Ellen’s Turkey Burger Recipe

A great recipe from my best friend, Ellen! You are going to love this one!

Recipe Review

These turkey burgers are anything but boring. Juicy, flavorful, and with just the right kick, they strike a delicious balance between bold and fresh. The pepper jack cheese and jalapeño bring heat and creaminess, while the Worcestershire and spices layer in savory depth. The breadcrumbs help hold it all together without drying the mix, and the garlic/onion combo ensures every bite is packed with flavor. It’s a solid upgrade from your basic turkey burger—and the kind of meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe Tips and Notes

Cheese Tip: Pre-shredded cheese works, but shredding from the block melts better into the patties.
Breadcrumbs: Add them gradually until the mixture holds together. Too much and the burgers can turn out dry.
Heat Level: Want it milder? Remove the seeds from the jalapeño. Want it hotter? Add a second pepper or a dash of cayenne.
Serving Idea: Top with avocado slices or chipotle mayo for a Southwest vibe.
Make Ahead: Form patties ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Let them come to room temp before cooking for even grilling.
Cooking Options: Grill, pan-fry, or bake at 375°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Internal Temp Reminder: Always cook turkey burgers to 165°F to ensure safety and juiciness.
Toasted Buns: Don’t skip it—seriously. The crunch makes all the difference.

Turkey Burgers

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Servings:

Ingredients

2 lbs ground turkey use 98% lean or preferred type
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
4 garlic cloves minced
2 tbsp cilantro optional
1 jalapeño finely diced
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
About 1 cup breadcrumbs adjust as needed for consistency

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
For breadcrumbs, start with about 1 cup but adjust based on the consistency of the mixture. It should hold together well but not be too dry.
Form the mixture into patties of your preferred size.
Cook patties thoroughly, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).