Go Back
Extreme close-up of a thick turkey patty with dark grill marks and drooping melted cheddar cheese. (Ground Turkey Burger Recipe)

Ground Turkey Burger Recipe: The Juiciest Seared Turkey Burgers

This Ground Turkey Burger Recipe features thick, juicy turkey patties with dark seared grill marks, melted yellow cheddar, and fresh toppings on a toasted brioche bun. A high-protein, flavorful dinner that is Pinterest-perfect and incredibly easy to make.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Burger Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey 93% lean preferred
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Freshly cracked
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tbsp Avocado Oil Or ghee for searing
  • 4 slices Sharp Yellow Cheddar
  • 4 Brioche Buns Toasted
  • 4 leaves Green Leaf Lettuce
  • 1 large Tomato Sliced into rounds
  • 1/2 Red Onion Sliced into thin rings
  • 4 tbsp Mayonnaise White and creamy

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan Essential for the high-heat sear.
  • 1 Instant-Read Thermometer To ensure internal temp reaches 165°F.

Method
 

Form the Patties
  1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix without overworking.
  2. Form into 4 thick patties, creating a small thumbprint indentation in the center of each.
Cook and Melt
  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties for 5-6 minutes per side until dark grill marks appear.
  2. Add cheddar slices to the patties during the last minute of cooking. Cover the pan to allow the cheese to droop over the edges.
Assembly
  1. Toast buns and spread mayo on the top half. Build from the bottom: Bun, lettuce, turkey patty with melted cheese, red onion, tomato, and top bun.

Notes

Pull patties at 160°F for perfect juiciness.
Don't press patties with a spatula while cooking.