Name: Southwest Turkey Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; ¼ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup diced red onion; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 lime, juiced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 whole wheat burger buns; Sliced avocado; Salsa; Lettuce; Sliced tomato

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, flavorful, and a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. The spice blend gives the turkey a bold southwestern profile, while lime juice brightens everything up. I can top them with all my favorites—from creamy avocado to zesty salsa—and still feel like I’m eating something light. Plus, they cook up fast, making them ideal for busy evenings.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground turkey
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 whole wheat burger buns

Optional Toppings:

Avocado
Salsa
Lettuce
Tomato

directions

I start by combining ground turkey, breadcrumbs, red onion, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
I mix everything together gently until it’s just combined—overmixing can make the patties tough.
I shape the mixture into 4 even patties.
Then I heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.
I cook the patties for about 5–6 minutes per side, until they’re browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While they cook, I toast the burger buns either on the grill or in a toaster.
Once the burgers are done, I serve them on the toasted buns with my favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, lettuce, and tomato.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 turkey burgers. Prep takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 12 minutes, giving a total time of just 22 minutes. Each burger is about 320 kcal, making it a great option for a lighter yet hearty meal.

Variations

When I want more heat, I add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the turkey mix.
For a low-carb version, I skip the bun and serve the patty on a bed of greens or wrapped in lettuce.
Sometimes I add a slice of pepper jack cheese on top for a melty, spicy finish.
If I’m out of cilantro, I use parsley or green onions for a different twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet or microwave until warmed through. These burgers also freeze well—I wrap the uncooked patties individually and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, I thaw them overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, I sometimes substitute ground chicken with no issue. It works just as well with the same seasoning mix.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

I make sure not to overmix the meat and let the breadcrumbs do their job. Chilling the patties for 15–20 minutes before cooking helps too.

Can I grill these outdoors?

Absolutely. I’ve grilled them on an outdoor grill with great results—just make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.

What sides go well with these burgers?

I like serving them with sweet potato fries, a corn salad, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Are these burgers spicy?

They’re mildly spicy with a warm, smoky flavor. I adjust the chili powder or add hot sauce if I want to dial up the heat.

Conclusion

Southwest Turkey Burgers are a simple, healthy, and flavor-packed alternative to traditional burgers. With bold spices, fresh toppings, and juicy patties, they make any meal feel like a treat. Whether I’m grilling for the family or making a quick solo dinner, these always hit the spot.

Southwest Turkey Burgers