These Southwest grilled turkey burgers are proof that healthy burgers don't have to be dry or boring. Packed with Southwestern-inspired flavor, these juicy burgers are easy to make, high protein, and perfect for tossing on the grill when you're craving something satisfying without feeling too heavy.
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The backstory.
Turkey burgers have a reputation for being a little forgettable. After one too many dry versions over the years, I started experimenting with ways to keep them juicy while adding plenty of flavor. A handful of spices, a few sautéed veggies, and a simple grilling trick completely changed my mind. Now these are the turkey burgers I come back to all summer long.
xoxo Kori
It's a must-make.
If you're looking for grilled turkey burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and easy enough for any night of the week, these are it.
- They're incredibly juicy. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, olive oil, and the right cooking method help keep every bite tender instead of dry.
- Big Southwestern flavor. Chili powder, cumin, and oregano give these burgers a bold, savory flavor without overwhelming the turkey.
- Healthy without sacrificing flavor. These high protein burgers are naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and made with simple everyday ingredients.
- Easy to grill or stovetop. Fire up the grill or cook them in a skillet when the weather doesn't cooperate.
A good turkey burger should never make you wish you'd ordered beef.
Let's talk texture and flavor.
The first bite is everything you want from a great burger. The outside develops a light char from the grill while the inside stays juicy and tender. The onions and peppers add subtle sweetness, while the chili powder, cumin, and oregano bring warm Southwestern flavors that pairs perfectly with your favorite burger toppings. It's hearty enough to satisfy without feeling overly heavy.
What you'll need.
Here's what your going to need to make Southwest turkey burgers on the grill.
- Olive oil: Adds richness while helping keep the burgers juicy.
- Onion: Softened first to add sweetness and moisture.
- Bell pepper: Finely diced for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Ground turkey: An 80/20 blend works best for juicy burgers.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together.
- Chili powder: Brings warm Southwestern flavor.
- Cumin: Adds earthy depth.
- Oregano: Gives the burgers another savory layer.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough bite.
If burgers are on the menu, there are plenty of delicious ways to change things up. For another lighter option, try these juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers with a beautifully crisp exterior. When you're craving something a little more indulgent, my Cheese Curd Bacon Burger Recipe is loaded with melty cheese curds and smoky bacon. And if you're feeling adventurous, the Peanut Butter Burger with Bacon delivers an irresistible sweet-and-savory combination that's surprisingly delicious. Each one brings its own personality to burger night, so you'll never get bored.
Customize it your way.
These southwest turkey burgers are easy to make your own with a few simple additions or swaps.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Mix shredded pepper jack cheese into the burger mixture.
- Top with sliced avocado or fresh guacamole.
- Add pepper jack, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese during the last minute of cooking.
- Serve on toasted buns, lettuce wraps, or chaffles.
- Finish with pico de gallo, salsa, or sliced tomatoes for extra freshness.
Flexible dietary swaps.
These Southwest grilled turkey burgers are easy to adapt for different eating styles.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free slices.
- Egg-Free: Replace the egg with a flax egg or your favorite egg replacer made for burgers.
- Lower-Sodium: Reduce the added salt and choose low-sodium toppings.
- Lower Fat: Use leaner ground turkey, keeping in mind the burgers may be slightly less juicy.
How to cook Southwest turkey burgers on the grill.
Making Southwest grilled turkey burgers is easier than you might think, and a few simple techniques help keep them juicy from start to finish.
- Cook the onions and bell peppers until softened, then let them cool slightly before mixing them into the turkey mixture.
- Combine the turkey, vegetables, egg, olive oil, and seasonings until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Form four burgers and grill over high heat on prepared foil, flipping once halfway through cooking.
- Cook until the burgers reach 160 degrees, then tent loosely with foil and let them rest until they finish at 165 degrees before serving.
How to enjoy them.
These grilled turkey burgers are easy to dress up or keep simple depending on what you're craving.
- Add lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favorite cheese.
- Spoon on fresh guacamole for even more Southwestern flavor.
- Serve on toasted burger buns, lettuce wraps, or chaffles.
- Pair with grilled corn, watermelon salad, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
- Add baked sweet potato fries or air fryer potato wedges for a complete meal.
Kori's tips.
- Don't skip sautéing the vegetables. Cooking the onions and peppers first adds flavor while helping keep the burgers tender and juicy.
- Chill the patties. Refrigerating them helps the soft mixture firm up so they're easier to transfer to the grill.
- Use an instant-read thermometer. Turkey cooks quickly at the end, so checking the temperature helps prevent overcooking.
- Don't squish or smoosh the burgers while grilling. This removes the moisture - you don't want dry burgers.
- Let the burgers rest. A short rest after grilling allows the juices to settle before serving.
- No grill? No problem. Cook the burgers in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat, flipping halfway through cooking.
FAQs
Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in a 325 degrees F oven covered with foil until warmed through.
Yes. Freeze cooked or uncooked patties in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.
Yes, these are keto turkey burgers and have only 20.7 g fat, 1.5 g net carbs, and 24 g protein.
Absolutely. Mix and shape the patties up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to grill.
Yes. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat and cook for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until the burgers reach 165 degrees internally.
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📖 The recipe.
Southwest Turkey Burgers On The Grill
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup onions (finely diced)
- ¼ cup bell pepper (any color, finely diced)
- 1 pound ground turkey (80/20)
- 1 egg
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a small skillet with 1 tbsp of the olive oil, saute onions and bell pepper over medium-high heat until soft. Set aside and let cool.
- In a large bowl add ground turkey, onion and pepper mixture, egg, remaining olive oil, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cut parchment paper or foil into 4 squares large enough to fit a formed burger. Spray the pieces with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Form four ½" thick burgers pressing together as firmly as you can. (Note: the mixture will be soft and sticky.) Lay each burger on the parchment pieces and refrigerate for 1 hour. Remove burgers from the refrigerator about 5 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat grill to high heat 450 to 500 degrees. Set a heavy-duty piece of foil, that has been pierced with holes and sprayed with nonstick spray, on the grill. Peel the burgers from the parchment pieces and place on the foil.
- Grill for 4 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until the burger temperature reaches 160 degrees. Set burgers on a plate and cover with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes until the burgers reach 165F.
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Kori's Tips
Nutrition
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Sandi
You never said what to do with the other 2 T of olive oil. I’m guessing an alternative to the nonstick spray - or it it supposed to go in the burgers?
Kori
Hello, the remaining 2 tablespoon goes in the patty with the turkey, egg, and seasoning. Thank you! Hope you enjoy the turkey burgers. Just made these again a few nights ago 🙂