Turkey Burgers

  When I was making the Turkey Veggie Meatballs in my last post, all I could think about was how good they would be as hamburgers, especially if I added a couple more vegetables.  So that’s just what I did here!  This is the same recipe with zucchini and red peppers added.  For fun, I also roasted some red pepper rings for a topping and that really enhanced the flavours as well.

Turkey Veggie Burgers

I’m not sure why I’m craving burgers so much lately, probably because I’m longing for grilling season.  You don’t have to use a bun if you’re watching calories, or you can use half a bun.  It’s nice on a bed of spinach, too, or with a side of roasted veggies.

I love that by adding the veggies, you are stretching out your pound of turkey to make 6 burgers.  Put a couple in the freezer if they are leftover and they’re perfect for lunch on a school holiday like today.

Turkey Veggie Burgers

Although turkey burgers have become quite popular in restaurants lately, I would caution about ordering them because they seldom use extra lean ground turkey and are usually loaded with all kinds of calorie laden toppings.  I was reading the other day that the Cheesecake Factory’s Grilled Turkey Burger has 1,331 calories, 31 grams of saturated fat, and 1,674 mg. of sodium!  According to Men`s Health, that`s equivalent to 4 Wendy`s Double Stack Burgers! Yikes!

Next, I will be trying to infuse some more spring flavours into our healthy comfort foods because it looks like winter is not over yet – but I am determined to help it on it’s way out!

Have a great day, everyone.  To those Canadian readers, enjoy Family Day!

Turkey Veggie Burgers

 

Turkey Burgers
Author: Robyn @ simplyfreshdinners.com
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4=6
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. extra lean ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup panko
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1/4 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 zucchini, diced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into rings if desired for garnish.
Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Don’t overwork it – just combine enough to have it well mixed.
  2. Form 4-6 round patties. Cook on med-high heat until done. If unsure, insert a thermometer – 165 F is the temp. you are aiming for.
  3. For roasted red pepper rings, seed and slice red pepper, spritz with olive oil and bake at 425 for 20 minutes.

 

45 Comments

  • Reply
    Anita Rivera
    February 17, 2014 at 9:53 am

    Panko? I have never heard of this! I now must research this, Robyn! Last night I made a turkey roast. I marinated it in vinegar, olive oil and lots of garlic and onion and spices. YOWSA!

    I will try these especially on the grill when it stops snowing here! Much love, Anita

    • Reply
      Robyn
      February 17, 2014 at 12:11 pm

      HI Anita. Panko is a Japanese breadcrumb that they make without the crusts. It is ground into airy, large flakes that gives the food a crunchy, lighter coating. The flakes will stay crisper longer because they don’t absorb as much grease.
      I’ve never tried a vinegar marinade but I bet it was delicious. You’ve GOT to start sharing your recipes with me!!
      Have a wonderful day, sweet lady. xoox

  • Reply
    Linda
    February 17, 2014 at 11:00 am

    I love ground turkey and I use it to make my meatloaf. I must say you added lots of veggies in there too. Looking good! Love you girlfriend…..Linda

  • Reply
    Robyn
    February 17, 2014 at 12:14 pm

    Isn’t it just the best, Linda?! I really did add a lot of veggies, lol. I liked the result too. Thanks for visiting this morning. I’m off to check out your fabulous Valentine’s party and for anyone else who would love to see the way our stylish Linda entertains, check out her blog at http://www.lifeandlinda.com/

    Hope your having a fabulous day. Love you, too!

  • Reply
    cheri
    February 18, 2014 at 8:44 am

    1300 calories for a turkey burger is outrageous, making your own is the best way to go, especially if you make them like this. Great recipe. Thanks!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      February 18, 2014 at 11:50 am

      I agree, Cheri, I was shocked. Thanks for your kind words. Have a great day!

  • Reply
    Nina
    February 18, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    They look fantastic, my dear!
    Today I’m about to cook those lovely turkey meatballs of yours!
    Beijinhos

  • Reply
    Robyn
    February 18, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    Oh please let me know how they turn out for you, Nina! I’m thrilled that you’re trying them. I’m hooked on them, lol. Have made them twice more since the first time. Have a great day! Beijinhos

  • Reply
    threekidsandafish
    February 18, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    This burger looks delicious! Tasty, juicy and I love the roasted pepper..genius! Checking this out from the link party the view from 510!
    Cathy

    • Reply
      Robyn
      February 19, 2014 at 3:49 pm

      Thanks so much, Cathy! I think that ground turkey sometimes needs that little extra oomph to make it a special burger and the roasted peppers seemed to do the trick. Have a great day.

  • Reply
    Mindy
    February 18, 2014 at 7:58 pm

    I love that you added zucchini. I am always looking for ways to use it and love that it can be a filler. I agree with Cathy above – the addition of roasted red pepper is genius!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      February 19, 2014 at 3:51 pm

      I thought that I should have squeezed the water from the zucchini first, Mindy, but I got lazy, lol. It actually made the burger more moist so I was glad I didn’t. So happy that we’re going to be collaborating on the garden series!

  • Reply
    SwedishCornerDownUnder... Pernilla
    February 19, 2014 at 5:20 am

    Wow, the burger looks delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Hugs from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

    • Reply
      Robyn
      February 19, 2014 at 3:52 pm

      Thanks so much, Pernilla. So nice to have an Australian visitor! I’m off to visit your blog. 🙂

  • Reply
    Becca
    February 19, 2014 at 11:57 am

    Mmm. Going to pin this! I recently purchased some ground turkey and made some meatballs. I may have to try these too!

  • Reply
    Robyn
    February 19, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    Thanks for the pinnage, Becca! I’m hooked on meatballs, lol. Going to have to stay away from them for awhile! Have a great day.

  • Reply
    Abbe @ Abbe's Cooking Antics
    February 20, 2014 at 8:39 am

    Goodness – I think I’m in love! Another ground turkey recipe for me to try (honestly can’t find that many that I want to have a shot at) – I love the use of fresh vegetables within and without and the warning concerning ordering a turkey burger at a restaurant is duly noted. It’s only a good idea in theory 😉 I don’t think you can beat home made, especially when it comes to knowing what you’re putting in your face.

    • Reply
      Robyn
      February 20, 2014 at 10:42 am

      LOL, you are too sweet, Abbe! I’m with you on the homemade thing. Every time I’m in a restaurant, all I’m thinking is that I could make this better and cheaper at home, lol. Good to have you back!

  • Reply
    GiGi Eats Celebrities
    February 20, 2014 at 5:06 pm

    OMG I am making such a mess over here from my drool! I ADORE turkey burgers. I need to make them far more often than I do, that’s for sure!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      February 21, 2014 at 9:24 pm

      I`ve come to love them too, Gigi, and I`m always trying to create new ways to make them. Next – Mexican Turkey Burger – what do you think! lol

      • Reply
        GiGi Eats Celebrities
        February 21, 2014 at 10:06 pm

        LOVE that idea! I like Med. Burgers – Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and maybe some diced Eggplant or chopped Spinach! 🙂

        ORRR you could mix turkey meat with roasted butternut squash and cinnamon – making them a little sweet but AMAZING!

        • Reply
          Robyn
          February 21, 2014 at 11:07 pm

          Ohhh, I love the way you think! The possibilities are endless really. Maybe we should run a turkey burger contest!

  • Reply
    Meredith@A TIPical Day
    February 21, 2014 at 9:20 am

    I am longing for grilling season as well. 🙂 These look really yummy!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      February 21, 2014 at 9:17 pm

      Thanks, so much, Meredith, and thank you for stopping by. Off to visit your blog. 🙂

  • Reply
    Bam's Kitchen
    February 23, 2014 at 12:34 am

    I’m coming to your house for dinner. This looks like one awesome grilled turkey veggie burger. Wow I cannot believe that a turkey burger out in a restaurant has those many calories, Yikes! Glad we can make your recipe instead. I just pinned this recipe!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      February 24, 2014 at 5:32 pm

      Come on over, BAM. I would love to spend time in the kitchen learning from you! How fun would that be?
      Thanks for the pinnage!

      • Reply
        Bam's Kitchen
        February 24, 2014 at 7:47 pm

        Only if you share with me your fantastic photography tips and skills. You take amazing photos!

        • Reply
          Robyn
          February 25, 2014 at 10:00 am

          Ok, but you’re getting the short end of the stick! Most of my photos are pure luck, lol.

  • Reply
    CJ Huang
    February 24, 2014 at 8:08 am

    You’re making me hungry again! I bet those veggies add a bunch of extra flavor, and the roasted peppers too. Stop by and share at Five Friday Finds! http://morselsoflife.com/five-friday-finds-125.html

  • Reply
    Antionette Blake
    February 24, 2014 at 4:35 pm

    Hubby just purchase a Turkey Burger from a shop that cost more than 2 lbs of fresh ground turkey – can you say ripoff! Thanks for sharing this recipe and linking up again with us at the #WWDParty. Have a wonderful week.

    • Reply
      Robyn
      February 24, 2014 at 5:33 pm

      Whoa! I hope the taste was worth it, lol. I always enjoying linking up with you, Antionette. Thanks for the visit.

  • Reply
    Gaye
    February 24, 2014 at 10:36 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing with the Let’s Get Real hop. We hope you’ll join us again this week.

  • Reply
    Marla
    February 26, 2014 at 9:02 am

    Hi Robyn,
    Great healthy recipe. I use ground turkey quite a bit in cooking and really like it. I also have never heard of panko before. Thanks for sharing your recipe on Real Food Fridays. I liked it so much I am going to feature it on this week. Have a wonderful healthy day and please come back to Real Food Friday and continue to share with us. Marla @ http://www.organic4greenlivings.com

    • Reply
      Robyn
      February 26, 2014 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks so much, Marla. Always love hooking up with you girls who promote healthy foods! Hope your week is going well.

  • Reply
    Nicky
    February 27, 2014 at 5:25 pm

    I like to use panko too. It has a great texture. This burger looks delicious. I’m amazing that the Cheesecake Factory Turkey burger is that unhealthy.

    I’m stopping by from the Let’s Get Real Friday link party. Thanks so much for joining us and sharing this recipe. I hope you’ll join us again tomorrow.

  • Reply
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  • Reply
    dadriscoll
    February 28, 2014 at 9:48 am

    These look wonderful. They also look like they’d be a very satisfying burger 🙂

  • Reply
    Al
    March 1, 2014 at 10:17 am

    These sound delicious and easy to make gluten free. All I have to do is sub some panko-style crumbs. I’m pinning the recipe so I can try it.

    • Reply
      Robyn
      March 1, 2014 at 3:51 pm

      Thanks, Al. I was really happy with the final taste. Thanks for the visit and the pin! Have a great weekend.

  • Reply
    ctrochelman
    March 1, 2014 at 3:11 pm

    I am definitely longing for grilling season! These burgers look so delicious…now you have me craving them! Thanks so much for sharing at SNF!!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      March 1, 2014 at 3:52 pm

      Hi Cathy,
      I think we’re all in dire need of some warmer weather! Thanks for your kind words and visit!

  • Reply
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