These Turkey Smash Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and crispy on the edges—everything you love about a classic smash burger but made with lean ground turkey. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or weekend cookout, these burgers come together in under 20 minutes and are customizable with your favorite toppings. A lighter twist on a fast-food favorite, without sacrificing flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and flavorful, with crispy edges
- Quick and easy—ready in under 20 minutes
- Lighter and leaner than traditional beef burgers
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces
- Perfect for meal prep or a healthy weeknight dinner
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the turkey patties:
- Ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- Olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For serving:
- Burger buns (brioche or whole wheat)
- Cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, or American)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Your favorite sauce (mayo, mustard, ketchup, or spicy aioli)
Directions
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter.
- Season the turkey: Form ground turkey into loose balls (about 3-4 ounces each). Season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Smash the burgers: Place a turkey ball on the hot skillet and press it down firmly with a spatula (use parchment paper between the spatula and turkey to prevent sticking). Smash until thin and cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy edges form.
- Flip and cook: Flip the patties, add cheese if using, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Toast the buns: Lightly toast the burger buns in the same skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble the burgers: Add sauce to the bottom bun, then layer with lettuce, tomato, pickles, the turkey patty, onions, and any other toppings you like. Finish with the top bun.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 burgers
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Smash Burgers: Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or top with jalapeños.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta, cucumber slices, and tzatziki sauce.
- BBQ Smash Burgers: Brush patties with BBQ sauce while cooking and top with cheddar and crispy onions.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with lettuce wraps instead of buns for a keto-friendly meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well in this recipe and provides a similar texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the turkey from sticking to the pan?
Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan, and lightly oil the surface before cooking.
What fat percentage is best for turkey burgers?
93% lean ground turkey works best—it’s lean but still juicy enough for flavorful burgers.
How do I keep turkey burgers from drying out?
Avoid overcooking, and use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to 165°F (74°C) without going over.
Can I cook these on a grill?
Yes, but it’s harder to smash them directly on the grill grates. Use a griddle attachment or cast-iron pan on the grill for best results.
What’s the best cheese for turkey smash burgers?
Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack all melt beautifully and complement the turkey’s flavor.
Are turkey smash burgers healthier than beef burgers?
Yes, turkey is generally leaner than beef, making these burgers a healthier option while still being flavorful.
Can I season the turkey ahead of time?
Yes, but don’t form the patties too far in advance to prevent them from becoming dense—season just before cooking for best results.
How thin should I smash the burgers?
Smash the turkey patties to about 1/4-inch thick for crispy edges and faster cooking.
What sides go well with turkey smash burgers?
Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, a side salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with these burgers.
Conclusion
These Turkey Smash Burgers are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor—all while being a healthier alternative to traditional burgers. They’re quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for any meal. Serve with your favorite toppings and sides for a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
PrintTurkey Smash Burgers Recipe
These Turkey Smash Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and healthier than your typical beef burger! Made with lean ground turkey and seasoned to perfection, these burgers get crispy edges from the smash technique while staying tender inside. Perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or meal prep—serve with your favorite toppings on a toasted bun for a satisfying bite every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Sandwich
- Method: Pan-Seared, Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) ground turkey (93% lean recommended for juiciness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)
For Serving (Optional):
- 4 burger buns (toasted)
- Sliced cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Pickles
- Your favorite condiments (mayo, ketchup, mustard, or spicy aioli)
Instructions
1. Prepare the turkey patties:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix to keep the burgers tender).
- Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal balls (about 125 g / 4 oz each).
2. Cook the smash burgers:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter.
- Place each turkey ball on the hot skillet and immediately press down using a spatula or burger press until about ½ inch thick.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the patties, add a slice of cheese (if using), and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
3. Toast the buns:
- While the patties cook, toast the burger buns on the skillet until lightly golden.
4. Assemble the burgers:
- Spread your favorite sauce on the toasted buns.
- Add lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired.
- Place the turkey smash patty on top, followed by onions and any additional condiments.
5. Serve:
- Serve hot with crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet or cast iron for the best crispy edges.
- Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the turkey mixture for extra flavor.
- Make it low-carb by serving on lettuce wraps instead of buns.