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.
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.
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!
- 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.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Don’t overwork it – just combine enough to have it well mixed.
- 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.
- For roasted red pepper rings, seed and slice red pepper, spritz with olive oil and bake at 425 for 20 minutes.
45 Comments
Anita Rivera
February 17, 2014 at 9:53 amPanko? 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
Robyn
February 17, 2014 at 12:11 pmHI 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
Linda
February 17, 2014 at 11:00 amI 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
Robyn
February 17, 2014 at 12:14 pmIsn’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!
cheri
February 18, 2014 at 8:44 am1300 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!
Robyn
February 18, 2014 at 11:50 amI agree, Cheri, I was shocked. Thanks for your kind words. Have a great day!
Nina
February 18, 2014 at 12:17 pmThey look fantastic, my dear!
Today I’m about to cook those lovely turkey meatballs of yours!
Beijinhos
Robyn
February 18, 2014 at 12:21 pmOh 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
threekidsandafish
February 18, 2014 at 1:17 pmThis burger looks delicious! Tasty, juicy and I love the roasted pepper..genius! Checking this out from the link party the view from 510!
Cathy
Robyn
February 19, 2014 at 3:49 pmThanks 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.
Mindy
February 18, 2014 at 7:58 pmI 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!
Robyn
February 19, 2014 at 3:51 pmI 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!
SwedishCornerDownUnder... Pernilla
February 19, 2014 at 5:20 amWow, the burger looks delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Hugs from Australia♥ ~Pernilla
Robyn
February 19, 2014 at 3:52 pmThanks so much, Pernilla. So nice to have an Australian visitor! I’m off to visit your blog. 🙂
Becca
February 19, 2014 at 11:57 amMmm. Going to pin this! I recently purchased some ground turkey and made some meatballs. I may have to try these too!
Robyn
February 19, 2014 at 3:53 pmThanks for the pinnage, Becca! I’m hooked on meatballs, lol. Going to have to stay away from them for awhile! Have a great day.
Abbe @ Abbe's Cooking Antics
February 20, 2014 at 8:39 amGoodness – 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.
Robyn
February 20, 2014 at 10:42 amLOL, 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!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
February 20, 2014 at 5:06 pmOMG 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!
Robyn
February 21, 2014 at 9:24 pmI`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
GiGi Eats Celebrities
February 21, 2014 at 10:06 pmLOVE 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!
Robyn
February 21, 2014 at 11:07 pmOhhh, I love the way you think! The possibilities are endless really. Maybe we should run a turkey burger contest!
Meredith@A TIPical Day
February 21, 2014 at 9:20 amI am longing for grilling season as well. 🙂 These look really yummy!
Robyn
February 21, 2014 at 9:17 pmThanks, so much, Meredith, and thank you for stopping by. Off to visit your blog. 🙂
Bam's Kitchen
February 23, 2014 at 12:34 amI’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!
Robyn
February 24, 2014 at 5:32 pmCome on over, BAM. I would love to spend time in the kitchen learning from you! How fun would that be?
Thanks for the pinnage!
Bam's Kitchen
February 24, 2014 at 7:47 pmOnly if you share with me your fantastic photography tips and skills. You take amazing photos!
Robyn
February 25, 2014 at 10:00 amOk, but you’re getting the short end of the stick! Most of my photos are pure luck, lol.
CJ Huang
February 24, 2014 at 8:08 amYou’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
Antionette Blake
February 24, 2014 at 4:35 pmHubby 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.
Robyn
February 24, 2014 at 5:33 pmWhoa! I hope the taste was worth it, lol. I always enjoying linking up with you, Antionette. Thanks for the visit.
Gaye
February 24, 2014 at 10:36 pmThanks so much for sharing with the Let’s Get Real hop. We hope you’ll join us again this week.
Marla
February 26, 2014 at 9:02 amHi 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
Robyn
February 26, 2014 at 12:29 pmThanks so much, Marla. Always love hooking up with you girls who promote healthy foods! Hope your week is going well.
Nicky
February 27, 2014 at 5:25 pmI 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.
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dadriscoll
February 28, 2014 at 9:48 amThese look wonderful. They also look like they’d be a very satisfying burger 🙂
Al
March 1, 2014 at 10:17 amThese 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.
Robyn
March 1, 2014 at 3:51 pmThanks, Al. I was really happy with the final taste. Thanks for the visit and the pin! Have a great weekend.
ctrochelman
March 1, 2014 at 3:11 pmI am definitely longing for grilling season! These burgers look so delicious…now you have me craving them! Thanks so much for sharing at SNF!!
Robyn
March 1, 2014 at 3:52 pmHi Cathy,
I think we’re all in dire need of some warmer weather! Thanks for your kind words and visit!
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