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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper - 1/4 cup diced onion - 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat, if desired) - 2 cloves garlic, minced For the Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers, we use simple, fresh ingredients. Ground turkey gives us a lean protein base. Whole-wheat breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and add texture. Diced vegetables, like red bell pepper and onion, bring color and flavor. Finely chopped jalapeño adds the spice. Finally, minced garlic enhances the overall flavor of the burgers. - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste Spices are key to great taste. Cumin adds earthiness. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smoke and depth. Chili powder adds heat and flavor. Salt and pepper are essential to bring everything together. These spices elevate the burger to new levels. - Sliced avocado - Pepper jack cheese - Salsa - Shredded lettuce Toppings make each burger unique. Sliced avocado provides creaminess. Pepper jack cheese melts beautifully on top. Salsa adds freshness and a zesty kick. Shredded lettuce gives a nice crunch. You can mix and match these toppings for your perfect bite. Serve your burgers on whole-wheat buns for added flavor and nutrition. Enjoy this meal with a side of mixed greens or sweet potato fries for a well-rounded feast. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with a large bowl. Add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, diced red bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Then, sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the lime juice and add the chopped cilantro. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix. If you mix too much, the burgers can become tough. You want a soft, tender burger. Just combine everything until you don’t see any dry spots. Now, divide the mixture into four equal parts. You want each patty to be the same size for even cooking. Roll each part into a ball, then flatten it to make a patty. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly and avoids puffing up while cooking. You can cook these burgers on a grill or a skillet. If you use a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and brush it with a little oil. For a skillet, heat it on the stove over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side. They should reach a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you like cheese, place a slice of pepper jack on top in the last minute of cooking. To finish, toast the whole wheat buns on the grill or in a toaster. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful burgers! To keep your turkey burgers juicy, do not overmix the meat. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. This helps keep the burgers tender. After shaping them, check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures your burgers are safe to eat. Want to add more kick? Try adding extra spices like cayenne pepper or chipotle powder. You can also marinate the turkey mixture with lime juice for an hour before cooking. This adds depth to the flavor and makes the burgers even tastier. For a vibrant look, garnish your burgers with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. This not only adds color but enhances the taste. Serve with sides like mixed greens or sweet potato fries. These pair well with the spicy flavors of the turkey burgers. Pro Tips Keep It Tender: Gently mix the ingredients to avoid overworking the turkey, which can make the burgers tough. Cooking Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey burgers reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Flavor Boost: Experiment with different spices such as coriander or cayenne for an extra kick of flavor. Perfect Patties: Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in your turkey burger. Ground chicken works well. It has a similar texture and taste. You can also use ground beef for a richer flavor. If you want a plant-based choice, try a vegetarian burger. Look for beans or lentils as the main ingredient. These options pack protein and flavor. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They will still give your burgers a nice texture. For those who avoid dairy, there are many dairy-free cheese options. Look for nut-based or soy cheeses. They melt well and add creaminess without dairy. Add southwestern elements to your burgers for a fun twist. Corn adds sweetness and crunch. You can mix it right into the patty. Different spice blends can also change the flavor. Try adding chili flakes or cayenne for more heat. Each variation gives you a new taste adventure while keeping it delicious. To keep your spicy southwest turkey burgers fresh, refrigerate them right away. Place them in an airtight container. They will last for about three to four days in the fridge. If you want to store them for a longer time, freezing is a great option. Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay good for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few great ways to reheat your burgers. The oven works well for reheating. Preheat it to 350°F and place the burgers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the burgers a bit soggy. To keep the flavor and texture, try reheating them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side. Keeping your fresh ingredients is key to great burgers. For chopped veggies, store them in a sealed container in the fridge. This helps maintain their crunch and flavor. For spices and breadcrumbs, keep them in a cool, dry place. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh longer. This way, you can always have the best flavors ready for your next cooking adventure! You can check if turkey burgers are done by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a burger. The meat should be white and no longer pink. Always check the thickest part of the patty. Yes, you can prepare the burger mixture ahead of time. Mix all the ingredients and cover it. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This saves time when you are ready to cook. Just shape and cook them when you’re ready. A few great side dishes include: - Sweet potato fries - Mixed greens salad - Corn on the cob - Coleslaw - Grilled vegetables These sides complement the spicy flavor of the burgers well. You can also serve them with some salsa for an extra kick. In this post, we explored making spicy Southwest turkey burgers. We discussed key ingredients like ground turkey, fresh veggies, and flavorful spices. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare and cook the perfect burger. We covered tips to keep them tender and variations to suit your taste. Don't forget about storage and reheating methods to enjoy leftovers. These burgers are not just tasty; they are easy to make. Try them today for a delicious meal that satisfies!

Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers

Delicious and spicy turkey burgers with a Southwest twist, perfect for grilling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwestern
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole-wheat)
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1 jalapeño finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
  • optional sliced avocado
  • optional pepper jack cheese
  • optional salsa
  • optional shredded lettuce

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, diced red bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, and cilantro. Mix gently until just combined - avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
  • Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
  • Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates.
  • Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If desired, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking to melt.
  • Toast the whole wheat hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
  • Assemble the burgers by placing each patty on a bun and adding your choice of toppings such as sliced avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges and cilantro for garnish. Great with mixed greens or sweet potato fries.
Keyword grilling, Southwest, spicy, turkey burgers