These healthy cast-iron turkey burgers are perfect for busy days when you want a quick, wholesome meal. Pair it with grilled veggies for a simple, nutritious dinner in no time! This recipe is foolproof and ready in 30 minutes.
Recipe Summary
- ✅ Recipe Name: Cast-iron Turkey Burgers
- 🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
- 🧑🧒🧒 Serves: 4 burgers
- 🍽️ Calories: 228 kcal
- 🥣 Ingredients: Ground turkey, onion, salt & pepper, dill, oregano, bread crumbs, olive oil.
- 👏 Why You'll Love It: Gentle on your stomach, clean nutritious ingredients, family-friendly (kids love them too!).
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I used to enjoy juicy ground beef burgers but always ended up bloated. After learning more about healthy eating habits, I realized red meat was the culprit. I ate it often and felt discomfort just as often.
To test it, I switched to chicken and turkey, and the results were amazing. My bloating disappeared. When I reintroduced red meat, the symptoms came right back.
Since then, I've cut out beef, only occasionally eating pork. Now I stick to chicken, turkey, and fish, and my stomach feels so much better. One simple change made a huge difference. If you're in the same boat, try my turkey smash burger tacos, turkey mince bolognese, or one skillet chicken thighs with wild rice.
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Why You'll Like These Turkey Burger Patties
- Wholesome and nutritious: Made with simple, clean ingredients, this recipe aligns perfectly with a healthy balanced diet.
- Quick and easy: perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile pairing: These burgers are delicious, and they can be paired with fresh veggies, a side salad paired with my 3-ingredient anti-inflammatory salad dressing, or even lettuce for a low-carb option.
- Family-friendly: This recipe is a hit with all ages, making it a great addition to your weekly meal rotation.
For more turkey inspiration, check out my Healthy and Easy Turkey Meatballs recipe with Tomato Sauce!
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: Opt for dark meat for juicier burgers.
- Small onion: Finely chop into tiny cubes to blend seamlessly into the mixture.
- Plain bread crumbs: I prefer plain, unsalted breadcrumbs to control the seasoning. They add just enough crunch to help bind the spices evenly.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to your taste. I typically use ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, keeping the seasoning light.
- Dried dill: Ground dill is an excellent complement to meat and works beautifully in cucumber salads.
- Dried oregano: A favorite addition to meats and potatoes. Inspired by my visits to Greece, where oregano elevates almost every dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Enhances the flavor and helps create a crisp, golden crust while cooking.
How to Make These Juicy Cast-Iron Turkey Burgers
Step 1
Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine turkey, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and dill. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Do not overmix the meat mixture, which can make the burgers dense.
Step 2
Form the turkey patties: Divide the turkey mixture into 4-6 equal portions. I like making smaller patties, so I ended up with 6. Shape each portion into a patty about ½ inch thick.
Step 3
Heat the skillet: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the skillet to heat up for about 2 minutes.
Step 4
Cook the burgers: Place the patties in the hot cast-iron skillet. Cook on the first side without moving them for 5-6 minutes to develop a nice crust. Flip the patties gently and cook on the second side for 5-7 minutes, or use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C). You want to achieve a nice golden brown color.
Step 5
Rest the burgers: Transfer the burgers to a plate and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy. Add your favorite toppings.
Top Tip
For extra juicy turkey burgers, don't overmix the ingredients, and let the patties rest for a few minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape!
Substitutions
- Ground turkey: Swap it with ground chicken for a similar lean protein option with comparable flavor and texture.
- Onion: Use shallots for a milder, slightly sweeter flavor or green onions for a lighter, fresh taste.
- Olive oil: Replace with avocado oil, another healthy option with a high smoke point.
- Oregano and dill: For a fresh herbal twist, try Italian seasoning, basil, thyme, or parsley. Add cumin or paprika for a smoky, slightly spicy flavor, or add any of your favorite seasonings.
Storage and Reheating
- Cooked turkey burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For extended storage, wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions: Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a slight drizzle of olive oil. Cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes per side until thoroughly warmed. Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burgers on a baking sheet and cover with foil to retain moisture. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Cast-Iron Turkey Burgers FAQ
If your cast iron skillet is properly heated (but not overheated), turkey burgers usually need about 5 minutes per side. Cook until they reach your desired doneness or an internal temperature of 165°F.
I prefer oil as it keeps the burgers from sticking and gives a nice sear. Olive oil or vegetable oil both work well.
The pan may simply be too hot. Try heating your cast iron over a lower stove setting, since it retains and conducts heat much more efficiently than stainless steel or aluminum pans.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with the cast-iron turkey burgers:
Let's Hear From You
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📖 Recipe
Cast-Iron Turkey Burgers
Video
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion small
- ¼ Cup bread crumbs plain
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dill
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 2-3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine turkey, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and dill. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Do not overmix the meat mixture, which can make the burgers dense.
Form the Turkey Patties:
- Divide the turkey mixture into 4-6 equal portions. I like making smaller patties, so I ended up with 6. Shape each portion into a patty about ½ inch thick.
Heat the Skillet:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the skillet to heat up for about 2 minutes.
Cook the Burgers:
- Place the patties in the hot cast-iron skillet. Cook on the first side without moving them for 5-6 minutes to develop a nice crust.
- Flip the patties gently and cook on the second side for 5-7 minutes, or use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C). You want to achieve a nice golden brown color.
Rest the Burgers:
- Transfer the burgers to a plate and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy.
- Add your favorite toppings
Notes
- The nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Ground Turkey: Swap it with ground chicken for a similar lean protein option with comparable flavor and texture.
- Onion: Use shallots for a milder, slightly sweeter flavor or green onions for a lighter, fresh taste.
- Olive Oil: Replace with avocado oil, another healthy option with a high smoke point.
- Oregano and Dill: For a fresh herbal twist, try Italian seasoning, basil, thyme, or parsley. Add cumin or paprika for a smoky, slightly spicy flavor, or add any of your favorite seasonings.
- Cooked turkey burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For extended storage, wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions: Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a slight drizzle of olive oil. Cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes per side until thoroughly warmed. Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burgers on a baking sheet and cover with foil to retain moisture. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Place the burger on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to avoid overcooking. Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to achieve a crispy texture, flipping halfway through.
Dr. Nena Stefanovic says
This recipe is phenomenal! It's so quick to mix and cook, and it pairs well with veggies like sweet potato fries or grilled asparagus. It's perfect for busy nights when everyone is hungry and you only have 30 minutes to prep dinner.