Ina Garten’s turkey burger recipe was born out of her desire to create a lighter alternative to the traditional beef burger, without losing the richness and depth of flavor. Many turkey burgers tend to be dry and bland due to the lean nature of ground turkey, but Ina’s recipe ensures a juicy and well-seasoned patty.
She carefully balances moisture-rich ingredients like grated onions and Worcestershire sauce, which not only enhance the burger’s taste but also prevent it from becoming dry. The addition of ketchup provides a subtle sweetness, while fresh black pepper and salt bring out the natural flavors of the turkey.
Ina’s cooking philosophy revolves around simplicity and elegance, and this recipe perfectly embodies that approach. It’s easy to make yet feels elevated—a burger that you can enjoy on a casual weeknight or serve at a summer barbecue with confidence.
Ingredients
- Ground Turkey
- Onion
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Ketchup
- Salt
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Canola Oil
- Hamburger Buns
How To Make Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe
Prepare the Turkey Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense burger.
Form the Patties:
Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
With damp hands, shape each portion into a patty approximately ½-inch thick.
Tip: Making a slight indentation in the center of each patty can help them cook evenly and prevent puffing up during cooking.
Cook the Patties:
Heat the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is shimmering, place the patties in the skillet.
Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the patties are no longer pink in the center.
Note: Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the patties and the heat level.
Prepare the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a separate skillet or toaster.
Toasting adds texture and helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
Assemble the Burgers:
Place each cooked patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
Add desired toppings such as sliced tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles, and red pepper.
Spread condiments like ketchup and mustard on the top bun, then place it over the assembled ingredients.
Serve:
Serve the turkey burgers immediately while warm.
Pair with sides like sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Additional Tips:
Moisture Maintenance: Since ground turkey is lean, incorporating ingredients like grated onion and ketchup helps retain moisture.
Handling the Meat: Avoid overmixing and overhandling the meat mixture to ensure the burgers remain tender.
Cooking Method: While pan-frying is convenient, these patties can also be grilled. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook as directed above.
Variations and Add-ins
One of the best things about turkey burgers is their versatility. You can easily customize the basic recipe to suit different tastes by adding extra ingredients or tweaking the flavors. Here are some creative variations you can try:
Cheese-Stuffed Turkey Burgers: For a rich and indulgent twist, place a small cube of your favorite cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack) in the center of each patty before sealing it. As the burger cooks, the cheese melts inside, creating a deliciously gooey center.
Spicy Turkey Burgers: If you enjoy a little heat, add finely chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. This will give the burger a bold and spicy flavor.
Herb-Infused Burgers: Fresh herbs can elevate the taste of your turkey burger. Try mixing in chopped basil, cilantro, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic and fresh flavor.
Mediterranean-Style Burgers: Add crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano to the turkey mixture for a Greek-inspired twist. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
BBQ Turkey Burgers: Mix in a tablespoon of barbecue sauce into the ground turkey and top the cooked burger with caramelized onions and crispy bacon for a smoky, sweet, and savory combination.
Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Turkey Burger
How you serve your turkey burger can make all the difference in the dining experience. Here are a few delicious serving ideas:
Classic Assembly: Place the turkey patty on a toasted hamburger bun and layer it with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, and your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo. Serve with a side of fries or coleslaw for a satisfying meal.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve the turkey burger wrapped in large lettuce leaves or over a bed of mixed greens. This is a great choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Gourmet Touch: Elevate your burger by adding avocado slices, caramelized onions, a fried egg, or a dollop of garlic aioli. Pair it with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Protein-Packed Bowl: Serve the turkey burger patty over a grain bowl made with quinoa or brown rice, topped with roasted veggies, and drizzled with a flavorful sauce like tahini dressing or chimichurri.
Sliders for a Party: Make mini turkey burgers using slider buns and serve them as appetizers at a gathering. Offer a variety of toppings so guests can customize their own.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of a turkey burger varies based on ingredients and portion sizes. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (without the bun and additional toppings):
- Calories: ~200-250 kcal
- Protein: ~22-25g
- Fat: ~10-12g (varies based on the fat percentage of ground turkey)
- Carbohydrates: ~3-5g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~400-500mg (depending on seasoning and Worcestershire sauce)
Dietary Modifications:
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and serve the burger on a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap.
To reduce sodium, opt for a low-sodium Worcestershire sauce and season lightly with salt.
For a leaner option, choose ground turkey breast instead of regular ground turkey, as it contains less fat.
Conclusion
The Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger is a flavorful, juicy, and easy-to-make alternative to traditional beef burgers. It’s simple ingredients come together to create a delicious meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with different variations, this turkey burger is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Try making this recipe at home and let us know how it turns out! Do you have any personal twists or favorite add-ins? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
More Recipes
Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ½ medium onion grated
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon canola oil for cooking
- 4 hamburger buns preferably whole wheat
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense burger.
Form the Patties:
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
- With damp hands, shape each portion into a patty approximately ½-inch thick.
- Tip: Making a slight indentation in the center of each patty can help them cook evenly and prevent puffing up during cooking.
Cook the Patties:
- Heat the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is shimmering, place the patties in the skillet.
- Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the patties are no longer pink in the center.
- Note: Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the patties and the heat level.
Prepare the Buns:
- While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a separate skillet or toaster.
- Toasting adds texture and helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
Assemble the Burgers:
- Place each cooked patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
- Add desired toppings such as sliced tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles, and red pepper.
- Spread condiments like ketchup and mustard on the top bun, then place it over the assembled ingredients.
Serve:
- Serve the turkey burgers immediately while warm.
- Pair with sides like sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.