly on the grill, cut side down for about 30 seconds. Place each cheese-topped burger on a toasted bun and generously pile with the grilled vegetables. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is at its meltiest.
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The fennel seed is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I accidentally left it out once and my husband immediately noticed something was missing. The fennel adds that distinctive Italian sausage flavor that makes these burgers truly special. Now I keep a dedicated jar of fennel seeds in my spice cabinet just for these burgers.
Make Ahead Options
These burgers actually benefit from being made a few hours ahead of time. The flavors have more time to meld together when the mixture rests in the refrigerator. You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill. This makes them perfect for entertaining as you can prepare everything ahead and simply grill when guests arrive.
Perfect Pairings
The Italian flavors in these burgers pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving them with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a peppery contrast. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potato wedges complement the spices in the burgers perfectly. You could also embrace the Italian theme fully and serve them alongside a small portion of pasta salad tossed with olives, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette.
Customization Ideas
These burgers are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes. For a lower carb option serve them wrapped in large lettuce leaves instead of buns. If you prefer a different cheese, provolone or fontina work wonderfully too. For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped, to the burger mixture. You could also incorporate 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh basil for a brighter, fresher flavor profile.
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Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I make these burgers with ground chicken instead?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute for ground turkey. For best results, use a combination of ground chicken and chicken Italian sausage to maintain the moisture and flavor profile. The cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- → How can I prevent the burgers from falling apart on the grill?
Chill the formed patties in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before grilling to help them firm up. Make sure not to overwork the meat when mixing, and ensure your grill is properly preheated. A clean, well-oiled grill grate also helps prevent sticking.
- → What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour all work as panko substitutes. Each will slightly alter the texture, with oats and almond flour creating a denser patty while remaining gluten-free options.
- → Can these burgers be cooked in a skillet instead of a grill?
Absolutely. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can still get a nice char by using a cast-iron skillet.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with these burgers?
These Italian turkey burgers pair beautifully with Mediterranean-inspired sides like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic parmesan potatoes, grilled zucchini, or a light pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
- → How do I know when the turkey burgers are fully cooked?
Turkey burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer. Unlike beef burgers, turkey should never be served medium or rare. The meat should be opaque with no pink showing in the center.