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    Home » Meal » Dinner

    Published: Feb 27, 2023 · Modified: Mar 10, 2023 by Genevieve · This post may contain affiliate links.

    The Best Turkey Smash Burgers

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    A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board with the words Turkey Smash Burgers and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board with the words Turkey Smash Burgers and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board with the words Turkey Smash Burgers and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board with the words Turkey Smash Burgers and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board with the words Turkey Smash Burgers and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board with the words Turkey Smash Burgers and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
    A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board with the words Turkey Smash Burgers and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.

    This delicious turkey smash burgers recipe is the best I've ever tasted. Turkey patties are smashed onto a hot cast iron skillet to produce a caramelized exterior that's crisp, savory, and delicious. Serve on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings and condiments!

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    A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.

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    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Dish
    • What You'll Need for Turkey Smash Burgers
    • Toppings for Turkey Burgers
    • Recommended Equipment
    • How to Make Homemade Turkey Smash Burgers
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • How to Store
    • FAQ
    • How to Serve
    • Expert Tips
    • Other Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love This Dish

    This is seriously the best turkey burger recipe I've ever tried.

    Turkey burgers have a tendency to be dry and a bit bland, but with the addition of grated onion and Worcestershire sauce, these turkey burgers are moist with a lightly caramelized and crisp exterior.

    Turkey burgers are a great recipe when you're looking for something lighter than beef burgers. Plus, because they're not cooked on the grill, you can make them any time of year. 

    They're also quick and easy, only cooking for a few minutes on each side. Finally, you can make turkey smash burgers in advance and use them for meal prep throughout the week!

    The labeled ingredients for turkey smash burgers on a white marble counter.

    What You'll Need for Turkey Smash Burgers

    Two Cloves Kitchen, as an Amazon Affiliate, makes a small percentage from qualified sales made through affiliate links at no cost to you.

    • Ground Turkey I have tested this recipe with both 85/15 and 90/10 blends, and both work well.
    • Onion This will be grated. Yellow, sweet, red, or white onion will work well here.
    • Worcestershire Sauce This is key to the browning on the exterior of the burger, so don't leave it out!
    • Kosher Salt My preferred brand is always Diamond Crystal. 
    • Black Pepper Fresh black pepper is a great addition to the burger.
    • Neutral Oil Like grapeseed oil or avocado oil. 
    • Hamburger Buns
    Labeled toppings for turkey smash burgers on a white marble counter.

    Toppings for Turkey Burgers

    • Lettuce
    • Tomato
    • Onion
    • Mustard
    • Ketchup
    • Mayo
    • Cheese

    You can also add whatever other toppings you may like - pickles, avocado, and kimchi are some of our favorites.

    Recommended Equipment

    Cast Iron Skillet or Stainless Steel Pan (you can also use a griddle pan)

    Kitchen Knife

    Cutting Boards

    Mixing Bowls

    Spatula

    How to Make Homemade Turkey Smash Burgers

    A red onion is grated on a box grater.

    Step One Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Grate half of a medium onion using the smallest holes of a box grater.

    Grated onion in a measuring spoon.

    Step Two Measure two tablespoons of the grated onion, leaving behind any liquid.

    ground turkey, salt, pepper, grated onion, and Worcestershire in a stainless steel bowl with a fork.

    Step Three Add the ground turkey, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, salt and pepper to a bowl.

    ground turkey, salt, pepper, grated onion, and Worcestershire are mixed in a stainless steel bowl.

    Step Four: Mix the burger mixture well, trying not to overwork the turkey meat.

    turkey smash burger meat is rolled into four equal balls.

    Step Five Divide the turkey into four equal portions.

    turkey burger patty is smashed with a black spatula in a cast iron pan.

    Step Six Add the burgers to the cast iron skillet. As soon as they hit the pan, smash turkey burgers flat using the back of a spatula.

    Turkey burger cooking in a cast iron pan.

    Step Seven Cook for about 4 minutes per side.

    two halves of a hamburger bun toast next to a turkey burger in a cast iron pan.

    Step Eight Toast the buns.

    Cheese is melted on a turkey smash burger.

    Step Nine If adding cheese, add it in the last two minutes of cooking.

    A cooked turkey smash burger with melted cheese is held on a black spatula.

    Step Ten Remove the finished burgers from the pan, measuring with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Building a turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board.

    Step Eleven Build your burgers, adding your preferred toppings and condiments.

    A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.

    Step Twelve Serve right away!

    Variations & Substitutions

    • Add a tablespoon of ketchup to your turkey burger meat for added sweetness.
    • Make a traditional turkey burger by forming patties and adding them to the pan without smashing them.
    • You can make a classic smash burger by swapping the ground turkey for ground beef.
    • If making this turkey smash burger recipe on a grill, don't smash the burgers. You can use the same cook time.

    How to Store

    Fridge You can refrigerate leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container 3 to 4 days. Be sure to store the buns and burgers separately.

    Freezer You can freeze cooked turkey burgers if needed, but they may become overcooked or dry in the process of thawing and reheating. I recommend freezing turkey burger patties raw instead.

    Reheat the patties from the fridge in the microwave or in a pan with a bit of oil.

    FAQ

    Do you have to flip turkey burgers?

    Yes! You'll want both sides of the turkey burgers to be cooked for the same amount of time. This will create the nice caramelization and lightly crispy exterior that makes these the best turkey smash burgers.

    What can I add to ground turkey to keep it moist?

    There are a few things you can add to ground turkey to keep it moist. I recommend using a combination of Worcestershire sauce and grated onion. You can also use ketchup.

    Can turkey burgers be a little raw?

    Unfortunately no. Turkey needs to be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety reasons. Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the temperature of your turkey burgers before serving.

    How to Serve

    Try these fantastic turkey burger toppings:

    Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

    Spicy Pickled Onions

    Chipotle Southwest Sauce

    Pineapple Habanero Sauce

    Expert Tips

    • Make sure your cast iron skillet is super hot before cooking your turkey smash burger. You can also use a stainless steel skillet if you do not have a cast iron available.
    • Work in 2 batches if needed, only cooking as many patties at a time as will fit in the pan without crowding.
    • To taste for seasoning, cook a tiny bit of the uncooked turkey in the skillet. Taste this piece for seasoning and add more salt if needed before cooking all of the burgers.
    • To prevent the burgers from sticking to the spatula, you can put a bit of fat on the spatula itself, like a bit of oil or non-stick cooking spray.

    Other Recipes You'll Love

    Looking for sides to have with your turkey burgers? Try these recipes!

    Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

    Spicy Roasted Vegetables

    Mixed Pickles

    Arugula Caprese Salad

    Orzo Pesto Salad

    📖 Recipe

    A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.

    The Best Turkey Smash Burgers

    This delicious turkey smash burgers recipe is the best I've ever tasted. Turkey patties are smashed onto a hot cast iron skillet to produce a caramelized exterior that's crisp, savory, and delicious. Serve on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings and condiments!
    5 from 163 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 18 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 burgers
    Calories: 423kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Kitchen Knife
    • Large Cast Iron Skillet or Stainless Steel Pan
    • Spatula
    • Meat Thermometer

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons neutral oil like grapeseed or avocado oil
    • 1 pound lean ground turkey
    • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
    • ½ onion
    • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
    • fresh black pepper
    • 4 hamburger buns

    Optional Toppings

    • American cheese
    • lettuce
    • tomato
    • onion
    • ketchup
    • mustard
    • mayonnaise

    Instructions

    • Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Grate half of a medium onion using the smallest holes of a box grater.
    • Measure two tablespoons of the grated onion, leaving behind any liquid.
    • Add the ground turkey, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, salt and pepper to a bowl.
    • Mix the burger mixture well, trying not to overwork the turkey meat.
    • Divide the turkey into four equally portioned balls.
    • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add a bit of oil and add the burgers. As soon as they hit the pan, smash the burgers flat using the back of a spatula.
    • Cook for about 4 minutes per side. Flip the burgers halfway through.
    • Meanwhile, toast the buns.
    • If adding cheese, add it the last two minutes of cooking.
    • Remove the finished burgers from the pan, measuring with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Build your burgers, adding your preferred toppings and condiments. Serve right away.

    Notes

    General
    1. Estimated calories are for one burger and bun with no toppings. 
    2. Work in two batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan. 
    3. To taste for seasoning, cook a tiny bit of the uncooked turkey in the skillet. Taste this piece for seasoning and add more salt if needed before cooking all of the burgers.
    4. To prevent the burgers from sticking to the spatula, you can put a bit of fat on the spatula itself, like a bit of oil or non-stick cooking spray.
    Storage & Reheating
    1. Fridge You can refrigerate leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container 3 to 4 days. Be sure to store the buns and burgers separately.
    2. Freezer You can freeze cooked turkey burgers if needed, but they may become overcooked or dry in the process of thawing and reheating. I recommend freezing turkey burger patties raw instead.
    3. Reheat burgers from a pan into the microwave or in a pan with a bit of oil.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 963mg | Potassium: 475mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 3mg

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    Comments

    1. Mrs. Burke says

      February 21, 2025 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      We made these delicious smash turkey burgers tonight for dinner. The flavor was amazing utilizing such simple ingredients. We will be definitely adding them to the dinner rotation. Thank you for sharing! 😊

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        February 24, 2025 at 9:52 am

        Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    2. Di says

      May 18, 2024 at 10:47 am

      5 stars
      Wonderful burgers - I love the crispy edges!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        May 21, 2024 at 10:45 am

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    3. Lirio says

      October 10, 2023 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      The turkey smash burgers are absolutely delectable! I'm amazed by the rich, savory flavor that tantalizes my taste buds. What's even better is that my kids loved it! I would highly recommend giving this recipe a try!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        October 11, 2023 at 2:28 pm

        Thank you so much, Lirio!

        Reply
    4. Isabelle says

      October 10, 2023 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      BEST turkey smash burgers EVER! It was so easy to make and super tasty! I followed the recipe as it and it was perfectly seasoned!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        October 11, 2023 at 2:28 pm

        Thanks so much, Isabelle!

        Reply
    5. Shiela says

      October 10, 2023 at 1:15 pm

      5 stars
      These turkey smash burgers are so juicy and flavorful. My entire family loved it!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        April 23, 2025 at 1:19 pm

        Glad you enjoyed them, Sheila!

        Reply
    6. Kara says

      October 10, 2023 at 12:41 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good smash burger and these did not disappoint! They were packed with flavor and everyone (including the beef lovers) loved them.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        October 11, 2023 at 2:29 pm

        Oh yay! Always good to convert a traditional burger fan. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    7. Jackie says

      October 10, 2023 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      Yum! These turkey burgers were so good! My kids are already asking when I will be making them again! Thanks for this delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        October 11, 2023 at 2:29 pm

        That's a win for sure! Thanks Jackie.

        Reply
    8. Ella says

      October 10, 2023 at 9:17 am

      5 stars
      Ooh, I loved these turkey smash burgers. Turkey feels so much healthier, lighter (and it helps that it's low calorie too!) It's therefore great to find a burger recipe using it, that really works. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        October 11, 2023 at 2:29 pm

        Thanks so much, Ella!

        Reply
    9. Sherry says

      July 20, 2023 at 7:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is my first time cooking from your blog. If all your recipes are this good, you'll quickly become my favorite blogger! Thank you for this absolutely delicious, healthy and super easy dinner. We all loved it! Even my picky, won't-eat-onions son gobbled them up (great idea to grate the onion).

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        July 22, 2023 at 11:12 am

        This is such a wonderful compliment, Sherry! Thank you so much! I'm glad to hear your family enjoyed this recipe. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Rebecca says

      June 20, 2023 at 8:33 am

      5 stars
      This is my new favorite way to make smash burgers! My whole family loves them more than ground beef burgers. Thank you for a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        June 26, 2023 at 1:59 pm

        Yay! I'm so happy to hear it, Rebecca!

        Reply
    11. Sharina says

      May 27, 2023 at 6:49 am

      5 stars
      Everyone was pleased with these turkey smash burgers! Perfectly seasoned (I added a tablespoon of ketchup) and incredibly delicious!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        June 01, 2023 at 3:00 pm

        Yay! Thanks, Sharina!

        Reply
    12. Claire says

      May 26, 2023 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      We made these burgers last night for a cook out on our flat BBQ griddle and they were amazing!!!
      So much flavor. I think I put a bit more onion in that you suggested as I didn't really measure it just eyeballed it. But they were still delicious and really moist I think because of the onion and the quick cook.
      We served them with some aioli and salad and they were a hit!
      THANK YOU

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        June 01, 2023 at 2:58 pm

        Thank you so much, Claire. Very glad to hear you enjoyed these!

        Reply
      • Fiona T. says

        October 20, 2023 at 8:11 pm

        5 stars
        I agree with Claire! These burgers were abosolutely amazing! They were so moist from the inside, while the outside was so crispy. They were a huge hit at my weekend football party. Will definitely make them again.

        Reply
        • Genevieve says

          October 22, 2023 at 12:35 pm

          Thank you so much, Fiona!

          Reply
    13. jennifer says

      May 26, 2023 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      We made these tonight for hamburger day!! So delicious! Thanks for all the tips~

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        June 01, 2023 at 3:00 pm

        Ooh, I want to have hamburger day! Thanks so much, Jennifer.

        Reply
    14. Janice says

      May 26, 2023 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      I recently made these turkey smash burgers, and the result is perfection! I love how tender and flavorful this is! I would definitely make more this weekend!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        June 01, 2023 at 3:00 pm

        Thanks so much, Janice!

        Reply
    15. Addison says

      February 28, 2023 at 9:58 am

      5 stars
      Ground turkey is my favorite so I absolutely loved these smash burgers! They had such a great onion flavor too!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        April 23, 2025 at 1:20 pm

        Thanks, Addison!

        Reply
    16. Kris says

      February 28, 2023 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      Wow were these good! Came out so tender, too. 🙂

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        March 05, 2023 at 5:11 pm

        I'm so happy you enjoyed them, Kris!

        Reply
    17. Sarita says

      February 28, 2023 at 7:07 am

      5 stars
      This was so good that even my meat-and-potatoes-only husband asked me to make it again!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        March 05, 2023 at 5:17 pm

        Haha, that's a victory for sure! Thank you Sarita!

        Reply
    18. Gina says

      February 28, 2023 at 4:23 am

      5 stars
      Love a good smash burger! Using turkey was a fun change rather than beef and of course, all the toppings made the meal.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        March 05, 2023 at 5:12 pm

        Yay! So glad you enjoyed, Gina.

        Reply
    19. Shilpa says

      February 28, 2023 at 2:32 am

      5 stars
      I love recipes that are easy to make, yet unique and delicious- this turkey burger is just that! Perfectly cooked patties and the toppings were just right.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        March 05, 2023 at 5:12 pm

        That's such a lovely compliment - thank you, Shilpa!

        Reply
    5 from 163 votes (143 ratings without comment)

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