Mediterranean turkey burgers are tender, juicy, and delicious. They are loaded with classic Mediterranean flavours like garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice which will have everyone coming back for seconds. Every. Single. Time. With just 10 minutes of prep, these lean turkey burgers make for the perfect summer weeknight meal that's healthy and delicious. Plus, they are easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly!
I have partnered with the Turkey Farmers of Canada to bring you this delicious Mediterranean turkey burgers recipe. All images and opinions expressed are my own.
Why You'll Love Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
- Healthy and delicious. Turkey is a great lean protein that you will feel good about feeding to your family. Plus, these burgers are slathered with tzatziki sauce (rather than mayo or cheese), making them not only delicious but healthy. They are a total family favourite.
- Packed with flavour. One of the best things about cooking with ground turkey is that it is a versatile protein that can be seasoned in endless ways. It takes on the Mediterranean flavours seasoned here so well.
- Perfect for meal planning. Turkey burgers are perfect for meal planning because they are easy to make ahead and can be frozen for up to 3 months! It's the perfect recipe to make ahead when planning healthier meals this summer.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Mediterranean turkey burgers, you will need a cast-iron skillet or grill pan and the following ingredients:
- ground turkey
- olive oil
- onion
- garlic - fresh garlic adds incredible depth of flavour to these turkey burgers. You could also easily substitute with garlic powder for a similar flavour.
- breadcrumbs
- fresh dill - you can also substitute with dried dill or substitute with another fresh herb like fresh parsley.
- lemon juice
- ground cumin
- salt and pepper
To assemble the burgers, you will need hamburger buns, lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki sauce. You can use store-bought tzatziki sauce or homemade, whichever is easier!
How to Make the Best Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
First, prepare the turkey patties.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Add onions and garlic and sauté until tender and nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside on a plate for 5 minutes to cool down slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, add ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, dill, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well with a spatula to combine everything together (or use your hands to press the ingredients together to evenly combine).
Shape the ground turkey mixture into a firm ball. This helps the mixture bind together to yield firm patties. Cover the bowl with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal parts and use your hands to roll them into balls. Then, shape them into patties by flattening them in the palm of your hand until they are about ½-inch thick.
Then, cook the turkey patties.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet (or grill pan) over medium-high heat until sizzling hot, about 2 minutes. Place patties on the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until nicely seared and starting to brown up the sides. Flip the patties over and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the internal temperature for the patties reaches 165 F as read on a meat thermometer.
Finally, it's time to assemble the burgers.
On each hamburger bun, add a piece of lettuce and a turkey patty. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of tzatziki sauce on top, and top the patty with a slice of tomato. Place the top half of the bun on top to assemble the burger.
Serve with a side of crispy french fries or a side salad such as coleslaw or macaroni salad.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Make ahead instructions: You can marinate and store the turkey mixture in an airtight container (or tightly covered in cling wrap), or shape the patties, stack them up between layers of parchment paper and store in an airtight container. Either way, it will keep for up to 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
- How to freeze: You can easily freeze uncooked Mediterranean turkey burger patties for up to 3 months. Place them on a parchment lined baking tray and into the freezer for an hour. Then, stack them up and layer small squares of parchment paper in between. Tightly wrap the stack in plastic cling wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, first defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then follow recipe instructions.
- How to tell if the turkey burger is cooked: An instant read meat thermometer is the tool that I recommend using for checking for doneness when cooking turkey. To get a quick measurement, just insert the thermometer halfway inside the patty for a reading.
- How to store: Store cooked turkey burger patties (once cooled to room temperature) in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, heat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
- How to cook in the oven: You can also cook these turkey burgers in the oven at 425 F for 15 minutes, or broil on low for 4-5 minutes per side. Either way, the turkey will be done once the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
More Turkey Recipes
- Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
- Baked Turkey Meatballs
- Turkey Tetrazzini with Spinach
- Leftover Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- Turkey Parmesan
- Leftover Turkey Fried Rice
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Recipe
Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 turkey burgers
Description
Mediterranean turkey burgers are tender, juicy, and delicious, loaded with garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice. The perfect summer weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the turkey burger patties:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from half a lemon), freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the burger toppings:
- 4 hamburger buns, sliced in half
- 4 pieces of lettuce
- 4 slices tomato, 1/4-inch thick
- ½ cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey Patties:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Add onions and garlic and sauté until tender and nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside on a plate for 5 minutes to cool down slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, add ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, dill, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well with a spatula to combine everything together (or use your hands to press the ingredients together to evenly combine).
- Shape the ground turkey mixture into a firm ball. This helps the mixture bind together to yield firm patties. Cover the bowl with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
- Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal parts and use your hands to roll them into balls. Then, shape them into patties by flattening them in the palm of your hand until they are about ½-inch thick.
Cook the Turkey Patties:
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling hot, about 2 minutes. Place patties on the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until nicely seared and starting to brown up the sides. Flip the patties over and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the internal temperature for the patties reaches 165 F as read on a meat thermometer.
Assemble the Turkey Burgers:
- Slice the hamburger buns in half and toast them on the grill, if desired.
- On each hamburger bun, add a piece of lettuce and a turkey patty. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of tzatziki sauce on top, and top the patty with a slice of tomato. Place the top half of the bun on top to assemble the burger.
- Serve with a side of crispy french fries or a side salad such as coleslaw or macaroni salad.
Notes
Make ahead instructions: You can marinate and store the turkey mixture in an airtight container (or tightly covered in cling wrap), or shape the patties, stack them up between layers of parchment paper and store in an airtight container. Either way, it will keep for up to 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
How to freeze: You can easily freeze uncooked Mediterranean turkey burger patties for up to 3 months. Place them on a parchment lined baking tray and into the freezer for an hour. Then, stack them up and layer small squares of parchment paper in between. Tightly wrap the stack in plastic cling wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, first defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then follow recipe instructions.
How to tell if the turkey burger is cooked: A instant read meat thermometer is the tool that I recommend using for checking for doneness when cooking turkey. To get a quick measurement, just insert the thermometer halfway inside the patty for a reading.
How to store: Store cooked turkey burger patties (once cooled to room temperature) in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, heat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
How to cook in the oven: You can also cook these turkey burgers in the oven at 425 F for 15 minutes, or broil on low for 4-5 minutes per side. Either way, the turkey will be done once the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Turkey
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Lisa says
Perfect summer dinner. The patties were flavorful even though I cooked right after mixing everything together.
Liz says
This is such a great recipe for summer! My parents love grilling out and we've been trying to find a healthier alternative to beef for my dad. Thanks for the recipe!
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy it!
Renee Goerger says
Fabulous burger! The dill and lemon make these turkey burgers extra flavorful!
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
Thank you Renee! It's a keeper! =)