Turkey burgers are such an American classic. They are quick, tasty, and made with simple ingredients. They are also very easy to enjoy on a clean eating meal plan. This recipe is one I’ve used for years. It’s about as easy as they come, and it’s positively delicious. Even Mini Chef can’t help but eat two of them in one sitting!
They come together quickly and can be cooked just about any way you can cook a burger. The grill, the oven, or the stovetop… whatever your preference is.
Of all my ground turkey recipes, this is not only my most popular but also my favorite. Turkey burgers are healthier than beef burgers and offer a lighter flavor that pairs well with just about any topping.
If you want to mix up the flavor a bit, try substituting the spices in the recipes for a teaspoon of one of these instead:
You can also mix in a few whole-grain bread crumbs if you like the consistency of that. I never add them, but they are quite tasty and they add a touch of fiber.
Turkey burgers are a delicious, healthier alternative to beef that are growing in popularity. But to enjoy their full flavor and juiciness when cooking them in the oven, proper technique is key. In this article, I’ll share how long you should cook turkey burgers in the oven and provide tips to ensure they turn out moist and delicious every time.
Choosing the Right Ground Turkey
The first step is selecting quality lean ground turkey, ideally 93% lean. The leaner the turkey, the more it will benefit from added moisture and flavors Ground turkey labeled as “extra lean” can dry out in the oven, so opt for “lean” with at least 7% fat content For best results, choose fresh, high-quality ground turkey from a trusted butcher or brand.
Seasoning is Essential
Properly seasoning the turkey meat before shaping into patties adds essential flavor. Mix in minced garlic, chopped onions, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, herbs and any other seasonings into the ground turkey. Allowing the patties to refrigerate for 30 minutes helps the flavors permeate.
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F which allows for even heat distribution when cooking. If you prefer a crispy exterior increase the temperature to 400°F. For more tender and juicy results decrease to 350°F.
Forming the Patties
Shape seasoned turkey into patties about 3/4 inch thick, being careful not to overwork the delicate meat. Create a slight indentation in the center to prevent bulging as they cook. Arrange them on a lightly oiled or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Baking Time and Process
Cook at 375°F for around 20-25 minutes. Flip the patties halfway through. Monitor closely and rotate the pan if browning unevenly. Once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F they are fully cooked.
Checking Doneness
The only way to accurately determine doneness is using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a patty without touching the pan. The safe minimum internal temperature for turkey is 165°F. If under, return to the oven for a few more minutes.
Allow to Rest
After baking, let the turkey burgers rest for 5-10 minutes so juices can redistribute. Loosely tent with foil to keep warm. The resting period results in moist, juicy flavor.
Avoiding Pitfalls
Undercooking can lead to dangerous foodborne illnesses, so confirming the internal temp is essential. If burgers seem dry, add a binding agent like breadcrumbs or egg to the meat mixture. Prevent sticking by using parchment or spray. Monitor closely instead of relying solely on cook times, as oven variations impact results.
Cooking Tips for Moistness
- Generously season patties with herbs, spices, garlic, onion, etc. for flavor
- Baste while cooking with melted butter, olive oil or barbecue sauce
- Mix in grated onions or chopped mushrooms for extra moisture
- Top with cheese slices during last few minutes of baking
- Brush with oil or sauce after removing from oven
Freezing and Thawing Tips
Turkey burgers can be frozen either pre-shaped into patties, or as bulk ground turkey mixture. Thaw patties overnight in the fridge before baking. Add 5 minutes to the cook time if baking frozen. Defrost ground turkey in the fridge then shape into patties.
Cooking Frozen Patties
Follow these guidelines when baking frozen turkey burger patties:
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Arrange frozen patties on an oiled or parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Check temperature to confirm 165°F internal temp
- Add extra cook time if needed to reach safe temperature
Baking turkey burgers in the oven at 375°F for around 20-25 minutes, and until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, results in fully cooked, juicy and delicious patties. Be sure to season the meat properly, shape patties correctly, monitor doneness carefully and allow a rest period for best results. With a few easy tips, you can enjoy healthy and flavorful turkey burgers cooked to perfection in your oven.
How To Make Baked Turkey Burgers
I most often use the oven to bake these unless it’s super hot outside and I don’t want to heat up the kitchen. I just like the flavor and texture of these when cooked in the oven. Plus it’s easy to slip them in the oven, set a timer, and walk away for a bit. No flipping on the grill or monitoring a skillet.
I enjoy serving these with sweet potato fries for Mini Chef. It’s a classic pairing with an extra kick in the nutrition department. We also enjoy a green salad alongside that, which makes for a very filling dinner that gets absolutely zero complaints.
Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Knead until well combined.
Form the patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can also use a cast iron pan or baking dish. Bake at 350 F. for 30-40 minutes or until they reach at least 165 F. on a meat thermometer.
Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite burger toppings. You can also wrap these in lettuce for lettuce wraps.
Baked Turkey Burger Ingredients
Ground turkey – Any type you like. Lean, or regular. You can also use ground chicken if you prefer.
Egg – Use only the egg white if cutting down on fats.
Onion powder – Onion granules work too.
Garlic powder – Garlic granules work well too.
Ground rosemary
Ground thyme
Salt and pepper – Add to taste after baking.
Sliced cheese – Any type you like if you want cheeseburgers.
Whole-grain burger buns – Gluten-free if needed.
How To Make Turkey Burgers in the Oven
FAQ
How long do turkey burgers take at 400?
How long to cook burgers in the oven at 375 degrees?
What temperature should a turkey burger be cooked at?