Turkey Burger with Guacamole (Printer-friendly)

Tender turkey patties combined with creamy guacamole and fresh toppings for a flavorful dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Turkey Burgers

01 - 1 lb ground turkey, preferably lean
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling or pan-frying)

→ Guacamole

10 - 2 ripe avocados
11 - 1 small tomato, seeded and finely diced
12 - 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
13 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
14 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - Juice of 1 lime
16 - 1/4 tsp salt
17 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For Serving

18 - 4 burger buns
19 - Lettuce leaves
20 - Sliced tomato
21 - Sliced red onion

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
02 - Shape the mixture into 4 evenly sized patties.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook patties for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest.
04 - In a bowl, mash avocados until mostly smooth. Stir in diced tomato, red onion, minced jalapeño if using, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Lightly toast burger buns if desired.
06 - Layer lettuce leaves on bottom buns, add turkey patties, a generous spoonful of guacamole, sliced tomato, and sliced red onion. Top with remaining bun halves.
07 - Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Turkey is leaner than beef, so you get all the satisfaction without the heaviness.
  • The guacamole adds richness and creaminess that makes every bite feel indulgent.
  • These come together in about half an hour, perfect for when you want something that tastes effortless but tastes special.
02 -
  • Don't overcook the turkey or it becomes grainy and dry—that 165°F internal temperature is your safety net and your stopping point.
  • Ripe avocados are everything; buying them a day or two early and letting them sit on the counter makes all the difference between creamy and disappointing.
03 -
  • Lightly toast the buns before assembling—this keeps them from getting soggy and adds a subtle warmth that makes the whole burger taste intentional.
  • Let the cooked patties rest for a few minutes before assembling; this keeps the juices inside the burger instead of ending up on your plate.