Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers

Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers are a delightfully zesty and juicy meal that’s filled with bold flavors and topped with fresh, vibrant toppings. They’re not heavy or overly spicy either. I think they’re perfect for any summer gathering or casual dinner, and if you’re not a fan of spicy food, feel free to adjust the heat to your liking.

It will still be undeniably delicious! If you’re looking for a light & flavorful meal that’s not overly complicated, you’ve come to the right place. When you make juicy turkey burgers and pair them with fresh, zesty toppings, you get the perfect burger. The addition of avocado and cilantro just sends it over the top. I’ve really been in the mood for summer to arrive, and these dreamy burgers remind me of sunny days and outdoor feasts. Not a fan of spicy food? Don’t worry, it’s still delicious with mild seasonings.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Grill or grill pan
• Spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 4 whole wheat burger buns
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 tomato, sliced
• Lettuce leaves
• Optional: spicy mayo or your favorite sauce for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cilantro, breadcrumbs, and beaten egg. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
2. Form the Patties:
   • Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about 1/2-inch thick.
3. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Grill the Patties:
   • Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the patties are cooked through. Use a spatula to flip the patties halfway through cooking.
5. Prepare the Toppings:
   • While the patties are grilling, slice the avocado and tomato, and prepare the lettuce leaves.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
   • Toast the burger buns on the grill for about 1 minute, or until they are lightly browned. Place a grilled turkey patty on the bottom half of each bun.
   • Top each patty with slices of avocado, tomato, and lettuce. Add a dollop of spicy mayo or your favorite sauce if desired. Place the top half of the bun on each burger.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve these Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy this delicious and quick meal in just 35 minutes!

These Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers are sure to be a hit with their juicy, flavorful patties and fresh, vibrant toppings. Enjoy this delicious and quick meal that brings a taste of summer to your table!