Juicy Turkey Cheese Burger (Printable)

A flavorful turkey patty topped with melted cheese and crisp fresh toppings for a satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Burger Patties

01 - 1.1 lb 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 tsp Dijon mustard
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ For Cooking

10 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Toppings

11 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
12 - 4 burger buns
13 - Lettuce leaves
14 - Sliced tomato
15 - Sliced red onion
16 - Pickles

→ Optional Condiments

17 - Mayonnaise
18 - Ketchup
19 - Mustard

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper; mix gently until just combined to preserve moisture.
02 - Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into patties approximately 3/4 inch thick.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat or preheat grill to medium-high.
04 - Cook patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
05 - During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
06 - Lightly toast burger buns if desired for added texture.
07 - Layer lettuce on bottom bun halves, top with turkey patties and melted cheese, followed by tomato slices, red onion, and pickles; add preferred condiments and finish with top bun.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Turkey keeps things leaner while the cheese, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce guarantee every bite is genuinely delicious.
  • These burgers come together in under 30 minutes, making weeknight dinner feel like you actually tried.
  • The ratio of seasonings is forgiving enough for beginners but seasoned enough that even skeptics will ask for seconds.
02 -
  • Don't skip the internal temperature check—undercooked poultry isn't worth the risk, and overcooked turkey is disappointingly dry.
  • A gentle hand when mixing the meat makes the difference between burgers that hold together beautifully and ones that fall apart on the grill.
03 -
  • Let your turkey patties rest for a few minutes after cooking before assembling—it keeps the juices from running all over your plate and bun.
  • If you're cooking for a crowd, prep the patties an hour ahead and refrigerate them; cold meat holds together better on the grill.