Can I bake these turkey burgers instead of pan-frying them?

Absolutely! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just make sure they reach 165°F internal temperature before serving.

Can I bake these turkey burgers instead of pan-frying them?

Absolutely! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just make sure they reach 165°F internal temperature before serving.

Why is my turkey burger falling apart?

Turkey burgers can be more delicate than beef burgers. Make sure your spinach isn't too wet (pat it dry after chopping if needed), and consider adding a beaten egg to the mixture as a binder if you're having trouble.

Can I grill these instead of cooking in a skillet?

Yes! Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, being careful when flipping as turkey burgers can be more delicate than beef.

Is there a way to make these dairy-free and gluten-free?

These burgers are naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written! Just be sure to serve them with appropriate buns or wraps if you have dietary restrictions.

Spinach Garlic Turkey Burgers Recipe

Name: Spinach Garlic Turkey Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Burgers:; 2 lbs ground turkey; 1 cup spinach, packed and chopped; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp cumin; 3 tbsp oil, divided

These Spinach Garlic Turkey Burgers are a game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation! Packed with fresh spinach and aromatic garlic, these juicy burgers deliver incredible flavor while keeping things on the healthier side. Ready in just over 20 minutes, they’re perfect for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: From prep to table in about 20 minutes – perfect for those nights when you’re hungry and short on time!
Healthier Option: Turkey is naturally leaner than beef, and we’ve packed these burgers with spinach for an extra nutritional boost without sacrificing flavor.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, cumin, and spinach transforms plain ground turkey into something truly crave-worthy.
Versatile: These burgers work beautifully on a bun, in a lettuce wrap, or even crumbled over a salad for a quick protein addition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Turkey: The lean protein base for our burgers. It absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a lighter alternative to beef.
Spinach: Adds moisture, nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the turkey. Make sure to chop it finely for the best texture.
Garlic: Don’t be shy with the garlic! It’s essential for giving these burgers their signature flavor and helps combat any potential blandness in the turkey.
Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy depth that elevates the entire burger. It’s the secret ingredient that makes people ask for your recipe.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but crucial seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Oil: Some goes into the mixture for moisture, while the rest is used for cooking. This helps prevent the burgers from sticking and adds a nice crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Cheese-Stuffed Version

Form half the amount of turkey mixture around a cube of your favorite cheese for an oozing, molten center when you bite in.

Mediterranean Style

Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and dried oregano to the mixture. Serve with tzatziki instead of traditional condiments.

Spicy Kick

Incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of sriracha into the turkey mixture for heat-seekers.

Herb Garden

Add fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or dill to bring bright, fresh flavors to your burgers.

How to Make Spinach Garlic Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Mix thoroughly but gently – overworking can make the burgers tough.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions and form into patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each with your thumb. This prevents the burgers from puffing up in the middle during cooking.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum flavor and juiciness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Thumb Indent: This simple trick prevents the dreaded “burger dome” and ensures even cooking.
Keep the Mixture Cold: If you have time, chill the formed patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold together better.
Check for Doneness: Turkey must be cooked to 165°F for safety. A meat thermometer is your best friend here.
Cast Iron is Best: If you have one, a cast iron skillet gives the best sear and flavor. If not, any heavy-bottomed pan will work.
Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mix just until combined to keep your burgers tender rather than tough.

How to Serve

These versatile turkey burgers shine with so many different serving options:

Classic Style

Serve on whole grain buns with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a spread of avocado or mustard.

Low-Carb Option

Wrap in large lettuce leaves for a refreshing, lighter meal.

Burger Bowl

Serve over mixed greens with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Family Style

Set up a burger bar with various toppings so everyone can customize their own: grilled onions, different cheeses, avocado slices, and various sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooked burgers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They make excellent quick protein for lunches!

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either raw or cooked:

Raw: Place formed patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Cooked: Wrap individually in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Microwaving works in a pinch but may make them slightly rubbery.

FAQs

Can I bake these turkey burgers instead of pan-frying them?

Absolutely! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just make sure they reach 165°F internal temperature before serving.
Can I bake these turkey burgers instead of pan-frying them?

Absolutely! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just make sure they reach 165°F internal temperature before serving.
Why is my turkey burger falling apart?

Turkey burgers can be more delicate than beef burgers. Make sure your spinach isn’t too wet (pat it dry after chopping if needed), and consider adding a beaten egg to the mixture as a binder if you’re having trouble.
Can I grill these instead of cooking in a skillet?

Yes! Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, being careful when flipping as turkey burgers can be more delicate than beef.
Is there a way to make these dairy-free and gluten-free?

These burgers are naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written! Just be sure to serve them with appropriate buns or wraps if you have dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

These Spinach Garlic Turkey Burgers have become my go-to for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t weigh me down. The fresh spinach and aromatic garlic transform ordinary ground turkey into something truly special, while the hint of cumin adds that perfect touch of warmth. Whether you’re trying to eat a bit healthier or just looking for a delicious change from beef burgers, give these a try – I guarantee they’ll earn a spot in your regular meal rotation!